Catering Quiz: Which Food Service Suits Your Wedding Style

Take our quiz to determine the right food service for your reception

April 21, 2025

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PICK A PHRASE TO DESCRIBE THE VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING:

1. Classic and glamorous

2. Pretty and personalized

3. Warm and welcoming

4. Engaging and interactive

5. Subtle and simple

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WEDDING ATTIRE: (whether it’s a gown, a suit or an outfit that’s somewhere in between)

1. A statement piece—something that stuns and wows our guests.

2. Something meaningful that incorporates a shared interest or details representing my beloved.

3. A vintage ensemble; an outfit passed down or new to me yet with plenty of history.

4. Something offbeat that uses color, print or fabric in an unexpected way.

5. I haven’t thought much about my attire; it’ll likely be whatever I try on first!

CONGRATULATIONS! AN ANONYMOUS DONOR JUST FUNDED YOUR DREAM HONEYMOON. WHAT’S ON THE ITINERARY?

1. A locale with breathtaking views, five-star meals and plenty of spa time (such as the Amalfi Coast, Bora-Bora or Santorini).

2. An elevated tour of relationship nostalgia (for example, renting your first-date restaurant before flying first-class to your proposal destination).

3. A week-long stay in a quaint town (perhaps a cozy cabin in Lake Tahoe, a cottage on the coast or a ranch-style home in a Western town).

4. A private-jet trip to one of the quirkiest luxe destinations in the world (for example, haunted luxury at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, the quirky and cool ice hotel in Sweden, or the suite built inside an old airplane at Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica).

5. A glorious staycation in your own space (with free food delivery from your favorite local places, in-home massages and movie marathons—without the responsibilities of everyday life).

PICK A PHRASE TO DESCRIBE YOUR HOME DESIGN STYLE:

1. Elegant; designed for entertaining.

2. Fully customized; details of “us” everywhere.

3. Warm and inviting; vintage or secondhand pieces throughout.

4. Fun, funky and eclectic; we love to mismatch.

5. Carefree and easy.

WHAT KIND OF SELF-CARE DO YOU TURN TO WHEN YOU’RE STRESSED OUT?

1. Surrender to some spa time.

2. Partake in a cozy hobby (for example, knitting, creating art, watching your comfort show.).

3. Spend extra time with friends and family (pets included).

4. Do something adventurous or physical activity.

5. Take a well-deserved nap.

MOSTLY ONES: PLATED DINNER

The classic, tried-and-true food service method for a formal event: the sit-down dinner. This style can be customized to be as laid-back or as sophisticated as you’d like—adding courses and more dish options can elevate the experience.

“Hosting a plated dinner is a great way to create an intimate and memorable experience, where everyone gets a beautifully served dish just for them,” explains Sasha Talsky, director of catering sales at Herban Feast by Landmark Event Co. “When guests are able to remain seated around the table during the meal, it allows them to enjoy the moment, catching up with old friends, meeting new and sharing favorite stories of the wedding couple. We contribute to this experience with creative and progressive plated meals, focusing on Pacific Northwest seasonal and local ingredients.”

Photo | Sound Photography

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MOSTLY TWOS: BUFFET

A traditionally low-stress option that can really make a splash, a buffet involves a display of self-serve food options, often all from the same or a similar menu. Guests can load up on plenty of options or grab a ton of their favorite dish.

“Buffets allow you to serve more than one entrée, starch and veggie dish, giving guests a greater variety to choose from and letting them customize their own combinations,” says Matt Haggerty of the Hall at Fauntleroy, Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes and creative director of DSquared. “They are almost always a cheaper option than chef stations or plated meals, as they require less staff to maintain, without sacrificing delicious food. Buffets also provide space for visual creativity, with platters styled using florals, produce or other themed décor to match your wedding style. Even though it’s lower maintenance, adding small touches like elegant chafing dishes, personalized signage or mini ‘tasting flight’ appetizers can bring a bit of flair, creating a memorable—and scrumptious—experience for everyone.”

Photo | Mandee Rae

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MOSTLY THREES: FAMILY STYLE

In the same vein as a plated meal, with family style, each table is served their dishes. However, with this service option, everything is oversized and shareable. Friends and family pass around each serving dish, like they would at Thanksgiving dinner, and serve themselves.

Sean Pals, Northwest director of catering for Act 3 Catering, dishes on this service: “Family-style dinner service creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection among guests. Sharing dishes at the table fosters a sense of togetherness and adds a personal touch to the celebration. It’s a perfect way to make everyone feel at home while enjoying a variety of delicious options, ensuring the meal is as memorable as the special day itself.”

Photo | Tessa Viamonte

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MOSTLY FOURS: STATIONS

Also called “activations,” this type of service is similar to a buffet. The main difference lies in the presentation: Instead of a smorgasbord of choices, stations will often follow a particular food theme (such as sushi or pasta), with attendants ready to serve the food in an artful way.

“Food-station-style service offers a unique dining experience by presenting complete, smaller- format menus at each station, allowing guests to sample diverse cuisines in a single setting. This approach encourages the exploration of flavors from around the world, fostering a vibrant and interactive atmosphere,” explains Shelby Sewell, CEO and culinary director of Foodz Catering. “Guests can enjoy multiple small plates tailored to their preferences, promoting variety and personalization. Additionally, it minimizes wait times and crowding, as diners can move freely between stations.”

Photo | Amanda Summerlin

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MOSTLY FIVES: FOOD TRUCKS

Calling in a fleet of food trucks takes a lot of the pressure off—once you’ve booked your favorite local trucks to pull up and serve (for this type of service, it’s best if you’re hosting an outdoor reception), you’re done! Note: Most trucks provide disposable dishes and utensils, so if you want more durable options, chat with your planner. China, chargers and flatware are excellent, and relatively simple, additions to elevate a food truck dinner reception. Dress long tables with crisp linens and your arrangement of choice—whether flowers, candles, trinkets or a mix—to create a polished look.

A food truck reception can also operate much like one with stations (see above) by way of personalization. It’s also a great way to involve favorite local businesses: You don’t really need the fancy filet mignon dinner (though we hear some trucks offer that!) to host a dazzling event; maybe you just need tacos from your go-to shop on the corner and some mouthwatering burger options from that new place across town.

Photo | Shane Long Photography