The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Buffet Catering in LA | Made by Meg Catering in Los Angeles, CA

When it comes to wedding catering in Los Angeles, there’s something timeless and joyful about a buffet. It’s a service style that invites your guests to explore, savor and enjoy the meal at their own pace; a perfect blend of hospitality and ease. If you’re looking for stress-free and delicious wedding buffet ideas your guests will love, you’ve come to the right place.

At Made by Meg Catering, we love buffets for more than just the delicious variety they offer. There’s a touch of nostalgia in walking up to a beautiful buffet, and it’s a service style format that brings people together; casual yet elegant, familiar yet elevated.

Top Reasons to Select a Buffet-Style Wedding Reception:

Three cheerful Made by Meg Catering staff in black uniforms serve at a lavish buffet at La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes, CA, under a blue canopy with lush greenery. The white-tablecloth setup features wooden stands with a chocolate dip bowl, strawberry salad, roasted Brussels with yuzu vinaigrette, filet mignon with chimichurri, and chafing dishes of green beans, broccoli, and roasted veggies.

Elegant wedding buffet menu display at La Venta Inn, an ocean-view event venue in Palos Verdes Estates, California. The menu is printed on a white poster board adorned with hand-painted watercolor illustrations of ingredients, including a fish, strawberry, lemon, herbs, broccoli, potatoes, and cauliflower. The board is held upright on a black wrought-iron easel with ornate scroll details. The custom menu, catered by Made by Meg Catering, features a gourmet selection: "Warm Artisan Rolls, Strawberry Fields Salad, Flank Steak with Chimichurri, Grilled Salty & Sticky Salmon, Roasted Broccolini with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette, and Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes." In the background, there are rows of wooden ceremony chairs with white cushions arranged on a lush green lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean, framed by hedges and trees under a bright, partly cloudy sky. A table with stacked white plates is visible on the right side of the image, ready for guests to enjoy the meal.

Upscale buffet station setup at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, California, catered by Made by Meg Catering. The buffet table is covered with a crisp white tablecloth and arranged with polished stainless steel chafing dishes, some with gold accents and wooden risers for height and elegance. Each dish is labeled with custom illustrated menu cards, featuring playful watercolor-style ingredient drawings. Visible food labels include: "Roasted Broccolini with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette," "Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes," "Flank Steak with Chimichurri," and "Grilled Salty & Sticky Salmon." The scene is framed by lush greenery and coastal foliage under an open-air canopy, blending refined dining with a natural, ocean-view atmosphere. This elevated buffet presentation exemplifies luxury wedding and event catering by Made by Meg at the historic La Venta Inn.

1. One Less Stress for the Couple 💍

A buffet simplifies the planning process. No meal selections required on the invitations, no escort cards with meal assignments, no tracking who ordered the salmon versus the steak or trying to accommodate last-minute changes. You get to focus on the fun parts – the tasting, choosing your menu, and celebrating your day – while we handle the rest. It’s a beautiful, effortless way to serve your guests well.

2. Freedom for Guests to Choose What They Love 🍽️

Every guest has their own favorite flavors, and a buffet makes sure everyone finds something they’ll enjoy eating. From your cousin who’s all about the sides to your best friend who never says no to steak, each plate becomes a reflection of personal taste. Plus, no one has to choose between entrées ahead of time, and everyone can go back for seconds if they want more.

3. Fully Customizable for Your Vision 🌿

One of the greatest advantages of a buffet-style wedding is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re dreaming of a menu inspired by your travels, family recipes, or favorite local ingredients, our buffets are fully customizable. Couples can incorporate personal touches to create a dining experience that feels uniquely theirs. It’s a beautiful way to share your story through food. Whether your vision leans toward coastal, garden, or urban chic, our team helps you design a catering style that fits seamlessly with your event’s aesthetic and flow.

Example 1: Your Favorite Classics Reimagined 😍
Each dish is crafted with care by our culinary team, highlighting local ingredients and made-from-scratch flavors that elevate even the most relaxed dining style. Here’s a look at a few favorites from one of our recent wedding buffet menus at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates:

🥔 Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
🎣 Grilled Salty & Sticky Salmon
🥦 Roasted Broccolini with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette
🥩 Flank Steak with Chimichurri

Close-up of a gourmet buffet dish served at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, California, catered by Made by Meg Catering. The dish features a vibrant medley of Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Fingerling Potatoes, beautifully presented in a polished stainless steel chafing dish with modern gold handles, elevated on a light wood riser. The colorful fingerling potatoes—golden, red, and purple—are roasted to a crisp and garnished with fresh herbs including sprigs of rosemary, microgreens, and beet leaves, enhancing both aroma and visual appeal. A custom menu card with hand-drawn potato and herb illustrations labels the dish in elegant script. The chafing station rests on a clean white tablecloth as part of an upscale outdoor buffet spread, set against the natural stone and greenery backdrop of the ocean-view La Venta Inn wedding venue.

Example 2: Casual Coastal-Inspired Buffet 🏖️
Buffets can also be ideal for Los Angeles events looking to strike a balance between relaxed California charm and refined presentation. As seen on Instagram, for a recent beachfront celebration at Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, our flavorful customized buffet featuring the below refreshing salads and juicy sliders to perfectly complement the ocean breeze and laid-back coastal energy:

🥗 Old School Caesar Salad
🍟 Seasoned Golden Potato Wedges
🍔 Gourmet Slider Bar

A beautifully presented buffet salad station at the Annenberg Beach House, catered by Made by Meg Catering. The display features several large, modern white square bowls filled with fresh Caesar salads topped generously with crunchy golden-brown croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese over crisp romaine lettuce. The salads are neatly elevated on tiered white risers, creating a clean, elegant, and professional catering presentation. In front of the salads sit two round white ceramic bowls filled with creamy Caesar dressing, each with a silver serving spoon. The setup is arranged on a sleek black tablecloth, with soft evening sunlight casting a warm glow across the scene. The image highlights the refined yet coastal atmosphere of an outdoor event at the Annenberg Beach House, showcasing Made by Meg Catering’s sophisticated and stylish presentation for weddings, receptions, and private gatherings.

A gourmet burger bar catering station by Made by Meg Catering at the Annenberg Beach House, featuring an elegant black tablecloth setup with stainless steel chafing dishes and modern white serving trays. The buffet includes trays of freshly grilled beef patties, shredded pulled beef, and golden potato wedges kept warm under heat lamps. In the foreground, a display of shiny brioche slider buns, crisp romaine lettuce leaves, and neatly arranged toppings such as crispy bacon strips and caramelized onions are presented in white square and rectangular dishes stacked on tiered stands. To the right, three white ceramic bowls hold classic burger condiments — ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce — each with a serving spoon. Silver tongs rest in sleek white trays for easy self-service. Behind the buffet, guests can be seen enjoying the event indoors, reflected in the glass, with warm lighting and flower arrangements creating a lively yet refined coastal atmosphere. The setup showcases Made by Meg Catering’s upscale, organized presentation perfect for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings at the Annenberg Beach House.

Example 3: Brunch & Lunch Buffet Display ☀️
For daytime celebrations, we love crafting brunch and lunch buffet displays that feel fresh, abundant, and full of color. These spreads are perfect for a variety of celebrations, from bridal showers to relaxed daytime receptions, where guests can mingle and enjoy lighter, seasonal fare. From a daytime celebration at the La Venta Inn, the buffet included:

🥯 Three Assorted Gourmet Mini Sandwiches on Brioche Buns:
Smoked Salmon with Dill Caper Cream Cheese, Shaved Red Onion & Arugula
House-Roasted Turkey with Brie, Garlic & Walnut Aioli, and Baby Arugula
Sliced Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Baby Spinach & Basil Lemon Pesto

🧀 Three Accompaniments:
Charcuterie and Hand-Selected Cheese Platter
Rabbit Buffet Platter (3 Seasonal Dips served with Heirloom Crudité and Assorted Crostini)
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter

A stunning buffet setup at La Venta Inn, catered by Made by Meg Catering, for a celebration of life event, featuring a long dark wooden table laden with gourmet offerings. The spread includes mini sliders on skewers with fresh greens, a charcuterie board with assorted meats, cheeses, grapes, and crackers, and a veggie platter with colorful carrots, celery, and dips like hummus and ranch. Additional dishes include kale salad, breadsticks, and a bowl of mixed grains, all elegantly displayed with white trays and wooden stands, accented by a centerpiece of white flowers. The indoor venue boasts large windows with lush green views, rustic wooden beams, and cross-back chairs with white tablecloths in the background, creating a serene ambiance for memorial catering.

Elegant sandwich catering display by Made by Meg Catering at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes, featuring rows of gourmet mini sandwiches beautifully arranged on white square platters. The setup includes mesquite-grilled chicken sandwiches and smoked salmon sandwiches on soft brioche slider buns, each neatly secured with a wooden skewer for easy serving. The sliders are garnished with crisp lettuce and fresh ingredients, reflecting Made by Meg’s signature California-inspired presentation. A small printed label card identifies each sandwich type, while sleek stainless steel serving tongs rest in modern white ceramic trays. The platters are elevated on minimalist white risers and a wooden crate centerpiece topped with a clear vase of white flowers, adding a touch of natural elegance. In the background, the bright and airy interior of La Venta Inn features white stucco walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and large windows overlooking lush greenery—creating a sophisticated coastal atmosphere perfect for weddings, celebrations of life, and private events. This display highlights Made by Meg Catering’s attention to detail, fresh seasonal ingredients, and upscale presentation at La Venta Inn.

4. A Feast for the Eyes (and the Camera) 📸

Our buffets are designed to be as stunning for guests as they walk up as they are delicious. Picture long tables lined with warm platters garnished with fresh herbs and guests filling their plates with bright, seasonal flavors. If you have a specific theme for your other decor, you can weave this in with custom illustrated menu signage that matches your invitations and welcome signage, such as the above illustrations by Brogan Scott Studio, seen on Instagram here.

Photo Tip: Make the Most of the Buffet Moment
Here’s a creative idea we love seeing at buffet-style weddings: as each table is released to the buffet, have them stop on their way for a quick group photo with the couple first. It’s a seamless way to keep the line moving while ensuring every guest gets a moment and a photo with the newlyweds. By the end of the evening, you’ll have a complete collection of joyful, candid snapshots with all your favorite people.

A stunning evening setup at the Annenberg Beach House, featuring an elegant outdoor buffet under a modern building with pink and blue walls, illuminated by string lights and spotlights. The long black-draped table showcases chafing dishes with warm dishes, white trays of appetizers, and floral centerpieces with yellow sunflowers in blue patterned vases, creating a sophisticated ambiance for events. White modern lounge furniture with round tables is scattered in the foreground, offering a cozy seating area with views of the lush hillside and palm trees in the background. Large glass doors reveal an indoor space with guests and a screen, ideal for corporate events or weddings, enhancing the venue’s appeal.

Let’s Build the Buffet of Your Dreams ✨

Your special event menu should feel just as personal and memorable as the celebration itself, and our team at Made by Meg Catering would love to help you bring that vision to life. From menu reviews to tastings to final touches, we’ll guide you through every detail to design a buffet that reflects your story, style, and favorite flavors. Whether you’re planning a beachfront soirée in Santa Monica or an elegant garden wedding in Los Angeles, we’re here to make it beautiful, delicious, and effortless.