Catered buffet menu or sit-down meal? What style of barbecue meal best fits you needs and budget.

One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make when planning a wedding is how to feed the guests. This boils down to two choices: a sit down meal or a buffet style meal. Each has their ups and downs and which option to choose typically depends on a number of factors.

Degree of formality: Formal weddings often call for a sit-down meal, as it's generally viewed as more elegant. But this doesn't exclude the buffet style option from formal weddings. At more laid back, but still formal, weddings a buffet style meal is perfectly acceptable. For weddings that aren't as formal, it's generally best (and less expensive) to offer a buffet style meal.

The Guest List: The global nature of the world today means friends and family may be coming from all over the map. If a guest list features many guests who have flown or traveled from afar, it might be more appropriate to offer a more relaxed, sit down meal. Further the age of guest should be considered. If there will be lots of eldery people and/or very small children, it's probably better again to offer the sit down meal. For weddings that boast a younger guest list, a buffet style might encourage more mingling and allow those guests to meet one another a lot easier than a sit down meal would.

Budget: Buffet style meals are generally less expensive, eventhough the buffet meal requires a staff on hand to replace food that has run out, it is usually less expensive than paying a staff to serve the food and drinks. In addition the time of day of the receptions plays a key role as well. A buffet style lunch will not be as expensive as a buffet style dinner. In general, a buffet at a wedding is almost always for budget-friendly than a sit down.

Flexibility: Guest lists are often unique, with each guest having particular preferences when it comes to food. This makes buffets an especially attractive option. Sit down meals can be very limiting, which won't bode well with many eaters. A buffet, however, offers many selections, and chances are even the pickiest eater will find something they can devour.

Location / Venue: A sit down meal often requires a large level area (indoors or out) for numerous tables and chairs. Together with a kitchen and prep area close at hand. A sit down meal event can also place added costs on the wedding tab for equipment rental (buildings, tents, etc.), tables and chair delivery, setup staff, cleanup and takedown help. A buffet meal is usually more flexible in it's Venue from park and ranch settings to beach and backyard locations. Many times with a buffet meal eating tables are not required and guests may even bring their own foldup beach chairs or picnic blankets.

Buffet-style meal:

• Less Formality
• Less Expensive
• Age of the guest list
• Flexibility
• Larger menu choices
• Fits the "picky" eater
• More diverse locations

Sit-down meal:

• More formal setting
• Eldery and small children
• Guests from afar
• Wait staff and servers
• Limited menu selection
• Seating area / kitchen, etc.