Sharing boards or plated mains?

At Queen & Whippet, we offer both sharing and plated options on our event catering menus. Both styles of service can be tailored to your taste, themes, or dietary requirements. But whether shared platters or plated courses are better at your wedding or event depends on various factors including, the style of the reception, the venue, and the guest list. Here are some considerations for each option:

Sharing boards:

1. Family-Style Dining Experience: Shared platters can create a more communal and interactive dining experience, encouraging guests to pass dishes around and engage with one another.

2. Variety: With shared platters, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes that are typically served in larger quantities, allowing for a greater range of flavours and options.

3. Adaptation to individual appetites: Guests can take as much, or as little as they require and select or reject from the variety of dishes.

4. Less Formal: Family-style dining tends to be less formal than plated courses, which may suit couples seeking a more relaxed and casual atmosphere for their wedding reception.

5. Logistics: However, shared platters can be more challenging in terms of logistics, as they require careful coordination to ensure that all guests have access to the food and that dietary restrictions are accommodated. It also means having minimal décor on the tables, which clashes with some couples’ design ideas.

Plated mains:

1. Elegant Presentation: Plated courses offer a more formal and elegant dining experience, with each guest receiving their own individually plated meal. This can add a touch of sophistication to the wedding reception.

2. Controlled Portions: Plated courses allow for more control over portion sizes and presentation, ensuring that each dish is served exactly as intended.

3. Accommodating Dietary Restrictions: Plated courses make it easier to accommodate specific dietary restrictions and preferences, as guests can pre-select their meal options.

4. Efficiency: Plated courses can be more efficient in terms of service, as each guest’s meal is prepared and served individually.

Ultimately, the choice between shared platters and plated courses depends on the overall vision for the event, the desired atmosphere, and practical considerations such as the size of the guest list and the capabilities of the catering team. Hosts may also choose to combine elements of both options, such as serving passing canapés, and family-style starters followed by plated main courses. One option that’s gaining popularity is the plated main (see the first picture) with sharing sides.

We’ll be happy to talk through all the options and logistics with you to work out the perfect service style for your wedding or party. If you’re planning an event, get in touch to start the conversation and let’s plan something delicious together.