A Guide to Wedding Catering Styles in NYC: Plated, Family-Style, Stations & More
At Pheasant Catering and Events, we live for love. Few things bring us more joy than celebrating weddings—marking the start of a lifetime together with great food, good company, and thoughtful details. Food is deeply personal to us and should reflect you as a couple. After all, it’s your big day! Whether you’re drawn to a family-style feast, a plated dinner, interactive stations, or a floating reception, a well-curated wedding menu will make your celebration unforgettable.
Look no further, your Dream Wedding Starts Here:
When deciding on the perfect wedding meal style with Pheasant Catering and Events, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Your Guests – How many people are attending, and what are their tastes? Would you prefer a seated dinner with assigned seating, or a more relaxed atmosphere where guests can mix and mingle?
2. The Flow of the Evening – Are you envisioning a structured dinner service, or do you want guests to graze and enjoy bites throughout the night? Will there be speeches, a live band, or other moments that might influence the dining experience?
3. Seasonal Inspiration – Are there specific seasonal ingredients or flavors you’d like to feature? Will the time of year or venue setting affect what guests might enjoy most?
At Pheasant Catering and Events, we work with you to craft a menu that seamlessly fits your vision, ensuring your wedding meal is as memorable as the rest of your celebration.
Our team will work with couples every step of the way to ensure their wedding culinary dreams come to life. Explore the different types of wedding meal styles we offer at Pheasant Catering and Events and get inspired!
Plated Dinner: Classic, Elegant, & Timeless
A plated dinner offers a refined, sit-down dining experience where guests are served multiple courses with beautifully plated dishes. This style is ideal for couples who want a structured and elegant reception, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal.
Some of Our Favorite Plated Dinner Options:
Mini Wedge Salad – Baby gem, tomato, bacon, blue cheese dressing
Poached Wild Salmon – Spring asparagus, sauce gribiche
Beef Short Ribs – Pickled chili, celery & herb salad
Chocolate Boudino – Orange blossom, sea salt, almond pignoli
Why Choose Plated? It’s the perfect choice for couples seeking a formal, intimate, and elegant dining experience.
Family-Style: Communal, Laid-Back, & Interactive
A family-style dinner invites guests to share platter-style dishes, creating an atmosphere that feels warm, communal, and inviting. It’s a fantastic choice for couples who want to encourage conversation and connection over a meal.
A Few of Our Favorite Family-Style Dishes:
Citrus Carrot Salad Rolls – Lemongrass peanut sauce
Crispy Anson Mills Polenta – Morel mushrooms, salsa verde, parmesan
Montauk Tuna Tartare – Soy vinaigrette, medium quail egg, shiso, cucumber
Steak Entrée with Seasonal Sauces
Why Choose Family Style? It adds a lively, interactive element while still providing a beautifully curated meal experience.
Floating Dinner: A Never-Ending Party
Want to keep the party energy high without a sit-down meal? A floating dinner with passed small plates is an exciting alternative. Instead of traditional courses, guests enjoy a rotating selection of small bites that allow them to mingle, dance, and eat throughout the night.
Our Signature Passed Small Plates:
Mini Lobster Roll – Dill aioli, celery, buttered bun
Crispy Chicken Bao – Pickled cucumber, cilantro
Steak Tartare – Pickled quail egg, chervil, brioche
Potato Fondant – Red onion jam, crème fraîche
Why Choose Floating? It’s perfect for couples who want a less structured, high-energy celebration where food enhances the party, not pauses it.
Stations: A Customizable Feast
If variety is what you crave, stations allow you to mix and match different flavors and cuisines, giving guests a chance to explore and choose their favorites. Stations add a fun, interactive element and work well for larger weddings or diverse guest lists.
Popular Wedding Food Stations:
Raw Bar – East Coast oysters, ceviche, chilled shrimp
Taco Bar – DIY tortillas, assorted proteins, guacamole, bean & corn salad, pico, slaw, hot sauces
Cheese & Charcuterie Table – Assorted cheeses, mustards, olives, pickles
East Asia Station – NYC’s Nom Wah dumplings, shrimp sui mai, sesame noodles
New American Station – Beef short ribs, poached salmon, crispy polenta
Why Choose Stations? They allow guests to curate their own dining experience, creating a dynamic and exciting food journey.
Late-Night Bites: The Ultimate Wedding Win
After hours of dancing and celebrating, nothing hits quite like a late-night snack. Offering an extra round of food later in the night is a small but memorable touch that guests will appreciate.
Top Late-Night Wedding Snacks:
Pommes Frites – Served with truffle aioli & parmesan
Mini Sandwiches & Sliders – The perfect midnight bite
Personal Pizzettes – A crispy, cheesy crowd-pleaser
Nacho Bar – House-made tortilla chips, guacamole, bean & corn salad, slaw
Why It Works: Guests stay longer, enjoying one last bite before heading home (or back to the dance floor).
A Thoughtfully Crafted Bar Program
No NYC wedding is complete without a fantastic bar experience to complement the menu. From craft cocktails to carefully curated wines, our bar programs are designed to keep the toasts flowing all night.
Pheasant NYC’s Signature Bar Packages:
Full Bar – Prosecco, curated red & white wines, craft beers
Signature Cocktails – Pink Pony (bourbon, watermelon, mint) or Hacienda Verde (tequila, jalapeño, cucumber)
Champagne Toast Add-On – Because nothing says celebration like bubbles
Why It Works: A well-curated bar program ensures a seamless, stylish drinking experience for your guests.
Your Dream Wedding Menu Starts Here
Your wedding is a reflection of your love story, and your food should be just as special. Whether you’re envisioning a plated dinner, a lively family-style meal, interactive stations, or a chic floating reception, Pheasant Catering and Event is here to make it happen.
Let’s create something magical. Inquire today to start planning your perfect NYC wedding menu!