What is a seated menu?

A seated menu, whether a seated lunch or a seated dinner menu, is a meal in which guests sit at the table and waiting staff serve each course in turn: starter, main course and dessert, usually with drinks.

What it is used for at a corporate event

It is the most formal option. It is the choice for gala dinners, lunches with clients, award ceremonies or company celebrations where the food and the speeches are meant to take centre stage. Guests stay in their seats, the staff set the pace and the conversation after the meal is more leisurely.

What it needs

A seated menu needs more front-of-house staff than a buffet or a drinks reception, fully laid tables and a venue with a kitchen or preparation area. Planning the timing between courses is key so that the main event does not run late. Guest numbers and dietary requirements have to be confirmed earlier than for other formats, because each dish is prepared and plated for a specific diner. It also helps to agree the order of the courses, the drink served with each one and when the speeches or the main event take place, so that the kitchen can keep its timing in step with the dining room.

How it differs from other formats

• Unlike a buffet, dishes are plated and served at the table, with no self-service.
• Unlike a standing lunch and finger food, everyone sits down and eats with cutlery.
• It often opens with a welcome cocktail while guests arrive.

Table service calls for more front-of-house service and more waiting staff per guest than other formats (see the waiter-to-guest ratio).

How we can help

Our seated menu service comes with a kitchen team and waiting staff. See our event catering or ask us for a quote with the date, the venue and the number of guests.

Related service: Event catering

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