Hello,

Sorry if this question has been asked… it wasn’t showing up in my searches.

I am getting married in October and am having a buffet dinner for around 230 guests. It is going to have two sides open with your standard fare (buns, couple veggies, main). My question is, how long should we schedule for dinner? The reception location recently fired some staff so although I am waiting on an answer from them we may not get it for awhile and I would like to start working on the schedule.

Thanks for your help!

Emmanuela Stanislaus, Precious Occasions, Wedding and Event Planner

Allowing 3-4 minutes per table should give you more than enough time to release a table of 10. As added advice, you and your new husband should not go through the buffet line. The catering company should be able to to assign that particular task to one of their staff members so that you don’t have to. Good luck!

Joyce C Smith, MBC, President and owner of Weddings Unlimited, Inc. and Ohio State Coordinator for Association of Bridal Consultants

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the dinner time. Do a Captain’s call to help with the flow of the guests going to the buffet line. I always like for the bride and groom to lead the line (Someone like the event coordinator to escort and hold their plates is always a nice touch). Once all the guests are through the line, you can start special activities like the toasts.

October Bride

Thanks, that is great to know. I would have scheduled too much time.

We have talked to the venue and the head table will be plated.

Thanks for your help!