Planning Your Wedding Catering On A Budget
If you are trying to plan a wedding on a budget
, your head is probably exploding at the amount of costs that come out of nowhere. Your catering doesn't have to be this way, if you are smart about the foods you choose, and the little corners you cut.
If you choose to have a wedding during the peak season (May to October), you will find yourself scrambling to even find a caterer, let alone snag one who is affordable. To cater a wedding on a budget, you will need to get creative about the when and where.
Consider holding your event during the winter instead of the summer, or on a Thursday instead of a Saturday. Go for brunch instead of dinner, or a picnic lunch instead of a hotel reception.
Keep an eye out for new caterers or venues who are trying to break into the industry and ask about potential discounts. Keep in mind, however, that choosing a new caterer or venue has its pitfalls and may not be worth the savings.
Now matter when you decide to hold your wedding, to cater a wedding on a budget you'll need to keep your food simple. Slash costs immediately by limiting your dinner selections to only chicken or vegetarian options.
Skip fancy appetizers like French onion soup and sashimi and forgo any desserts other than your wedding cake. Don't go with a buffet unless you've already established that your caterer will be pricing you per head and not on consumption.
If you're really strapped for cash, throw a dessert reception that includes candy, cookies, and cake, all of which can be provided at low cost by a local bakery. Next to food, alcohol may very well become your sworn enemy when attempting to cater a wedding on a budget.
Immediately eliminate the open bar option and toss the idea of having wine served with dinner. If you feel you must have alcohol at your event, consider choosing a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcoholic beverages.
Another low-cost option is choosing to have a beer and wine bar that is only open prior to dinner and during the dancing hours. Always close the bar one hour prior to the end of your wedding to cut extra costs and ensure that your guests will leave your party without being too intoxicated.
If you haven't hired a wedding planner, consider doing so. This might sound counter-intuitive, but you may actually find yourself saving serious cash by working the connection of a well-regarded wedding professional.
Most planners have relationships with caterers who offer discounts in exchange for referrals. For a nominal fee, your planner may be able to set you up with a caterer at a highly discounted rate that you wouldn't be able to get on your own.
Unless you're a fan of Russian Roulette, make sure you choose a caterer that has plenty of experience dealing with brides, grooms, and all things wedding. Ask your potential catering companies to share client references, testimonials, and thank you's from brides and grooms who were left more than satisfied.
Also, inquire about difficult situations that the company has encountered and push the caterer to explain how those tough situations resulted in positive outcomes. Resourcefulness is a key characteristic of all good wedding caterers, so make sure your top choice knows how to deal with the stickiest of situations.
You'd be surprised by how many people fail to ask potential caterers about how guests will be served at their wedding. Ask about the server to guest ratio for both plated and buffet dinners, making sure to inquire about the extra costs involved with white glove service.
Also, find out the company's cleanup policy and per-course timing. You'll want a company that is flexible and willing to serve your appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts on your schedule.
Keep in mind that most caterers have handled more than their fair share of weddings and may have great suggestions as to the timing of specific courses and toasts. If applicable, find out if your food will be cooked on-site or off-site.
Believe it or not, some caterers will conveniently "forget" to disclose the fact that the food will be pre-cooked several hours before your actual event. While this is sometimes a necessity with out-of-the-way locations like the beach or the mountains, make sure you understand the exact order of events to ensure that the food service you think you are paying for is what you'll actually get.
With this in mind, and with a set budget, you can ensure that your event will be exactly what you want, for a price you can live with. Keep this in mind planning your event.
by: Jack Landry
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