Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding reception involves a multitude of decisions, from the type of tables to the menu. One of the most important considerations is ensuring there is enough food to satisfy guests' appetites. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is recommended to serve 2-3 side dishes at a wedding, with 4 to 6 ounces per side, per guest. Couples can choose from a variety of table options, including round, rectangular, or square tables, and create a combination that suits their style and the number of guests.
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What You'll Learn
Buffet-style meal service: guests serve themselves from a food station
A buffet-style meal service is a popular choice for wedding receptions. This style of service allows guests to get up from their table, queue at a food station, and select their preferred food options and portions. Buffets can have servers or be self-service, but it is recommended to have staff present to educate guests on navigating the buffet and prevent traffic jams. For example, sending smaller groups up at different times can avoid overcrowding.
Buffets offer a lot of flexibility in terms of food choices, allowing you to include various proteins, sides, bread, and salads. You can also add any dish you fancy, but it's best to avoid items that might be challenging for guests to serve themselves. If you're concerned about running out of food, consider hiring staff to manage portions and keep food levels consistent.
When planning a buffet, it's essential to consider the number of guests, the time of day, the venue, and your budget. For example, if you have a large number of guests, you may want to create mirroring buffets or a double-sided buffet to speed up service. It's also a good idea to have one access point for every 50 guests and ensure there are enough staff members to manage the buffet and guide guests.
Food stations are similar to buffets but offer a more interactive and involved dining experience. They are like a broken-up buffet or tapas, with multiple stations offering different food options. Food stations can include carving stations, sushi bars, build-your-own-taco bars, dessert stations, and more. They provide guests with a more relaxed dining experience, allowing them to roam around the reception space and pick up small plates of food. Food stations can also reduce lines and crowding, making them a great option for event flow and food temperature control. However, rental costs and staff requirements can make food stations more expensive than traditional buffets.
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Table shapes: round, rectangular, or square
When it comes to choosing table shapes for your wedding reception, there are a few options to consider: round, rectangular, or square. Each shape has its own advantages and can affect the overall atmosphere and logistics of the event.
Round tables are a classic and versatile choice, commonly available in standard sizes ranging from 36" to 72" in diameter. They typically seat between 2 to 10 guests, offering flexibility in accommodating varying group sizes. Round tables promote inclusivity, encouraging conversation among all guests seated together. They are suitable for most venues and themes, from country clubs to outdoor settings. Additionally, round tables optimise space utilisation, allowing more guests per square foot. However, they may require additional spacing between tables for staff and guest movement.
Rectangular tables offer a modern and trendy aesthetic. They are well-suited for banquet-style seating, creating long, continuous tables. This style is particularly effective for intimate weddings, accommodating smaller groups. Rectangular tables are ideal for seating guests who may prefer limited interaction with strangers, such as distant relatives or small groups of coworkers. However, they can be more expensive due to the need for additional servers to serve food simultaneously. Rectangular tables may also require careful consideration of table width to ensure sufficient space for decorations and dining essentials.
Square tables are a growing trend for intimate weddings. They can add an element of refinement to the reception layout, especially when mixed with rectangular tables. Square tables provide unique seating options and contribute to a visually varied atmosphere. However, rental companies may have a limited supply of square tables, so finding them may require additional research.
Ultimately, the decision on table shapes depends on your personal preferences, the number of guests, the venue's capacity, and your desired atmosphere. You can mix and match table shapes and sizes to create a tailor-made space that encourages guests to mingle and interact.
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Table layout: combination of shapes and sizes
The table layout at a wedding reception is a key decision that will influence the aesthetic, mood, and energy of the event. One option is to combine different table shapes and sizes to create a dynamic and visually interesting space.
A mixed layout approach can be a great way to accommodate larger groups on the same table and is a good solution for odd-shaped rooms. It allows for a more casual and appealing floor plan that mixes things up and remains authentic to the couple and their guests. This approach can include a combination of round, rectangular, curved, and square tables, offering playful configurations that meet different seating needs while maintaining a cohesive look.
Curved tables, for example, bring a sense of flow and movement to the reception, adding a unique yet sophisticated look. They create visual interest and allow for smooth transitions between dining and interactive areas, making the space feel more open and dynamic. Round tables, on the other hand, promote equality and balance and can be implemented in almost any reception style, from outdoor parties to country clubs. Rectangular tables can seat a larger group of 10 or a smaller gathering of four, offering more space for place settings and floral arrangements.
When combining table shapes and sizes, it's important to ensure there is adequate room for guests and waitstaff to move about, paying close attention to high-traffic areas. This approach allows for flexibility in table size, direction, and placement, making it ideal for venues with unique shapes and layouts.
The U-shape dining layout is another visually impactful style that works well in courtyard or expansive spaces. It creates a dramatic space and an intimate, communal atmosphere, seating guests on both sides of the table with the bride and groom in the centre.
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Number of sides: 2-3 side dishes are recommended
When it comes to wedding reception meals, it's recommended to serve 2-3 side dishes. This is in addition to any pre-dinner starters or canapés you may choose to offer your guests during the cocktail hour.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much food to serve at your wedding, it's important to ensure there is enough to keep your guests happy and satisfied. Couples can expect to order 4-6 ounces of each side dish per guest. If you're offering a buffet-style meal, it's a good idea to account for larger portion sizes as guests will be serving themselves.
The number of sides you choose will also depend on the variety you wish to offer. If you're having a BBQ-style buffet, for example, you may want to provide a range of options such as a potato dish, a pasta dish, a salad, and a vegetable dish. This will ensure that all dietary needs and preferences are catered to.
In addition to the number of sides, it's also worth considering the type of tables you'll be using at your reception. Rectangular tables, for instance, may not work well with family-style dining as guests will have to pass dishes over any centrepiece decorations. Round tables, on the other hand, can be more versatile and are available in various sizes to accommodate different group sizes.
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Portion sizes: account for larger portions with self-service
Planning a wedding menu is an opportunity to personalise your big day with favourite dishes and cuisines that are meaningful to you. However, it is important to establish how much food to serve to keep your guests happy and full. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the amount of food will depend on the number of guests, the style of service, and the type of food.
For a self-service or buffet-style wedding reception, it is important to account for larger portion sizes as guests will be serving themselves. As a general rule, it is recommended to provide two to three side dishes, with four to six ounces per side, per guest. For most sides, a 4oz portion per guest is a safe bet, but it is always good to provide a bit extra as insurance. For rolls, estimate two per person.
If you are concerned about running out of food, consider hiring a staff member or two to serve from the buffet line and keep portions consistent. Alternatively, opt for a hybrid of plated and buffet-style service, where family-style meals are served on large platters and bowls for guests to serve themselves. This way, you can keep a closer eye on portion sizes.
In addition to the main meal, you may want to offer pre-dinner starters or late-night snacks, especially if your wedding goes into the early hours. For cocktail hour, offer bite-sized favourites like beef sliders, shrimp shooters, spring rolls, and fruit skewers. For late-night snacks, charcuterie boards, chicken and waffles, pizzas, or popcorn are sure to satisfy hungry guests.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to serve 2-3 side dishes at a wedding reception. This can depend on the style of service, for example, a buffet-style meal may require more food to account for larger portion sizes.
Popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, mixed greens salad, fresh fruit, and corn. It is a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions.
It is recommended to account for at least two single appetizer portions per guest, but three to five is preferable. For salad, eight ounces (or one cup) per guest is a good rule of thumb. For sides, order four to six ounces per side, per guest.
The type of table you choose for your wedding reception depends on your personal preference and the style of your event. Round tables are a popular choice as they can accommodate a variety of group sizes and can be easily arranged in different configurations. Rectangular tables offer a more elegant and formal aesthetic, especially when placed end to end.
