Expert: Kay Cole - 12/21/2009

Question
Hi, my fiance and I are getting married.  We have decided on a buffet style reception, and going with two menus.  On one table, we will have a pasta dinner, salad and garlic bread.  On the other table we are thinking chicken, roasted red potatoes, mixed veggies.  Beth is convinced that we cant do chicken breasts, and wants chicken tenders/strips.  I can't picture Wendys or bar and Grill type chicken tenders with the 'taters, and veggies.  Will chicken tenders work well at a wedding reception for this menu?  What would you suggest.  50- 75 people in a Vets Hall, friends and family are cooking.  Wedding @ 1pm.  Reception 1:45-2ish   Thank you  - David

Answer
Additional note 12-22 - David: It sounds like you have already eliminated the possible problems!  Your invite really sounds great!  Sounds like you have no worries to me either way that you end up going (chicken).  My best wishes for a fun reception!  I hope that you both will enjoy it and have no stresses. Over 50% of the brides that I have worked with - have said, I just wish this was all over - My internal reaction is "WHAT! This is the day you have dreamt of your entire life...have spent enough $ that you could have put a down payment on a house and you are wanting it over with!!!"  They should have gone to Vegas!  My point is enjoy every second...even the decision making process of whole breast versus strips!  Best wishes for a happy, healthy life together!  k



Hi David.  I would have no problem with the chicken tender strips for a wedding reception, personally and vote with Beth.  However, why is she against full breasts?  Is it cost?  If that is so...something to think about...if you have a breast, a buffet line goer will take one and you can be assured of how much to prepare**...on the other hand, chicken tenders might get you in trouble consumption wise - you might plan on two per person and some former football playing buddy puts three on his plate - or worse, a cousin that you never liked anyway...piles four on his! She also might be considering as because it might be an easier preparation item for those doing the cooking...?

To help ease your concerns....the serving piece for the chicken strips can make all the difference....in a nice silverplate chafing dish - they will not look like happy hour hors d'oeuvres!  Or, if served room temp, on a silver tray... I really think, especially since mid-day that either choice you two make is fine.

However, I am a little worried about this two separate table idea.  I like the menus...but, how are you going to figure your quantity ** You do know that if I was invited that I would be going down both lines, don't you?  Perhaps this is another reason for strips instead of whole breasts...as it is doubtful that I would go too heavy on the chicken line if I already went thru the pasta buffet.  It is not a huge number of people, so logistically - you should be fine with the two buffets.  Just make sure that you have thought thru how it will work.

I hope these thoughts have helped! Write back if you have any additional questions or thoughts! Kind regards, K