Family Style Meal at Wedding Reception | Greens Point Catering | Lionscrest Manor

We have noticed a new trend in the reception meal... Family Style Service. Instead of having a traditional plated dinner or a buffet many couples are opting for the family style service which offers you the best of both the plated and the buffet. The caterer presents the food to each table on large platters just like Thanksgiving. Guests can pick and choose what they would like and even get seconds if everyone has not devoured everything.

Personally my sister, Shannon choose a family style event for her engagement party and it was wonderful! As the photos below from Elegant Images show there was plenty to choose from and no one went hungry. 

A few tips when going with Family Style Service...

• Don't over crowd the table. Too many guests and too many items on the table and you won't have room for the food. We recommend seat 8 per table at a 5 foot round to give more elbow room. Also try to keep your centerpieces small and low. This way guests can see the food on the table and not accidentally eat a daisy or two.
• Think family friendly. You don't want to choose menu items that will be hard for guests to serve and divide portions wise. The last thing any Bride or Groom wants is a food fight over servings.
• Offer a variety of food but keeping it complimentary to the palette. Take a look at the menu link we have provided to see some sample menus options from Greens Point Catering for our Inclusive Wedding Package. Download- Lionscrest Family Style PKG Menu 2010
• Another item to keep in mind is paring a complimentary wine for table side service with dinner. Shannon McClure with Party Liquors or one of the Catering Event Designers will be able to give you suggestions on what will work well with your selected meal.
• Take Home! Many couples don't want the hassle of hauling home leftovers at the end of the event. Consider small Chinese take out boxes that can be placed at the table towards the end of the meal. This way guests can help themselves to a little tasty treat for the road. Works great for cake leftovers too.