Buffet or Sit-Down?

I'm still debating about whether to go with a buffet (for those picky eaters, more choice, etc) or a sit-down (more formal I suppose).

My biggest question is how nice does the buffet look? I mean I wouldn't mind the buffet only if it is has a nice appearance (deocrative, levels of food) and doesn't look like you know, an old country buffet.

Any thoughts? What are y'all doing?

Thanks in advance!!

Gosh good question. I seen a buffet set up at the Sheraton for some event they had going on and it looked nice, nothing special but still nice. Were having a sit down dinner, but our wedding is on the small size so it wouldn't make since having a buffet.

i did the buffet for my welcome dinner and the sit down for my reception and actually preferred the buffet.

it had a larger selection and people were able to get more or less of the foods they wanted.

it was a really nice looking buffet...maybe i have pics somewhere...i will look.

rebecca has a lobster buffet and loved it!

I'm debating the same issue. I think I'm leaning toward the buffet, because of the increase in choices for my guests and because they have 2nds or 3rds if they would like.

Originally, I wanted to do the sit down/plated meal, because some of the weddings I've gone to that had buffets always had long lines and it took forever to get my food. But, I don't think I'm going to have this issue, because I'm not expecting 100s of guests (or even 100 guests). I also liked the more formal idea of being served.

When I was at the Sheraton, I thought the buffet looked nice. They had large candles around the serving plattters. It certainly didn't look bad or cheesy...not like a country BBQ.

When you narrow down the location (if you haven't already), you could always ask the event planner/coordinator to send you pics of the buffet. That might help you decide.

I am scared that a buffet will look tacky. One would think the buffet would be a better option due to picky eaters and those who want to eat more. I am leaning towards the buffet. We will see.

We got a buffet and I think it made people really happy because they could pick what they wanted and the boys all went back for 2nds. (Our welcome dinner was plated.)

A few ways to make the buffet nicer:

• Ask what the tables will be decorated with. The Cabo Surf likes to use these Mexican rug things....my coordinator asked to just have white linens instead (thank goodness she was there for me!)
• Have servers scoop out the food for people. Nobody wants to touch a dirty serving spoon.
• Have waiters bring the full plate back to the table for you. The Cabo Surf does this and it was a nice touch. It still felt like you were getting served a plate of food...it was just food you picked out!

i think if you have a lot of guests go the buffet route..

buffet then....if i was having over 25 people i would do one but we are looking at about 15 people so we are going to a sit down dinner....