Short Plate Benefits | Event Dining Stations

Short Plates, Big Possibilities!

A Moving Style Reception (AKA a Progressive Reception or Cocktail Style Reception) utilizes the idea of a continuous cocktail hour with substantial food options on small plates.

It’s an extraordinary, efficient, and crowd-pleasing way to keep an open floor plan.

Belly-Bar tables are perfect for these short plate events since you don’t need as much table space to eat!

This laid-back yet elegant style of reception is perfect for couples looking to entertain their guests with something away from the traditional formal dining.

With multiple stations per event, each guest can have several plated meals in one sitting.

Seating: Before planning a cocktail reception, it is essential to consider your guest demographic. (Older guests generally need more accommodation, such as a full-sized dining table.)

After deciding to go with this kind of reception, we highly suggest informing guests in the invitation that the dinner will be cocktail style.

Some wedding professionals will argue that these progressive parties are most successful when a bride and groom provide stable seating for 50% of their guests with supplemental furniture. We say, reserve a few tables for those you know will need a seat, (lookin’ at you, Aunt Esther), and have the young folk perch on some vignette-style decor:

• Smaller tables that place 4 or 6 encourage movement and keep large groups from posting up all night.
• Soft lounge seating in small groupings throughout the space softens up the room’s look and lends to that cozy club vibe.
• Ottomans are a brides’ best friend, and you can never have too many pillows or throw blankets!
• Add in some scattered cocktail or belly-bar tables.
• Be sure to place some lounges around the dance floor as well to bring guests into the party.
• If you space these elements throughout the room, you’ll draw guests to the various areas.

This kind of reception means guests can choose their food, but unlike the buffet style, guests have their meals made for them.

They can bounce freely between multiple food stations, reducing wait times.

These receptions are all about endless food and station style service, and it’s all about presentation.

Foodservice is what ultimately sets a progressive reception apart from the traditional wedding. Nobody wants to attend a 5-hour cocktail party with minimal appetizers, so the function of the food is imperative.

Short Plates offer more food than a seated dinner!

Our events specifically offer at least three short plate stations off of our menus, essentially equating to three small seated dinners for your guests!

Andrea David Photography

Start the evening with hors-d’oeuvres, moving to small action stations.

We’ve kept in mind to serve items that are easy to consume, limiting excess flatware for those smaller tables!

If they’re hungry, they will come to the food, so there’s no need to announce food service has begun. The guests will follow the lead of the bride and groom and the wedding party.

Be sure there is food available throughout the night!

Some of our most popular station combinations are: The Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese served with a Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque, The Braised Beef Short Ribs in a Demi-Glace with Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, and finally, our famous Mac n’ Cheese Bar that comes with a variety of toppings sure to please guests of all ages.

Andrea David Photography

Not only will Short Plates keep your guests full, but the style will also help define the evening as you go and offer tasty surprises throughout the night!

A smooth transition from light to decadent, then sweet, is critical for a perfect night, but don’t forget the late-night snack! (Nobody thinks to provide sliders and fries or milk and cookies when the late-night munchies strike. You could be the first!)

Andrea David Photography

Key Points to remember about Smal Plate Benefits:

• This foodservice arrangement offers all the pros of a buffet without the downside of a long wait in line!
• The spacious, less formal floor plan will make your guests feel comfortable.
• Your guests will remember being full of fantastic food and drinks; what more could a guest want?

For more information on Short Plate Dining, and to ask our coordinators for the full menus, feel free to reach out!