As a rather picky eater, with some food allergies, I tend to steer clear of buffets, or when I do eat at one (mainly in Vegas!), I stick to only recognizable foods. I’m just not adventurous enough to try new things, unless I know what they are, and it seems many buffets don’t think it’s necessary to label their food items.
So as a courtesy to our guests, I’ve made 4″ x 6″ framed signs for our buffet, so they will know what they’re eating. And I found the frames on sale at Jo-Ann’s for only $2.99 each! This will be a good alternative to a menu, since it really isn’t practical to have a menu at the place setting when people will be serving themselves, plus it’s an excuse for yet another project with my beloved paper! 
(the tri tip will be hand carved to order by our chef at a carving station)
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Prior to the buffet dinner, we will have passed hors d’oeuvres, so I think guests will have to fend for themselves to figure out what those are (or just ask the waiter!). Our guests will be able to choose from:
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There will also be bread and salad served at the table before the buffet dinner, but since we chose a simple Classic Caesar Salad with Crisp Romaine, Croutons & Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, I’m thinking our guests can figure out the salad by themselves!
Are you having a sit down or buffet dinner at your reception, and will you be incorporating any signage or menus for your guests?
(unless otherwise noted, all pictures in this post were taken by me)
Love your signs! We’re putting signs up for our cake flavors since we’re having four. As someone with food allergies that don’t tend to be common (I’m allergic to nutmeg… yes, I know, weird.), I always appreciate signage!
I think your DIY project is fantastic!!! I am toying with the idea myself to make signs or print a menu. Thanks for sharing!
That food looks delish and great job on the signs! The signage would be much appreciated from a non-foodie like me… 
OMG, I am soooo hungry now! Everything sounds delish, and your signs are very cute.
Signs are always nice! There is nothing worse than having a guessing game when it comes to food!
great job! i think signs are key for a buffet. i’m sure your guests will appreciate it!
We’ll be having an hors d’oeuvres buffet. So, I’m thinking I’ll make special cards for that, and see if I can get a list of ingredients to include on the back of the sign. We have a couple people with food allergies, and I’d like them to be able to make educated decisions about what they’re selecting.
I love the paper you used! The texture is just perfect. Where did you get it and were you able to use an inkjet printer on it?
@adias.angel – The green and cream paper is from LCI Paper, it’s under their 111lb card stock section. The purple is from Paper and More, and it’s the 65lb in orchid. I did print these on my inkjet with no problems, but it is a larger format printer (Epson R1900). Before upgrading to my new printer, I had to hand feed the paper on my old printer, since it is pretty thick. Hope that helps!
I’m having a buffet as well. I think that’s a good idea to have signs I think it’s better than menus at each table. I think I will do that as well.
Thanks! It does help. I just ordered 5 pack of the linen from LCI last week for our invitations. Looks like I am soon to become one of their best customers. LOL
Yummy, yummy food. This was a bad post to look at when hungry.
You are a sign machine!
Love your signs! They’re really nice. Me, the groom and one of my bridesmaids all have a different food issues so we’ll be labeling everything. I purchased a bunch of silver 4×6 frames from someone on bravobride for my little project. Inspiring design
Those are cute! I think buffet signs are super important!
Yum! I’m tossed between signs at the buffet or menus.
you made me hungry. and it’s 11 pm. thanks! the signs look awesome!
first, everything looks and sounds delicious! i wish i was able to eat at your wedding.
second, that always bothers me when they don’t list what the buffet is. i usually pile it onto my plate anyway but i’d like to know what i’m going to eat.
Mrs. Cola, Mountain View, CA Age and Occupation: 27, Product Communications and Promotions Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Managing Partner and Senior Designer Engagement Date: March 5, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2010 Venue: The Mountain Terrace, Woodside, CA About Me: I’m a Washington State native, enjoying life in Silicon Valley California with my fiancé, our three kitties and one leopard gecko. I like reading wedding blogs, Photoshopping wedding design mock ups, making lists, and planning, planning, planning! I’m a bit of an anomaly, on one side I’m a very girlie girl, I collect shoes, I lay out my outfits 4-6 weeks in advance, and I’d never leave the house without my hair curled and makeup on. But on the other side, I’m a total tomboy, I love to go camping and hiking, play drinking games (hey, I’m Irish!) and most of my closest friends are guys. My fiancé and I are planning a DIY-focused wedding with a balance between easygoing (what he wants) and chic and stylish (what I want), and are tying it all together with elements in lavender, sage, butter cream and chocolate.
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