What’s Right for Your Event?
Your catering service style should do more than feed your guests — it should reflect your vision, timeline, and overall guest experience. Here’s a breakdown of our most popular full-service dining styles to help you decide what fits best.
Buffet Style
Flexible and Efficient.
Buffet-style dining is endlessly customizable — ideal for festive celebrations where variety and guest comfort are key.
Vibe: Casual, social, and guest-friendly. Perfect for weddings with a “let’s party” attitude.
Guest Experience: Guests move through one or more buffets at their own pace, choosing from a wide selection of dishes displayed with style.
Timeline Tip: Buffets keep the energy moving and are great for groups who want to transition quickly from dinner to dancing.
Design & Flow: Our team strategically maps out buffet locations and flow based on your venue layout and guest count — and yes, we make sure Grandma doesn’t wait in line for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Love buffet style but want a little something extra? Add a chef-attended carving station or passed apps for an elevated twist.
Stations
Modern and Interactive.
Culinary stations bring energy to your reception. Think tasting experience meets design-forward décor.
Vibe: Stylish, high-energy, and dynamic. A great choice for couples who love to entertain.
Guest Experience: Guests roam between multiple chef-inspired stations, enjoying small plates or themed bites at their leisure.
Timeline Tip: Stations naturally encourage grazing and conversation, keeping the energy light and informal — ideal for extended cocktail hours or receptions without a rigid timeline.
Design & Flow: Our decor and kitchen teams collaborate to create fully styled stations — from hand-lettered signage to floral and prop displays.
Pro Tip: Want to skip the formal dinner completely? Stations are a fantastic way to turn your reception into a high-end cocktail party.
Family Style
Warm and Heartfelt.
Family-style is all about connection — perfect for events centered on gathering and gratitude.
Vibe: Cozy and communal, but still elevated and elegant. Guests share large platters at each table for an intimate feel.
Guest Experience: Dishes are passed around the table, encouraging conversation and interaction as guests help themselves to multiple offerings.
Timeline Tip: Meals feel relaxed and paced without being drawn out — ideal for groups who want to stay at their seats and soak in the moment.
Design & Flow: We coordinate portioning, table setup, and service strategy to ensure smooth delivery and minimal crowding.
Pro Tip: Pair family-style with a plated first course to create a well-rounded and structured dining experience.
Plated Dinners
Timeless and Elegant.
Plated service is a classic choice for couples who want sophistication and structure.
Vibe: Formal, refined, and celebratory. Each course is served with precision and grace.
Guest Experience: Guests are served directly at their seats, typically choosing their entrée ahead of time for a smooth experience.
Timeline Tip: Plated meals follow a clear timeline and are ideal for receptions with speeches, toasts, or a choreographed evening.
Design & Flow: We work with your timeline, floor plan, and vendor team to ensure pacing is on point — and no one is waiting too long between courses.
Pro Tip: Want plated elegance with a personal touch? Add a plated salad with family-style sides or dessert displays for hybrid flair.
No matter which style speaks to you, the right catering experience should feel like an extension of your celebration — thoughtful, seamless, and uniquely yours. At Partyman Catering, we’re here to guide you through it all, from first ideas to final plate. Let’s find the service style that fits your vision and make your event one to savor.
Know what Catering Style fits your event?
Need some more inspiration?
Get hungry while checking out our different menu offerings.