Help yourselves? the benefits of having a buffet

What immediately comes to mind when thinking about a buffet is a scene of dozens of guests queuing around a room patiently waiting to reach the food. Bottlenecks of people all trying to get to the cocktail sausages & smoked salmon blitzes before they're all gone & the vision of everyone perched on a chair trying to balance a plate on their knee & get to grips with a rather messy morsal of what was once a parmesan cracker stuffed with cream cheese! However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can still combine the ease of a buffet with a sit-down, silver service affair, where guests can help themselves & then sit & eat in comfort at their tables.

Having a buffet will give the choice of a wide range of dishes meaning you can serve something which will appeal to all & guests can choose exactly what they want. If space & budget are an issue you can opt for a finger buffet or cocktail & canape party. This sounds rather glamorous but this type of buffet dispenses with the need for tables & chairs, meaning you can invite more guests. It is also less expensive than a formal sit-down meal.

Because at a buffet your guests help themselves you will require fewer waiting staff which will cut down on costs.

For a spring or summer wedding, a buffet is a great option, particularly if you combine it with a barbecue or a range of sliced cold cuts. You can create a fabulous visual impact with the lay out of your dishes meaning you can save money by not having lots of table decorations. You can also create cozy seating areas with large floor cushions or even sofas & coffee tables for your guests to relax on.

A buffet can also create a great atmosphere as it allows people to mingle with each other.

Places please? when to choose a formal sit down occasion

For a traditional wedding a seated dinner is a perfect option. A sit-down meal is good if your guests don't all know each other & is a an opportunity for your to decide who sits where.

A formal silver service dinner allows you to control the menu & portion sizes & will help your budget.

You can avoid the queues associated with a buffet menu as your guests will be seated & relaxed before the food is served.

Your elderly guests will appreciate a sit-down meal where they can eat in comfort without having to juggle a plate & glass.

If you wanted to decorate your tables a formal meal will give you the opportunity to create beautiful centerpieces & cover your tables with lavish linens, creating an impressive reception room.