Is it appropriate to have a buffet style dinner at a formal black tie wedding?

I am having a very formal, black tie wedding. I originally decided that I wanted the traditional sit down dinner. Now that I've talked to some caterers and family members, they think I should have a buffet style dinner because that way people have the option to have more food if they're still hungry. I can somewhat understand where they're coming from, however, I don't think it still fits in with the formal-ness of the day. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated!Is it appropriate to have a buffet style dinner at a formal black tie wedding?
For me personally, grazing is the way to go! And I wouldn't care what I was wearing. But to be honest, at a black tie event, this would probably draw a few raised eyebrows. When you're asking guests to put on the ritz, you really do need to make sure everything is top notch.



Have you considered an appetizer display? It wouldn't have to be extensive, but would give people more to nosh on. Or if you're concerned that the plated meal isn't filling enough, add another side or maybe soup.
I would have to agree with you in thinking that a buffet doesn't fit in with the formality of a black tie affair. I cannot think of a formal wedding or event I've been to that hasn't had a served, plated, multi course dinner, usually with passed hor'dureves during a cocktail hour and dessert served as well (and usually something in addition to wedding cake). So I don't think you need to worry about your guests being hungry if you don't have a buffet. Having said that, it's YOUR wedding. If you want a buffet, then by all means, have a buffet. I would make certain the caterer understands it's a formal dinner though, and provide enough servers for the guests. But if you want a plated, sit down, meal, then don't let caterers or family members talk you out of it. You might have to pay more for catering to have it plated, but sometimes not, it really depends on your menu and guest count.



Good luck!Is it appropriate to have a buffet style dinner at a formal black tie wedding?
A buffet does not change the fanciness or taste of the food. It is simply a different way to serve the food to your guests. I have waitressed at PLENTY of black tie weddings/events that were buffets and did not hear a complaint about how the food was being served. A buffet dinner can be just as elegant and classy as a sit down. It ultimatley is up to you and your fiance if YOU guys want to have a sit down have a sit down, if YOU guys want to have a buffet have a buffet. Do NOT let anyone sway what YOU want as long as guests aren't going hungry (either style will NOT leave them hungry if you have a proper caterer) Don't even let me sway your opinion.
I'm sorry, but I just do not understand why so many people are so caught up with what is "appropriate" or "tacky"! Who is it going to hurt if you decide one way or the other? Do what you feel is best. I don't think that a buffet really takes away from the formal-ness of a wedding, although some people do. I also couldn't care less what a bunch of random people on Yahoo think about my wedding :) But as a vegetarian, I have always left sit-down dinners hungry since a lot of the time there is not a choice on the invites (sometimes there is), and then the meal is invariably meat-based, so I end up eating a tiny salad, a few veggies or potato, and bread. Because I am a vegetarian (and half of my wedding party will be) and my boyfriend isn't, we will have a buffet and not worry about the "consequences."



Good luck.
Truthfully, it's your wedding so you can have just pineapples for dinner if you want. It's what makes you happy, and also what you can afford :)

I definitely think that the buffet style doesn't really fit, but if it makes sense for you, go for it!

If you're worried about hungry guests maybe you could have a plate of appetizers that they would have access too?

Then you could still do your sit down :)

I don't know, just a thought!
I have been to a redneck wedding where it was a seated dinner and I've been to a $100,000+ wedding at a 5 star resort that was a buffet. Some venues won't even do a sit down dinner if you have over a certain number of guests because of the time and number of servers involved. Do what you want. Anyone who is too lazy to get up and get food isn't someone I'd want at my wedding.
A buffet and black tie dont go together.



Is your wedding really black tie? The ladies are wearing evening gowns and everything? If so, I am sure that your venue is quite pricey and would not even offer a buffet. Most weddings these days are formal or semi-formal which means nicely dressed.



If you really want your guests in black tie attire, you must serve a sit-down dinner with several courses and the works.
I have never been to a wedding, plated or buffet style, where I was still hungry after eating. So, for hunger to be an issue or a reason for a buffet meal is kind of a strange.



I have been to many weddings and all black tie events were a plated, sit down meal with more than one course.
NO! If you're having a buffet then you don't have a black tie wedding and vice versa. The wedding and reception must be of the same caliber. With a black-tie formal reception you have at a minimum plated meals, perhaps even a higher caliber of service.
My cousin had a black tie wedding and a BBQ buffet... albeit a very classy one. What do you expect, it's Texas! The food was really good and I think everyone enjoyed it. The carved roast beef especially... omg, delish!



The one thing they did that was nice was have multiple food stations, which kept the lines short. A super long line at the buffet does look sort of tacky, with people in their finery getting antsy for their meal.
A plated dinner seems to fit better but a buffet can be just as nice if the food is upscale and the set up uses polished serving pans and some staff to upkeep the area so it looks clean. If you have the money you could always have some food stations like a roast carve or fresh made sushi.
I have to say that I prefer buffets, I like choosing what I want to eat and how much. As long as it's done in a classy way and displayed nicely then there really is no problem. It's your wedding at the end of the day.
It's totally fine to have a buffet. It's in the presentation, types of food, decoration, etc. which will show the formality of the event.
I want to a very nice formal black tie, elegant wedding with buffet (good food and classy) I loved it!!! You do what you want and what you like and what suits your budget!
No. A buffet is not in keeping with a black tie affair.



I have never been to a sit down wedding where anybody left hungry. If anything, they've all left stuffed and completely satisfied. How exactly will your reception be set up? If you have a cocktail hour with passed hors d'ouvers and some chafing dishes, this whets people's appetites and gives them a good amount of food. When seated, the guests can be seated to a salad or even a small plate of pasta, which will be preceeding the entree. Ordinarily, people are given at least 3 choices of entrees in which to choose from. To me, it's a lot of food and I far prefer it to a buffet because it's the best of both worlds--the cocktail hour gives you the buffet feel and then the actual reception will have the formality of a sit down meal.



Here is a sample of a wedding menu that is usually standard here:



Cocktail Hour:

Butler-Passed Hors D鈥檕euvres

Sesame Chicken Brochettes with Oriental Duck Sauce

Coconut Fried Shrimp with Honey Mustard Sauce

Maryland Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Roasted Chicken Empanada with Red Pepper Jam

Ancho Seared Beef with Black Bean %26amp; Corn Salsa

Baked Brie %26amp; Caramelized Onion Tartlet

Charred Filet Mignon Crostini with Vegetables %26amp; Horseradish Sour Cr猫me



Cold Display Table

A variety of cheeses, meats, cold salads, breads, crackers



Pasta Station

Pasta with choice of vodka or alfredo



Dinner/Reception:

First Course

Fresh Mozzarella and Vine Ripened Tomatoes

with Basil Oil %26amp; Balsamic Reduction



Entr茅e Selections

Chateaubriand

Herb Crusted, Sliced Beef Tenderloin

served with Dutchess Potatoes, Chateau Vegetables %26amp; Port Wine Sauce

Pistachio Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Baked %26amp; Served with Saffron Rice, French Green Beans %26amp; Citrus Burre Blanc

Porcini Dusted Chicken Breast

Pan Seared with Imported Porcinis

served with Whipped Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas %26amp; Wild Mushroom Sauce



Dessert

Custom Tiered Wedding Cake

Tiers of Cookies, Mini Pastries and Hand-Dipped

Chocolate Covered Strawberries