A formal meal service where each guest's dish is individually plated in the kitchen and served by waitstaff at the table.
Plated service delivers a consistent experience for every guest and allows for precise portion control and dietary management. It requires higher staff ratios than buffet service and places greater demand on kitchen logistics, as all dishes for a table must be served simultaneously. Plated service is standard at gala dinners, award nights, and weddings.
BEO
Banquet Event Order — the definitive catering document listing every food, beverage, setup, and service detail for an event.
Canapé
Small bite-sized food items served during a cocktail reception or pre-dinner drinks period.
Cocktail Reception
A standing food and drink service, typically held before a formal dinner or as a standalone social event.
Buffet
A self-service meal format where food is laid out on a table or station and guests serve themselves.
Family Style
A meal format where shared dishes are placed on the table and guests serve themselves and each other.
Beverage Package
A pre-arranged and pre-paid drinks offering included in the event, covering a set selection for a fixed duration or per-head cost.