Unless you are having a brunch reception this option seems highly unlikely. However, having tableside service similar to that of an omelette bar can be a viable option if you have chosen to have a buffet. Buffets involve a lot of staff regardless; having one or two chefs serve table side actually doesn't make that great of a price difference. During any buffet, I get excited when I see an omelette bar. I know that I will at the very least have something made-to-order and - perhaps most importantly - hot.

Ask your caterer whether they offer such tableside service and consider having a crepe bar for dessert. Chances are, many catering companies offer such service. Dessert assortments are oddly expensive. Consider flambe options and this can actually make a positive difference to your budget. I'm not talking about a steak Diane. Rather than having a spread of tarts and an assortment of cakes, focus on the dessert bar - there are so many options for setting fruit on fire.

Orange and Grand Marnier for a Crepes Suzette

Bananas and banana liquer for Bananas Foster

Mangoes and tequila for Mangoes Diablo

Peaches and whisky for Pêches Louis

Cherries and Kirschwasser for Cherries Jubilee

Serve everything over some ice cream. This way, guests are entertained and happy about having a freshly made dessert as opposed to a dessert table they may just graze over. Having several variations of the same dessert makes the menu more focused. If you are concerned with having a huge lineup consider this: after a great meal whether it was buffet or plated, people are dragging their feet to have dessert. They may seem excited, but it really is just an initial surprise and excitement and really only two items out of a "dessert assortment" is really ever delicious. People have a sneaky caveman instinct when it comes to getting at a buffet line. The natural behaviour is that a healthy line will build anticipation and those with patience will wait until the line dies down a tad.

Having custom food services is becoming a growing trend. With mobile coffee carts and even a hot dog stand! People are growing wary of the chafing dish. Thinking about your reception? Consider an omelette bar, or burning something other than your food budget.