Aesthetics vs Practicality

One of the food servicing styles that is becoming increasingly popular is the Family Style Menu. This is when platters of food are placed down in the middle of the table along with serving utensils for each dish and shared among the guests. It essentially replicates a family dinner at home but on a much larger scale.

The guests pass around the platters of food and help themselves to the dishes and quantities of their choice. I think it’s a lovely way to generate conversation organically, break down barriers and establish a spirit of togetherness among the guests at the table. It is also a great way to have more food options compared to a plated meal and it is more cost effective than a plated meal as fewer waiters are required. Think of it like a buffet at each table but more ‘posh’ than a buffet service which can seem a little like a ‘school dinners’ experience at a wedding. For all these reasons it makes perfect sense why it is becoming an increasingly popular service style….BUT….

…One of the problems that arises is when there is little consideration given to the practicalities of a family style service with regards décor. The images featured in this article show off some gorgeous centrepiece designs. However what needs to also be considered is how much space these centrepieces take up, along with having 3 sets f glasses and a charger plate per guest, as well as drinks on the table.

It’s a lot of table drama which is indeed the desirable and preferred option of many, but it does not work practically if for example you are going to have 10 dishes placed on each table to serve the guests food.

There have been weddings where I have actually had to physically remove the centrepieces as soon as the food begun to be served, it is quite a waste. To avoid this problem I therefore recommend having conversations early about the food service style you intend on having so that its implications can be discussed and appropriate advice given. If you know that you are likely to have a Family Style Food Service, a 6ft round table is also most recommended. Bear in mind that most venues have 5ft round tables.

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Afia Bayayi x

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