One of the more popular ideas for a wedding reception is to serve the food family style. At this type of party, all of the food is placed on the table in large platters that are passed around, rather than having a waiter serve each guest an individual plate of food. Family style service can be less stuffy than traditional plated dinners, and yet more gracious than a buffet. Here are some ideas on how to arrange for a family style wedding reception that your guests will love.

Family style catering ties in with the trend favoring fewer long reception tables over many small round ones. The idea is that this type of set-up is more relaxed and convivial, allowing for a welcoming and intimate reception. It is almost like everyone just happened to stop by your house for an impromptu gathering over good food and great conversation. Sort of like what happens at the end of that show “Everyday Italian” on the Food Network, where all of Giada de Laurentiis’ friends and neighbors show up for a casual yet elegant feast in her backyard.

This type of party is especially popular with brides who trying to create a casual or rustic elegance for their receptions. You picture the bride in a flowing gown with simple handmade wedding jewelry and loose wavy hair walking around the long tables, chatting effortlessly with her guests as they enjoy her hospitality. In my personal mental picture, the reception is taking place outdoors in a vineyard or a meadow, but certainly family style service works well in indoor locations too. The idea is that the more relaxed feeling will help to get conversation flowing more readily among strangers, and will help all of the guests to feel as though they are part of one big happy family.

Certainly, there are some occasions when family style service might seem out of place. For instance, if you are planning a black tie wedding, with everyone in their most formal attire and special handmade wedding jewelry, the more traditional plated dinner service would be much more appropriate. Family style service also tends to limit your menu options more than a buffet or food stations, so that is another consideration.

The types of food that work best for family style service are generally the ones that most families like to eat together. Italian is a very popular choice. It is easy to get good Italian food, it is not particularly expensive, and almost everyone likes it. Italian cuisine is also a great idea if you will be having some vegetarians at your wedding. It is quite simple to have one platter with a meat-free pasta, and another with meatballs and sausages for those guests who enjoy meat. One tip: when serving Italian food at a wedding reception, stay away from the messiest choices like spaghetti that are most likely to splash and stain.

Comfort food is another fantastic option for a family style wedding reception. Your guests will be delighted to be served classics like homemade mac and cheese, slices of meatloaf, and bowls of yummy veggies. For this menu, you might even want to have wedding pies instead of a formal cake. This would be especially nice for an autumn wedding.

Family style wedding catering has many things to recommend it. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere that it creates will be a wonderful way to celebrate the start of your new life together. When you are looking for a way to unite your friends and families into one big happy group, you might just find that family style service at your reception is the perfect answer.