is family style or alternate drop cheaper
Question Asked: 11/09/2025
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
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Family style will always be cheaper - purely due to less plating time, prep time as well as how long it takes to deliver to a table. 2 waitstaff can deliver a whole share platter menu to one table in one go, where as alternative drop will be max 3 plates at a time, meaning the waitstaff would have to return to the kitchen a second time.
You'll also find that with the family style share plates for each time, everyone will pretty much be eating at the same time, rather than have some tables finish their meal before the rest of the tables have even gotten their dinner.
Ultimately it depends on the caterer and how much food they offer family style - is it more dishes than plated?
With my business family style is cheaper - serving sizes are more generous, every one gets served everything, and labour costs are down - the guests put the food on their plates instead of 2 teams of chefs
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Hello from the Mr Mixologist team
- is family style or alternate drop cheaper?
Family style dining is generally more affordable than alternate drop, as it requires fewer staff and less intensive service. Of course, this can vary based on the cuisine and the level of premium features in your menu. Family style helps cut labor costs, often resulting in a lower overall quote, while alternate drop involves additional setup and coordination.