Buffet vs Sit-Down Wedding Dinner
Buffet Pros
- Variety Galore: Buffets offer a range of food options. Your guests can pick and choose their favorites and will only serve themselves what they will eat. There is no need for pre-selected meals or extra communication to the caterer.
- Interactive Experience: Buffets can be a social hub for guests to mingle while filling their plates. Dietary Flexibility: Buffets cater to all dietary needs. Vegan, gluten-free, and picky eaters can all find something.
Buffet Cons
- Potential for Chaos: Buffets can get crowded. Lines can form, and some guests may feel rushed. Again, it is crucial to have a designated person to dismiss tables, like your Complete Weddings + Events DJ or a host couple.
- Less Formal: Buffets are inherently more casual. This might not suit a black-tie affair. More Time Consuming: Since guests are serving themselves, make sure to consider that a buffet will take longer for guests to eat than a plated dinner.
Sit-Down Dinner Pros
- Elegance: Sit-down dinners add a touch of sophistication. Perfect for formal weddings.
- Relaxation: Guests can relax and enjoy being served. No need to leave their seats.
- Portion Control: Controlled portions mean less food waste. Your caterer knows just how much to serve.
Sit-Down Dinner Cons
- Limited Menu: Guests are usually limited to the meal options you pre-select. This can be a downside if your guests have diverse dietary preferences.
- Cost: Sit-down dinners can be more expensive due to the additional staff required for serving.
- Time Constraints: A sit-down dinner is often on a stricter schedule, leaving less room for flexibility during your event.
Des Moines Wedding Catering Options
If you’re planning your wedding in Des Moines, here are some excellent local catering options to consider:
- Taste! To Go & Catering – Known for their versatile menu options and elegant presentation, they offer both buffet and sit-down dinner services to meet your wedding needs. Visit their website here.
- Baratta’s Catering – A Des Moines staple, Baratta’s provides exceptional sit-down dinner experiences with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Explore their offerings here. Check out their website here.
- Cyd’s Catering – Specializing in personalized menus and a wide range of culinary styles, Cyd’s is perfect for those looking for a customized experience, whether buffet or sit-down. Check out their website here.
- The Girls – Specializing in custom catering services, from small events and lunches to large corporate events, full service bartending options and weddings. Check out their website here.
- River Center Events & Catering – Their services can range from a simple lunch drop-off to an up-scale rural tent wedding and anything in between, servicing the Des Moines metro and surrounding areas.We are your local source for fresh, innovative and beautifully crafted custom events. Check out their website here.
- The Tangerine Food Company – Their food is freshly prepared and sourced locally from farmers markets and community producers. Your event will be special from the first delicious cocktail to the last bite of sumptuous dessert. Check out their website here.
Each of these caterers can help you create the perfect dining experience for your wedding, ensuring your guests leave with full stomachs and fond memories.
Food Truck Options
For a more unique and trendy approach, consider incorporating a food truck into your wedding. Food trucks are a fantastic way to add a casual, fun vibe to your reception, whether you choose to use them for the main meal or as a late-night snack option.
Food Truck for the Main Meal
If you want to create a memorable dining experience, food trucks can be a great alternative to traditional catering. Offering everything from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas, food trucks provide an interactive and diverse food experience that can cater to different tastes. This option is ideal for couples looking to offer a variety of cuisine types or who want a laid-back, festival-style wedding atmosphere.
Food Truck for a Late-Night Snack
If you opt for a sit-down dinner or buffet but want to surprise your guests later in the evening, hiring a food truck for late-night snacks is a perfect choice. Imagine your guests stepping outside to find a truck serving up street tacos, sliders, or donuts as a late-night treat. It’s a fun way to keep the party going and ensure your guests have something to fuel their dancing into the night.
Wedding Food Trucks in Des Moines
In Des Moines, several local food trucks can add this exciting element to your wedding:
- Big Red Food Truck – They are known for their fish tacos, Indian frybread beef tacos, our grilled shrimp tacos, and al pastor street tacos. Learn more here.
- Mr. Magoo’s Pizza – The menu features artisanal, thin crust pizzas! Salads and signature brownie bites are available for catering and private events. Check out their website here.
- Big Acai Bowls – For a healthier option, Big Acai Bowls serves up delicious and colorful acai bowls, perfect for a refreshing late-night snack. Learn more here.
- Home Sweet Cone – If you want to sweeten the night, The Home Sweet Cone’s ice cream truck can serve up delicious handmade ice cream to your guests. Visit their website here.
Whether you choose a food truck for the main meal or as a fun late-night surprise, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding and keep your guests talking about your special day for years to come.
Complete Weddings + Events Makes Your Des Moines Wedding Planning Simple
The Complete Weddings + Events team has collaborated with numerous event and wedding vendors that you might consider for your Des Moines wedding. With our expertise in photo, video, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services, we are here to help make your wedding planning easy! After you’ve taken the time to celebrate your engagement, reach out to us and start tackling your wedding to-do list.
Waiting to start planning? No worries, head to our blog or Instagram page in the meantime for all things wedding to get you inspired!