Ambiance Affairs LLC 

Servers bring large platters of food to guest tables in courses. It’s less formal (and less expensive) than a plated meal, but more formal and higher-cost than a buffet. You’ll need large tables to accommodate the platters, so plan accordingly when renting furniture for the event.

Caterers can drop off prepared foods for a DIY and budget-friendly buffet option where you set everything up and food is entirely self-service. For a fuller-service buffet, the caterers set up food, oversee the buffet throughout the event, and clean up afterward.

 A plated event is a formal dining experience; waitstaff serves your seated guests for each course, fills their drinks, and attends to them throughout the dinner. A plated dinner is typically the most expensive option for both food and service.