2010-10-26 12:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Bride-to-Be: Catering Outside the Box
Catering is, by far, the largest line item on any wedding reception budget. It's also the biggest opportunity for cost savings.
Here are a few tips on minimizing food spend, while maximizing deliciousness:
1. You Don't Have to Serve a Meal
To many, the idea of a wedding without a sit-down meal is akin to blasphemy. However, you can save hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars if you get creative with your food. Cocktail wedding receptions are becoming more and more popular, and you can ensure your guests get enough to eat by planning plenty of hors d’oeuvres.
Another fun lower-cost alternative is food stations, where your guests can grab a selection of snacks from different food stands around the party. However, if you are not planning a sit-down dinner, make sure to let your guests know through your invites or website so that they can plan their appetites accordingly.
2. Breakfast for dinner
If you do want to serve a sit-down meal, a great way to save costs is to make that meal a breakfast, brunch, or luncheon. Who doesn't love brunch?! This tactic will also likely reduce your liquor budget. If you were planning on a great dance party, however, a mid-day reception may not be the best approach.
3. Catering Companies Aren't the Only Ones Who Cater
You know that little Indian restaurant down the street that you love? Chances are that they cater. Many restaurants run a side catering business, and charge much less than the usual wedding vendors. While the service with these smaller businesses may be rougher around the edges, the food is often extraordinary! If your venue allows outside caterers, keep your favorite restaurant in mind when you start asking around for quotes.
4. Be Transparent About Your Budget
Caterers are generally very flexible. If you give them a dollar figure and a general overview of what you’re looking for, they will be able to provide suggestions and put together a menu that will fit within your budget. Don’t be afraid to approach that pricey caterer that you adore, but don’t think you can afford – chances are, they will be willing to work within your costs.
5. Shop Around
It’s essential that you get as many caterers to quote on your event as possible. Even if your venue only allows a few preferred caterers, get an estimate and a sample menu from them all. This will help you get a feel for each caterer's level of customer service, and will also ensure that you get the best menu for your wedding at the best price point.
Also, check out websites like Chowhound to see what people are saying about the caterers you’re considering – frank word-of-mouth opinions can be invaluable.
6. Provide Plenty of Options
As a vegetarian who has endured some absolutely horrific wedding meals, I may be a little biased on this one. However, I think it's important to point out that you may have some guests with dietary restrictions, and it's important to not treat them as afterthoughts. A little consideration goes a long, long way.
About our Guest Blogging Bride-to-Be Alana:
After her first date with RC, Alana knew it was the beginning of something amazing. RC proposed two years after that day and the couple will be married on August 20, 2011. They want their day to be unique and completely "us", so they'll be throwing a lot of wedding traditions out the window and replacing them with fun, personal touches. Check back each week to follow Alana as she and RC plan their party of love.
More posts from Bride-to-Be Alana:
