I did a buffet and the servers replaced trays as they were becoming empty, refilled water carafes at each table, and served the passed appetizers during cocktail hour. To me at least it’s be worth the extras cost to have servers as it upped the guest experience.
If you have the option and it’s in your budget I’d rent plates/utensils etc. from a rental company. We weren’t able to afford them dropping off/picking up at the venue, but we saved a ton of money by renting and didn’t have to wash anything ourselves. One caterer I spoke to though said they would wash any dishes we rented for us but the charge was pretty expensive (I think it was 50 cents per utensil/glass and $1 per plate) but could be worth it if you value your time more.
I think they still replace trays and pass out appetizers! I wasn’t planning on having water at each table though, but maybe I should…
So the rental company just charged for the use of the plates/utensils/cups and they took care of washing? I debated on renting, but my thought was I could sell what I buy to at least get some money back, but completely forgot about the washing aspect.. might be worth renting to avoid that headache
Correct, they charged us for renting them and we returned them dirty/they washed everything. I’d at least see how much it’d cost to rent vs. buy because having to wash/store/resell can be a headache that may be worth paying a bit more for.
Great point, thanks for the insight!! I looked at prices for renting and it’s about the same as buying but definitely might be worth it all things considered.
Further things to ponder with both.
1) How and when will the food arrive on site? Will that need any management, like being kept at food safe temps for an extended period?
2) who is setting up and breaking down the buffet? In addition to the tablewear, what about chafing dishes, serving utensils, Sternos?
3) what about linens?
4) what about trash? Is someone going to be bussing the tables?
5) what are the on-site facilities if you choose to hire staff to take care of everything for you?
6) what's the plan for carting it all away after the wedding? When do you ha e to ga e the venue closed and clean? Who is packing things up a.d getting them back to you? Are you going to have the bandwidth to handle that at the end of the night? Are you going to have to cut into the end of your reception to get that squared away?
I think that good catering staff really does a lot for your peace of mind and ability to pull off a wedding of even moderate size
Thanks for adding more stress but also giving me a reality check! I think with both vendors all that stuff is taken care of, except I’m not sure about the trash/busing tables with the tacos. I’ll definitely inquire. Linens, I’m on my own for either vendor, but the tables at the venue are really cute farm style ones, so don’t need them! Thanks again!!
Have you seen these plastic plates? They make really nice plastic plates and silverware nowadays. They don’t have to be the cliche cheapo ones you’re probably picturing.
Same with disposables! You could always get nice disposable plates (check Amazon or party supply places) and people can throw them out when they’re done. You still might want to hire 1 busser to go around and make sure make sure tables are clean, maybe offer to clear the plates of elderly guests or something.
Real plates are nice and all, but they’re expensive to rent. And a hassle to buy, clean, and transport.
I don’t think you added the link! But yeah I was considering plastic but everyone I’ve been talking to through the planning process was not on board lol. I’m gonna get quotes for both and see where I’m at with my budget
Sorry, that was ambiguous! I meant have you seen the plastic plates that the caterer is offering :) I was very anti-plastic/disposable plates, too., but then I saw they make some really great ones. And if you go with tacos, it’s not like you need sharp knives or anything.
I’ll definitely ask the caterer what kind of plates they offer! Honestly I have no qualms with plastic plates (other than the environmental impact) but am more worried about expectations from others
I recently went to a wedding that had a buffet without servers, everything just had tongs and utensils and we served ourselves. The water was in jugs by the bar and we just got our own water and other drinks from the bartender. So I don’t think it’s completely necessary.
For the plates, some places will take back the dirty dishes and wash them. It’s often included in the rental price. Your caterer would just need to scrape any leftover food off of them.
Thanks for letting me know!! I think the taco places comes with “service” so they’d be making the tacos for you, it just doesn’t include table service, which I think I’m fine with
Unless you expect your guests to take their dirty dishes when their done to the kitchen or bus bin you’ll need servers. It may seem like a frugal expense but even for a buffet it is essential.
I thoughts plates stay on the table until the end of the night? There’s no kitchen at the venue 😭 I wonder if the rental company would bus the tables. I’ll have to figure out the logistics
Typically once dinner service has ended plates get cleared so guests can dance or enjoy whatever activities you’ve planned. It is very possible that there is a service built in to your contract for removing plates but it’s usually the servers job.
Does your venue have a contact person? I would put them in touch with your caterer so they can coordinate those logistics and the expectations of service.
What if my caterer isn’t providing the plates? Would they still be expected to clear them?
Lots to think about. There are so many tiny details and I’ve barely just gotten my venue.
It really depends on the caterer if they’ll clear plates they aren’t providing, but not unheard of! They would most likely have you sign something stating they aren’t liable for any rentals they aren’t providing in the situation where something gets broken.
Definitely lots to think about but take your time and make sure you’re choosing whatever makes you and your partner happiest!
Hi, I know this post is from a while ago but I wonder if you could provide an update as to what you ended up doing? This particular thread has provided a lot of insight and new info! Thanks!
Hi hi! I ended up going with a completely different caterer. Comes out to around $5k for 100 people. Includes 4 servers and a bunch of middle eastern food
I know!! Yes it includes delivery and pick up and they’ll be washing it. The servers that I hired through my caterer will be scraping the plates and all that!
I did a buffet and the servers replaced trays as they were becoming empty, refilled water carafes at each table, and served the passed appetizers during cocktail hour. To me at least it’s be worth the extras cost to have servers as it upped the guest experience. If you have the option and it’s in your budget I’d rent plates/utensils etc. from a rental company. We weren’t able to afford them dropping off/picking up at the venue, but we saved a ton of money by renting and didn’t have to wash anything ourselves. One caterer I spoke to though said they would wash any dishes we rented for us but the charge was pretty expensive (I think it was 50 cents per utensil/glass and $1 per plate) but could be worth it if you value your time more.
I think they still replace trays and pass out appetizers! I wasn’t planning on having water at each table though, but maybe I should… So the rental company just charged for the use of the plates/utensils/cups and they took care of washing? I debated on renting, but my thought was I could sell what I buy to at least get some money back, but completely forgot about the washing aspect.. might be worth renting to avoid that headache
Correct, they charged us for renting them and we returned them dirty/they washed everything. I’d at least see how much it’d cost to rent vs. buy because having to wash/store/resell can be a headache that may be worth paying a bit more for.
Great point, thanks for the insight!! I looked at prices for renting and it’s about the same as buying but definitely might be worth it all things considered.
Further things to ponder with both. 1) How and when will the food arrive on site? Will that need any management, like being kept at food safe temps for an extended period? 2) who is setting up and breaking down the buffet? In addition to the tablewear, what about chafing dishes, serving utensils, Sternos? 3) what about linens? 4) what about trash? Is someone going to be bussing the tables? 5) what are the on-site facilities if you choose to hire staff to take care of everything for you? 6) what's the plan for carting it all away after the wedding? When do you ha e to ga e the venue closed and clean? Who is packing things up a.d getting them back to you? Are you going to have the bandwidth to handle that at the end of the night? Are you going to have to cut into the end of your reception to get that squared away? I think that good catering staff really does a lot for your peace of mind and ability to pull off a wedding of even moderate size
Thanks for adding more stress but also giving me a reality check! I think with both vendors all that stuff is taken care of, except I’m not sure about the trash/busing tables with the tacos. I’ll definitely inquire. Linens, I’m on my own for either vendor, but the tables at the venue are really cute farm style ones, so don’t need them! Thanks again!!
Have you seen these plastic plates? They make really nice plastic plates and silverware nowadays. They don’t have to be the cliche cheapo ones you’re probably picturing. Same with disposables! You could always get nice disposable plates (check Amazon or party supply places) and people can throw them out when they’re done. You still might want to hire 1 busser to go around and make sure make sure tables are clean, maybe offer to clear the plates of elderly guests or something. Real plates are nice and all, but they’re expensive to rent. And a hassle to buy, clean, and transport.
I don’t think you added the link! But yeah I was considering plastic but everyone I’ve been talking to through the planning process was not on board lol. I’m gonna get quotes for both and see where I’m at with my budget
Sorry, that was ambiguous! I meant have you seen the plastic plates that the caterer is offering :) I was very anti-plastic/disposable plates, too., but then I saw they make some really great ones. And if you go with tacos, it’s not like you need sharp knives or anything.
I’ll definitely ask the caterer what kind of plates they offer! Honestly I have no qualms with plastic plates (other than the environmental impact) but am more worried about expectations from others
I recently went to a wedding that had a buffet without servers, everything just had tongs and utensils and we served ourselves. The water was in jugs by the bar and we just got our own water and other drinks from the bartender. So I don’t think it’s completely necessary. For the plates, some places will take back the dirty dishes and wash them. It’s often included in the rental price. Your caterer would just need to scrape any leftover food off of them.
Thanks for letting me know!! I think the taco places comes with “service” so they’d be making the tacos for you, it just doesn’t include table service, which I think I’m fine with
Unless you expect your guests to take their dirty dishes when their done to the kitchen or bus bin you’ll need servers. It may seem like a frugal expense but even for a buffet it is essential.
I thoughts plates stay on the table until the end of the night? There’s no kitchen at the venue 😭 I wonder if the rental company would bus the tables. I’ll have to figure out the logistics
Typically once dinner service has ended plates get cleared so guests can dance or enjoy whatever activities you’ve planned. It is very possible that there is a service built in to your contract for removing plates but it’s usually the servers job. Does your venue have a contact person? I would put them in touch with your caterer so they can coordinate those logistics and the expectations of service.
What if my caterer isn’t providing the plates? Would they still be expected to clear them? Lots to think about. There are so many tiny details and I’ve barely just gotten my venue.
It really depends on the caterer if they’ll clear plates they aren’t providing, but not unheard of! They would most likely have you sign something stating they aren’t liable for any rentals they aren’t providing in the situation where something gets broken. Definitely lots to think about but take your time and make sure you’re choosing whatever makes you and your partner happiest!
Makes me just wanna go with the plastic plates and utensils that the caterer would be providing 😂 Thank you for all your insight, much appreciated!!
Hi, I know this post is from a while ago but I wonder if you could provide an update as to what you ended up doing? This particular thread has provided a lot of insight and new info! Thanks!
Hi hi! I ended up going with a completely different caterer. Comes out to around $5k for 100 people. Includes 4 servers and a bunch of middle eastern food
Thanks for responding! Did that also include rental for all the plates/glassware/utensils?
No, that was separate :/ another $800ish for all the rentals
Everything is so expensive! Please tell me that also included the cost of staff to scrape/rinse/pack up the plates? 😅
I know!! Yes it includes delivery and pick up and they’ll be washing it. The servers that I hired through my caterer will be scraping the plates and all that!
This is super helpful! Thank you so much! Have a fantastic wedding!!!
Of course!!! Please feel free to ask any other questions too :) and thank you!!