Marrying couple seeks serving help

DEAR AMY >> ` Tis the season for wedding advice, I guess.

My partner and I are planning a very small affair on a low budget.

We recently recruited my future mother-in-law to help with last-minute planning (we were doing it all ourselves).

The caterer is delivering dinner to our venue in the form of buffet-style trays.

My plan was to have everyone serve themselves.

My fiancé's mother, citing concerns about COVID, strongly feels that we should have someone standing behind the food to serve people.

In principle, I agree with her concerns, as well as that of apportioning food fairly.

The problem is that we can't afford to hire staffing.

Our guest list is 25 people, with half of those being our immediate family.

A few loved ones have volunteered to help with whatever we need, but I don't want to assign anyone the task of feeding everyone else.

If I thought my future mother-inlaw was wrong, I would simply tell her.

Instead, I see a good idea with no clear way to execute it.

What do you think we should do?

— Stressed by Stupid Little Details

DEAR STRESSED >> I agree with your future motherin-law that it is a good idea to have someone on the other side of the buffet line, helping to serve and perhaps removing the serving dishes and putting out the cake afterward.

I'm not sure how having help fits into the concerns about COVID, but overall, having even one extra pair of hands would be extremely useful.

Furthermore, you could probably hire a helper for two hours for $50.

Your caterer might have recommendations, and if you receive a reasonable quote, perhaps your mother-in-law would help pay for this.

It sounds as if you have a helpful and hands- on family and friend group. You could also accept their help — perhaps in shifts. This is a communal celebration meal, and for many people, helping to serve would be an honor.

My last suggestion might seem odd, but perhaps you and your new spouse should serve your guests, yourselves.

This might be a nice symbolic gesture, where the first “official” act of your life together as a married couple would be to serve those people who have gathered to celebrate your marriage.

I hope you will be able to relax, laugh and genuinely feel joyful during your wedding and reception.