Need opinions/suggestions on menu cards for buffet?

S

soon to mrs 9.19.09

New member
We are having a buffet dinner and need a way to display the menu. I can't decide if we should do individual menu cards at each place setting or just a sign of some sort at the beginning of the buffet?
I want to make sure everyone knows what is being served... I don't want them to have to guess...
 
I think you should have individual menu cards at each station - this way they're absolutely certain of the contents.

And there won't be a bunch of people gathered at one end where the menu is displayed.
 
Contrary to popular belief, I think menu cards are much more practical for a buffet than for a plated meal. They don't make any sense for a plated meal since you're stuck with what you're given. But with a buffet, guests can read over the menu when they find their assigned table and see what is available and what to avoid due to food allergies or just not liking how something is prepared, thus making the lines go much faster than if you don't have any.

Having cards in front of each dish telling what it is is a great idea in addition. You can list any potential food allergens it may contain.
 
I don't really see the need for menu cards when a buffet is being served. There is no need for a sign in front of the buffet either as the people will walk along and see for themselves what is there. Neither one is appropriate, especially the sign. It's not as though the guests will stand there and read all the items listed on the sign and think,"oh well, nothing I like, I'll skip it". They will simply walk along and they will choose what they want from the buffet and sit down and enjoy it. Don't complicate things! Enjoy your reception.
 
I went to vistaprint and printed out the oversize postcards for my menus. I too am having a buffet and alot of people think I have lost my mind, my tables will be bare without plates or chargers and I thought the menus would look really nice tucked away into the napkins.

And also, instead of opening the flood gates to the buffet, I am having my DJ (MC) dismiss tables one at a time, so that will give the others sitting at the table, time to look at what being offered.

ETA: I also had read awhile back about people being thankful there were menu cards at the table for different reasons. For one, say you are a vegetarian. And you fill your plate up with a salad, and then you find out they offered a meatless entree. Or you see that there will be chicken down the line, rather than filling you plate up with pork.

Its more of a courtesy than anything. And nobody is going to think it is "rude".
 
Put little cards in front of each dish explaining what it is. People probably won't remember what things were if they read it back at their seat and are now in line.
 
You could do one large nicely done sign at the entrance to the reception area or beginning of buffet OR one 8x10 sign at each table, like in a picture frame
 
I personally don't see the need for a menu for a buffet or a sign. I think small cards in front of the dishes may be the most appropriate thing. Most people in buffets don't read the menu but rather go through the line to see what everything is and how appetizing it looks.
 
Why do you need to display the menu? I've never seen that done before. When people get up there they will take what they like. I wouldn't bother.
 
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