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One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.

A PLATED MEAL

The facts

A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).

The pros

All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises – in-between each course.

The cons

It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.

A BUFFET

The facts

Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.

The pros

Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.

The cons

Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.

ALSO SEE: Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

Feature image: Unsplash

It’s 2022, and if there’s one thing dominating the world of trends, it’s the desire to be unique, ignite our inner child and have fun again. Who could blame us? After being kept indoors for as long as we were thanks to the pandemic, the want to make our comeback fun-filled speaks greatly to the overall reminder that life is too precious to be boring.

Cue the fun couple – you may know them or identify as part of the trope (at least that’s what your friends and inner dialogue suggest). Ordinary was never on the cards for this kind of couple. Regular dinner dates? Nope, a spontaneous adventure always made more sense. Staying in to watch a movie? Sure, if candy and homemade forts are involved. Just one drink after work? The fun couple laughs at your naivety.

Translating the desire for a fun-loving wedding from paper to the aisle isn’t always easy, and can sometimes border on messy. As much fun as it is to add uniqueness, laughter and the joy associated with parties in our younger days can be, there’s a fine line between “fun done right” and fun that unravels like a bad comedy. However, with a little planning and a touch of organisation, guests will be waiting for you to renew your vows sooner than you can say “I do!”

With this in mind, here are some suggestions to turn your wedding from typical to fun-loving fantastic:

1. Have guests take a shot to find their seat

Wedding photographer Jake Molina says that “this could either turn out well or a little too well”. Whether it help guests ease the nerves of not knowing many people, or simply the idea that makes them chuckle, it’s a great shot at making any ceremony a little more entertaining.

2. Flower girls? How about flower grannies?

Let’s face it, little ones are cute and all, but a flower granny certainly adds that golden touch of surprise and fun for the older guests at your wedding. This is another suggestion from Molina, who says that it’s a “fun way to incorporate family in your big day.”

3.A polaroid guest book

Posing for wedding photographers is one thing, but the excitement of a travelling polaroid camera just adds that extra snap that takes away from rigidity. Let guests take their photos, then glue them into a big guest book. It’ll be a great reminder for you of who all was there, and a laugh at the nature of single-take photos.

4.Cupcakes over a big wedding cake

Tiny cakes and cupcakes are ruling the roost in 2022’s wedding cake trends, and for good reason. 1.Everyone can have their cake (and eat it too) without waiting too long, and small-sized treats allow for personalisation. Also, treats in smaller form are categorically more exciting for reasons most humans feel but can’t explain.

5. A bouncy house at your reception

If you really want to marry your relationship’s child-like energy with aesthetics, then renting a bouncy house is a sure way to keep both your free-spirited and younger guests happy. Adding balloon bouquet arrangements makes for the perfect non-traditional wedding aesthetic, and we bet your wedding will be all the talk on Instagram and TikTok.

6.Have a food station

Whether it’s a taco bar, a doughnut station, noodles or a dessert bar, having an awesome foodie station adds the kick of thoughtfulness and creativity to your menu.

7.Fun fact napkins

Who doesn’t love a fun fact, especially when it’s about the couple? Creating fun facts is one of the most creative ways to spill some tea to your guests, and let them get to know you and your partner as a couple, better.

Picture: Pinterest/ Huffpost

reception

Should you serve a buffet or plated meal at your reception?

7 Fun-loving wedding ideas to move your wedding from traditional to funtastic