Types of Serving Styles

As a client of a caterer, you will want to know the different types of serving styles that caterers offer, and as a caterer, you should make sure that your client has the option of choosing from many different serving styles. Both parties should be clear on what sort of style will be used, and all serving types should be outlined prior to any sort of booking. Below are the most common types of serving styles, and a brief explanation of each.

Seated Meal: seated meals are the most typical, and they consist of guests sitting while wait staff serves each course. There are three types of seated meals including, plated service (meals are brought on portioned plates); Russian service (trays are brought to tables, and food is placed upon plates that are already upon the table); and French service (two waiters serve each guest from a platter).

Buffet: buffets can include hot and cold items, or simply one or the other. Buffets can also include a carving station (kitchen staff carves certain cuts of meat), and elaborate ice sculpture displays.

Passed Tray: this is what you should choose if you do not want a full meal service. During a passed tray service, waiters simply circulate throughout the room with hot and cold foods.

Each type of dinner service will assume a different price level, and all types of service can be classy, sophisticated, and elegant. No matter what type of service you choose, the best events include decadent cuisine. Make sure to talk to you caterer about each type of service before booking any sort of event.