Alternatives to sit down or buffet?

Rebekah24

Okay so me and oh are talking over what we would like, not like...etc.. planning and budgetting

I will be paying for it..or rather now saving for it. So at least 2 years down the line, could be more.

Anyways I really am not too fond of the idea of sit down- most of the menus are really limiting, not what I would like, too traditional..plus I am vegetarian..so I dont want any meat..fish is fine for oh.

Thinking would just a family dinner or a meal with a few close family be feasible?? Guess would have to arrange someone willing to host, maybe catering or make our own...

Anyone done something similar to this?? had a nice family meal rather than super pricey/formal style sit down???

Any pearls of wisedom would be fab...as so far all I have had out of oh is.. "its all upto you" ...err..:eek:

Thanks in advance guys

frannyann

I am having a sit down meal, but no top table! It will be 5 tables of 6 all arranged the same. So reduces the formality
Plus our venue allows our guest to choose from a choice of three starters, mains, and pud (in advance) Which means we have been able to cover most tastes. I am so looking forward to the day, as I know it will be formal enough to be special but relaxed enough to be enjoyable!

shellylovesshopping

Our caterers literally arrange what you want. We have not decided on menus yet but have been offered: Hog Roast, BBQ, Fish & Chip Van, Hot Buffet, Cold Buffet, 2/3/4 course waitress served meals.

Think it will all depend on what time of venue you are having as to what menu types will be available.

jenhug

I'd suggest a fish n chip supper. you could arrange with a chippy to deliver, and if you order in advance you could dictate what you want i'd imagine. (ie give guests the choice of fish or pie for example)

jenhug

what about loads of jacket potatoes with different fillings?

welshgirl78

This is possibly more than you want but we are having hampers. Bit cheaper than sit down but more formal/table orientated than buffet - each table has a joint (or piece of fish!) with a carver and chef hat - then in the hamper is potatos, bread, salads, chesse, chutneys etc.

We like the fun factor of it, plus saves people queuing at a buffet (which can obviously be well managed - I'm not slating it!)

Anyway, there's another idea!

JBD

OP, I saw an idea on an American programme called a country buffet. The dishes are placed on each individual table and the guests help themselves. I suppose it is the same sort of idea as a 'meze' where you have lots of little dishes to 'pick at'.

Donk_2

Oooh i really like the hamper idea, definately a fun element to it If we could find a venue that would let us do that then i think it would definately cut down on costs.

Rebekah24

ooo thanks so much guys, the hamper sounds cool

I did put this to oh last night...but with his swine flu brain..dont think he made much sense of it!! Explained that sit down would be £2800 aaah!

I know exactly what I would like....but the venue wont do it - thai style noodles, fresh fish, tonnes of fruit, vegetarian sushi etc

minerva_windsong

welshgirl78 wrote: »

This is possibly more than you want but we are having hampers. Bit cheaper than sit down but more formal/table orientated than buffet - each table has a joint (or piece of fish!) with a carver and chef hat - then in the hamper is potatos, bread, salads, chesse, chutneys etc.

We like the fun factor of it, plus saves people queuing at a buffet (which can obviously be well managed - I'm not slating it!)

Anyway, there's another idea!

My boyfriend's brother and sister-in-law did a similar thing to that at their wedding - not necessarily with the hamper but they had a joint of beef on each table and you carved it there, and then bowls of veg and jugs of gravy to pass around (think Sunday roast style).

Alternatively if you're not having a massive wedding you could just book a table in a nice restaurant.

Snuggles

We are in the process of planning our wedding, and intend to avoid formality as much as possible. We are thinking of getting married in our local town hall (a really nice, old, oak panelled room), as late in the day as possible. We will then go for a meal at one of our favourite local restaurants (either French or Italian, haven't decided yet).

There will be about 20 guests (we are only inviting very close family), so it will be just like booking a meal for a large group of people. The two restauarants we will choose from are both family run, with really lovely staff, and we know from having eaten there many times that the food is of excellent quality, so no worries there.

We might have a cake (but it won't be traditional wedding cake), and there will be no speeches, unless anyone particulary feels they want to say anything! I want it to be just a relaxed lovely evening with the people closest to me, without all the expensive wedding hoo-ha, which just isn't for us.