Why family style meals are perfect for weddings
We sat with Chef Kieron to get his take on wedding menu planning, and here’s what he had to say…
As a chef with a culinary journey spanning 27 countries and the honor of serving guests such as sitting presidents and members of the Royal Family, I’ve seen firsthand the magic that a meal can bring to a gathering. Particularly on a wedding day, arguably the most important celebration of your life, the food should reflect the joy, togetherness, and unique spirit of the occasion.
Your wedding is not just any party—it’s the greatest party you’ll ever throw. Naturally, the meal you choose should keep that celebratory energy alive while staying true to who you are as a couple. But with guests coming from various backgrounds, tastes, and dietary preferences, finding the right menu style can feel overwhelming. Should you go with a Plated dinner, a Buffet, or Family Style dining?
Let’s break it down:
Plated Dinners
Plated dinners are often the go-to because they mirror how we dine at restaurants. They offer clear structure, individualized portions, and can easily accommodate dietary needs. But there’s a downside. Plated meals, though elegant, can sometimes feel a little formal, even rigid, creating barriers to interaction at the table. Guests are seated in a very structured way, which can hinder the flow of conversation and the sense of communal celebration.
Buffets
Buffet-style dining allows guests to pick and choose what they like, offering a wide variety of options. However, it can disrupt the rhythm of the event. Guests have to leave their seats to get their food, which can break up conversations and reduce the festive energy. And let’s be honest—buffet tables take up a lot of space! This can be a challenge when you want to maximize your floor plan for dancing and mingling.
Family Style Dining
Now, let’s talk about Family Style dining, a concept we truly cherish at Cornman Farms. Imagine your guests gathered around the table, passing platters of beautifully prepared dishes, sharing stories, and enjoying not only the meal but each other’s company. Family Style dining places the food in the middle of the table and allows everyone to serve themselves, fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and interaction.
At its heart, Family Style dining is about creating an experience that mirrors the warmth of a shared family meal. It invites your guests to engage with each other, passing platters, reminiscing, and building connections. It feels less formal but remains elegant, with an inviting sense of nostalgia. The act of serving each other brings people closer, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and joy—perfect for a wedding celebration where two families are becoming one.
At Cornman Farms, we enhance this experience with our collection of antique china platters and bowls, adding a touch of history and charm to each meal. These special details honor the heritage of our own families and make the meal not just about food, but about storytelling and connection.
Why Choose Family Style for Your Wedding?
Community and Connection: Passing food around the table encourages conversation and interaction, allowing your guests to bond and truly feel part of the celebration.
Efficiency: Everyone gets to eat at the same time, and there’s no need to stress about entree choices or who sits where.
Stress-Free Planning: Since the menu is served to the entire table, you avoid the pressure of individual meal selections, making planning simpler.
Visual Appeal: The shared platters are a feast for the eyes, creating a beautiful, rustic, and inviting table setting.
Nostalgia and Warmth: Family Style dining evokes memories of home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and shared stories, making it the perfect fit for an intimate, joyful wedding.
At Cornman Farms, we believe that Family Style dining goes beyond just food—it’s a reflection of love, unity, and the celebration of life’s most important moments. So, if you’re planning your big day, we invite you to consider Family Style dining. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but about creating a lasting, shared experience that your guests will never forget.
To the couples ready to celebrate: Your wedding day is not just about getting married—it’s about starting a new chapter surrounded by the people you love. And what better way to do that than over a meal that brings everyone together? Family Style dining is more than just a meal—it’s an expression of joy, community, and the bonds that unite us all. That’s why family style service is our go-to style of service!