SERVING GLOSSARY

PLATED

A SIT-DOWN, PLATED MEAL IS CONSIDERED THE MOST FORMAL OPTION, WITH EVERY GUEST SERVED AN INDIVIDUAL MEAL OF, TYPICALLY, THREE COURSES. FOR EACH COURSE, GUESTS ARE USUALLY GIVEN A SMALL SELECTION OF OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM.

FAMILY STYLE

HERE, WAIT STAFF WILL BRING PLATTERS TO EACH TABLE, SO GUESTS CAN FILL THEIR OWN PLATES WHILE SEATED.

BUFFET

A TYPICALLY COST-EFFECTIVE CATERING OPTION, FOOD STATIONS ARE SET UP ON LONG TABLES, ALLOWING GUESTS TO WALK ALONG AND SERVE THEMSELVES BEFORE RETURNING TO THEIR TABLE.

COCKTAIL

A COCKTAIL-STYLE RECEPTION FEATURES CANAPÉS OFFERED ALL EVENING LONG. INSTEAD OF DINNER TABLES, FURNISHINGS SUCH AS BAR LEANERS AND COUCHES PROMOTE A CASUAL, MINGLEFRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.