brides find that 6’ rounds are simply too large, mak-
ing crosstalk at the table difficult). If the venue already
has 5’ tables available to you (likely, as they are the
industry standard), this may not be very practical, but if
tables have to be rented separately, then these slightly
larger tables should definitely be considered. Note
that 8’ rectangular tables technically have as much
space as 5’ rounds, but because more of that space is
between guests rather than in the center of the table,
those tables do not work as well as the rounds.
And not quite as many dishes can be executed in Fam-
ily Style service as in Buffet. For instance, 20 South’s
Cedar Planked Salmon simply isn’t going to work—
guests aren’t going to be passing around a two-foot
board at the table. And au gratin dishes and the like
that are finished in a hot oven or under a broiler aren’t
going to work either—guests aren’t going to be pass-
ing around a 400º bowl… But the vast majority of
dishes do work, or can be tweaked to work.
The final limitation may apply in some instances, and
not in others. To serve Family Style food, platters, bowls,
tongs, serving spoons, and the like will be needed. Some
caterers have these in stock; some will have to turn to
their local rental company (who may or may not have
appropriately sized vessels—many rental companies car-
ry bowls and platters that are too large to work well for
Family Style). The cost for these items may be absorbed
by the caterer, or they may have to be borne by the client.
In those instances, the total cost would probably come
close to equaling that of the tables, cloths, and serving
pieces needed for a Buffet. Only a Plated Dinner will
avoid these expenses, unless the caterer has
the materials already on hand.
It’s not surprising that the Family Style for-
mat has become so popular so quickly.
Its speed, convenience, novelty, and so-
ciability make it superior to both Plated
Dinners and Buffets, while often no more
expensive. At 20 South, we expect to see
the trend continue, with more and more
brides discovering its advantages and
charm. Anyone planning a wedding re-
ception and looking for a fresh and fun
alternative should closely consider this
practical, yet innovative format.
TheWeddingPlannerMag.com 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68