How to Set Up a Buffet for a Wedding

Buffets are self-serve food stations that you will find at most weddings. They can be used to serve a full dinner, cocktail appetizers, desserts or even candies. The way a buffet is set-up will influence how efficient that buffet is overall. The goal is to have your guests move from one end to the other in line, without the need to go back for anything. Creating the perfect setup will take some planning and a firm understanding of how much room you have to work with.

Instructions

1

Set up buffet tables with room behind them for serving staff to refill or help plate the food. Set up tables in an L-shaped pattern, or a long straight line, depending on the space you have to work with.

2

Cover the buffet tables with tablecloths. Ensure that the front of the tables, where guests will be, are completely covered. Look to make sure there are no exposed table legs.

3

Place boxes and Styrofoam blocks under areas of the tablecloth where you plan to set platters of food. This will give each platter its own height and make them stand out to the guests. Place boxes at the end of each table, and cover them with a loose piece of fabric that matches the tablecloth. Top these with floral arrangements or other large decorations.

4

Place serving plates on the starting end of the buffet table. Place cutlery and napkins at the end of the buffet line. Use decorative baskets or boxes to hold napkins and cutlery in place.

5

Place food items according to course on the table. Appetizers and finger foods should be placed first in the buffet line. Place salads and side dishes second in line and have the entrees and meat courses near the end of the table. Place breads, rolls and condiments between the entre and cutlery sections of the table.

6

Never place a wedding cake on the buffet table. Place desserts and after-dinner items on their own buffet table and the wedding cake on its own table. Place drinks on their own buffet table to ensure that there are no spills around the food, or use a bar service instead.