The 5 Most Common Wedding Reception Meal Styles: Elevate Your Tablescape with Luxury Rentals
From plated dinners to food stations, select the perfect meal style for your event- and pair this with the perfect table.
I think everyone can agree that the food is one of the most important, yet stressful aspects of your wedding that will leave a lasting impressions of your special day. From plated dinners to family-style feasts, each option brings a unique touch to your celebration. In this guide, we'll explore the 5 most common wedding reception meal styles and provide advice on selecting the best plateware, stemware, and flatware to complement each style, ensuring that your tablescape reflects the luxury and elegance your special day deserves.
1. Plated Dinner:
A plated dinner is a time-honored choice that offers a touch of formality to your wedding celebration. Guests are seated, and a pre-selected multi-course meal is served by the catering staff. This style allows for a more structured timeline and provides an opportunity to showcase culinary artistry. Consider classic choices like fine bone china plates, polished silver or gold flatware, and crystal stemware. Personalized menu cards at each place setting add a bespoke touch to the experience.
In the Okanagan, we have many fantastic venues and catering companies that will serve up an incredible plated dinner. This event took place at Cedar Creek Winery featuring our Black Roda Charger Plates.
2. Buffet Style:
Buffet-style receptions offer a more relaxed and interactive dining experience, allowing guests to choose from a variety of dishes. This style encourages mingling and ensures that everyone finds something they enjoy. Opt for durable yet elegant stoneware plate, complemented by sleek stainless steel or gold-plated flatware. Enhance the presentation with decorative serving platters and utensils, and consider incorporating thematic decor elements on the buffet table.
3. Family-Style Feast:
Family-style dining fosters a sense of intimacy and connection among guests. Large platters of food are placed on each table, encouraging sharing and conversation. Choose warm and inviting plateware in rustic or vintage styles, such as earth-toned ceramics. Durable flatware that complements the theme and stemware that adds a touch of refinement contribute to the overall atmosphere. Consider incorporating floral arrangements and candles for a charming and romantic touch.
Family-style dinners are excellent events and weddings featuring long table dinners. The above outdoor, long table dinner features our Augusta dinnerware, Vetro glassware, & Frado Flatware at Rancho Burro (outside of Kamloops), catered by Sage & Plate Catering.
4. Cocktail Reception with Passed Hors d'oeuvres:
Ideal for a more social and dynamic atmosphere, a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres allows guests to mingle freely. Opt for chic appetizer plates that are easy to handle while standing, and stemless glassware that is both stylish and practical. Choose modern and sleek flatware to complement the contemporary vibe. To enhance the experience, consider unique and artistic serving trays that showcase the culinary delights being offered.
Okanagan’s own Cocktails & Canapes specializes in cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres reception services.
5. Food Stations:
Food stations provide a diverse culinary journey, allowing guests to explore different cuisines and flavors. To complement this style, mix and match plateware in various materials and shapes for an eclectic look. Use unconventional materials such as slate or wood to add a trendy touch to your tablescape. Experiment with creative flatware designs and stemware that enhance the theme of each station. Incorporate thematic decor elements at each station to tie the entire culinary experience together.
Incorporating these meal styles into your wedding reception allows you to create a personalized and memorable experience for both you and your guests. When selecting your tableware from The Curated Plate Co., servicing the Okanagan, Kamloops, and Shuswap areas, consider the unique needs and aesthetics of each style to ensure a seamless and visually stunning celebration.
Looking for more Okanagan wedding design inspiration?
Still looking for table and design inspiration for your upcoming wedding or event? Check out our vast inventory of gorgeous pieces including charger plates, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, napkins and more.
You can also see more of our most recent designs and inspiration from real weddings by visiting our Instagram page.
If you’re interested in having us help you pick the perfect rental pieces to bring your wedding design vision to life, we would love to hear from you! Head on over to our contact page, fill out the form and one of your event specialists will be in touch.