Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

My FH and I are looking to have a non-traditional wedding. We were going nuts trying to find a place that works in our budget and is our style. I think we may have found a place and it was right under our noses the whole time.

I've actually never been to a wedding that did a buffet or family style dinner and we'd have to do one of those two options.

Anyone have any insight on pros/cons buffet or family style?

Also, how do you feel about a beer/wine/soda bar? The beer would be on tap and locally produced.

Thanks!

Message edited 8/1/2014 11:57:25 AM.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

i'd personally prefer family style. i went to a chinese wedding a few years back which was family style. it was super fun and the whole table interacted with each other.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

My 1st wedding was a buffet style. I liked that we much more to choose from than the 3 basic options for a sit down dinner.

ETS: Never been to a family style wedding so I can't comment on that. And my wedding was small. About 60 ppl.

Message edited 8/1/2014 1:21:30 PM.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I'd prefer family style. Breaking bread & sharing food seems more intimate than waiting on line for food.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

id sooner do family style. nobody has to get up. as a female guest, u carry your clutch and drink and plate.. too much. now i just send my bf up to make me a plate but the lines.... and someone serving you just annoys me.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I hate family style when I am seated with people I don't know.

(But I know I am weird & have food issues.)

I don't really like buffets either, so I'm not sure what I'd pick.

Message edited 8/1/2014 11:59:12 AM.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

We did family style and had large wedding. Even of we had multiple buffet lines it would have taken forever. Mind you, I couldn't imagine people balancing food and walking in heels and totally buzzed.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I would prefer family style. I don't like buffets.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

The only problem with a buffet at weddings is that people end up eating at all different times depending on how many guests you have. I have been to weddings where they call each table up to the buffet and I find that annoying, personally.

Family style is easier for a larger group, I would think.

You can add more variety in a buffet though!

Beer/wine/soda is totally fine!

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Most of the weddings on DH's side are buffet style, and it's a big PITA with the long lines (then again, most of the weddings are 400+ people so that could be a big part of the issue!) On the other hand, it means that I can go up multiple times and eat like crazy, so that's a plus.

We've been to a few family-style ones and I gotta say, it's pretty cool. It puts people at ease when they don't know everyone at the table. I think so, anyway.

I think your idea for soda/wine/some kind of crafty beer is a good one, too.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

our wedding was family style, and it was perfect - we also started with a beer/wine/soda package, although we ultimately switched to a full open bar

would this be at jedediah by chance?

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

My sister is marrying a chef and they are planning a buffet style. It's actually at the hotel where his restaurant is so he'll have complete control or the menu. They wanted lots of options and no formal sit down dinner. It's a month away so we'll see how it goes but as a chef who's catered tons of weddings this was their pick.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Family style is what I would pick of the 2. Buffets are a PIA IMO. Lines and take too long.

As for booze. Tap beer and wine would not fly in my family but if it works for yours then go for it.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I prefer family style to a Buffett - I hate waiting in line for my food and having it served to me- I like control over how much of something I do or do not eat.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

We've been to both and I prefer family style. It helps to break the ice and everyone gets to eat at the same time. IMO I don't like buffets because you wait on a line for food. Where with family style, food is always being passed around among a small table.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I'd say family style. Buffet can be annoying with waiting for your turn and standing in line.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

family style!!


eta: just saw where this would be GORGEOUS!!!

Message edited 8/1/2014 4:39:16 PM.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

The place looks awesome!!

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Family Style for sure not a fan of buffets for a wedding. I have never been to a beer, wine, and soda wedding just open bar ones. I have been to showers and parties with beer wine and soda was fine bc I drink wine. I would say do what you can afford and what you like. There are weddings in other states where no alcohol is even included so beer and wine is better than none.

Ohhh and a beer garden sounds fun. Definitely different which I'm sure guests will like something different.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Most traditional Eastern European weddings are family style and I have been to a lot of those. They are fun, relaxing and a great way to celebrate joining of two families! So, I definitely vote for family style.

I feel like buffet style cheapens the event. I have been to a buffet style wedding once, before I even knew it was ever done and quite a few people, me including, were completely caught off guard when all of a sudden, we all had to go and stand in line for food in our evening attire.

Message edited 8/1/2014 7:40:23 PM.

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

Family-style for sure.

I recently went to a post city hall event like this in a Greek restaurant and it was a great conversation starter with others at our table we didn't know.

I feel buffets are more appropriate for birthday parties.

Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

I despise buffets...I hate going up to get my own food... Waiting on line like a herd of cattle... Not my idea of fun

Family style sounds cool... And so does the craft beer... Yum

Re: Spinoff on non-traditional weddings

One of my favorite weddings was at a vineyard out east and they had family-style dinner. They came around with platters of food and served you how much of each you wanted. I loved it and it made for a very comfortable dinner with a plate to your liking. I have never been thrilled with buffets.