Hi everyone. I'm new to the board and this is my first post. We are having a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet reception for about 150 guests. The venue comes with tables and chairs for 100 guests -- anything beyond that you have to rent it yourself. My caterer has told me not to rent extra tables or seating because since it is more of a cocktail buffet and not a sit-down meal, we don't have to provide seating for all guests.
Here's my dilemma ... I have my heart set on doing a 1-tier cake for each table instead of the traditional bride's cake and groom's cake. But does this idea still work when all guests don't actually have a "home table?" So far I have ordered cakes in all different flavors for each of the tables that already come with the venue, and it'll be plenty of cake for everybody whether they are seated at a table or not. But I'm just not sure if it's going to work this way. Should I listen to the caterer, or go ahead and rent some additional tables and order additional cakes for each so that everybody has a home table with a cake centerpiece on it?
Cake centerpieces at cocktail buffet?
Tue, 01/30/2007 - 12:26
#1
Cake centerpieces at cocktail buffet?
Hi everyone. I'm new to the board and this is my first post. We are having a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet reception for about 150 guests. The venue comes with tables and chairs for 100 guests -- anything beyond that you have to rent it yourself. My caterer has told me not to rent extra tables or seating because since it is more of a cocktail buffet and not a sit-down meal, we don't have to provide seating for all guests.
Here's my dilemma ... I have my heart set on doing a 1-tier cake for each table instead of the traditional bride's cake and groom's cake. But does this idea still work when all guests don't actually have a "home table?" So far I have ordered cakes in all different flavors for each of the tables that already come with the venue, and it'll be plenty of cake for everybody whether they are seated at a table or not. But I'm just not sure if it's going to work this way. Should I listen to the caterer, or go ahead and rent some additional tables and order additional cakes for each so that everybody has a home table with a cake centerpiece on it?
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Bamabride welcome to the boards. I love your cake centerpiece idea! In my opinion if you are planning for 150 guests and only have seating for 100 people, I would recommend renting the extra tables. How do you decide who gets a seat and who doesn't. I don't know if I were your guest that I would be happy with standing the entire time. You will have 50 extra bodies, that's a lot. Just my two cents -- LOL!
Delight yourself in The Lord & He will give you the desires of your heart!Ps 37
Welcome to the site, Bamabride. You'll love this site. The ladies always give great advice. I agree with Rony.
Born Blessed!
Excellent advice, Rhony. Love the cake centerpiece idea, but you should get more chairs, at least, if not tables.
I'm a married woman as of December 2, 2006.
Delight yourself also in the Lord & He shall give you all the desires of your heart.-Psalm 37:4
Thanks, ladies. This is really helpful. My gut is telling me to go ahead and rent the extra tables and chairs, too.
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Welcome Bama!
I've been to a wedding where each table had a cake centerperice, and it turned out really nice. They also had individually boxed peices of rum cake for favors...goes to show you that there are many variations on tradition, and personal touches like that go a long way.
However, agree with the ladies. Would you mind standing all night?
BTW - when is the big day?
The big day is October 6. When is yours?
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Welcome to the board, you will love it here. Everyone is so helpful!
Princess
Welcome and congratulations!!!..I also agree with the ladies, I would just go ahead and rent the extra tables
Yeah, rent the extra tables. There might be some sit-down moments anyways. So go with your gut. I also think the cake centerpieces are a fabulous idea. I have seen it done very very elegantly, and are a great conversation piece.
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
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Oh yeah, if the cakes are going to be sitting a while, you may want to use fondant icing because it keeps better and longer. I know that the buttercream icings may start to melt a little if they are sitting too long. Same for if its outside or if there will be candles near the cakes, OR if you have some colored icing on them. The buttercreme, heat, and sitting is not a nice mix.
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Thanks for that tip about the frosting, Bumblebeekee -- I've never heard that before. I actually did choose buttercream, because I think it tastes better than fondant. The wedding is in October, which isn't a terribly hot month, and the reception is indoors. There will be some votive candles on the tables, but the cakes will be on an elevated stand. What do you think? Also, could you tell me about the reception you've been to where they did this same thing? How did they do it? I LOVE this board! I am learning so much on here!
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[quote="bamabride"] I LOVE this board! I am learning so much on here!
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I know....isn't it GREAT on here!...
I actually saw it in a Wedding Magazine....They used small 8-10 inch fondant cakes on picnic tables. Some on stands and some sitting on the table. All the flowers were edible. And it was outside. It looked very nice. The colors were greens and tans, browns, with an earthy feel. Its an old issue, but I am sure you can find some online. But it really doesn't take much to do it, plus you have a plan already. I think the candles will be fine. They are small, and its inside so its okay. No worries. Very great idea
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