Buffet vs. Plated vs. Family Style: Wedding Catering Styles Explained
The service style you choose affects everything from your budget to your timeline to the overall feel of your reception. Here's what you need to know about each option.
Buffet Service
Guests serve themselves from a food station, choosing what and how much they want.
Average cost: $35–$90 per plate
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Guests choose what they want — fewer dietary issues
- Casual, relaxed atmosphere
- Works well for large guest counts (200+)
- Easy to accommodate kids
Cons:
- Lines can form, especially at the start
- Less elegant presentation
- Food can cool down over time
- Requires more space for stations
Best for: Casual outdoor weddings, barn venues, larger guest counts, budget-conscious couples.
Plated Service
Each guest receives individually plated courses, served by waitstaff at their table.
Average cost: $80–$250 per plate
Pros:
- Most elegant and formal presentation
- Portion control (less food waste)
- No lines — everyone eats at the same time
- Allows chef to plate artistically
- Easier timeline management
Cons:
- Most expensive option (more staff needed)
- Requires advance meal selections from guests
- Less flexibility for picky eaters
- Slower for large groups (courses take time)
Best for: Formal ballroom weddings, smaller guest counts (under 150), couples who prioritize elegance.
Family Style
Large platters are brought to each table, and guests pass and serve themselves.
Average cost: $55–$120 per plate
Pros:
- Creates a warm, communal atmosphere
- Guests get variety without a buffet line
- Good compromise between formal and casual
- Encourages conversation and connection
- Works well for multi-cultural menus
Cons:
- Requires larger tables (to fit platters)
- Can be wasteful if guests over-serve
- Less control over portions
- Sharing platters may not suit all guests
Best for: Intimate weddings, rustic venues, couples who value togetherness, multi-course ethnic cuisines.
Food Stations
Multiple themed stations are set up around the venue, each offering different food.
Average cost: $65–$140 per plate
Pros:
- Guests move around and mingle
- Creates visual interest and variety
- Interactive options (carving station, taco bar, etc.)
- Great for cocktail-style receptions
- Can replace both appetizers and dinner
Cons:
- Requires more space than other options
- Can create crowding at popular stations
- More staff needed to man each station
- Harder to estimate quantities
Best for: Cocktail receptions, creative couples, venues with multiple rooms, weddings without assigned seating.
Which Should You Choose?
Consider these factors:
- Budget — Buffet is cheapest, plated is priciest
- Guest count — Buffet and stations scale better for 200+ guests
- Venue — Does the space support stations? Tables for family style?
- Formality — Black tie calls for plated; backyard calls for buffet
- Cuisine — Indian and Mexican food shine in family style; French demands plated
Most caterers on WeddingBite offer multiple service styles at different price points. Compare options and request quotes to find the perfect fit.