Low-Cost Catering- is it Possible?

By Andrea Lemoine

            Planning a wedding is definitely a large expense, especially when it comes to the reception.  Usually, the largest portion of the wedding budget is spent on catering for the reception.  Comprising at least thirty percent of your wedding budget, catering can be the most expensive and difficult of your wedding plans. 

            Believe it or not, there are numerous ways that you can cut down the costs of catering at your wedding reception. Don’t worry, you will not be serving chips and dip, there are several alternatives to big spending when it comes to elegant dining at your wedding reception. 

Have a cocktail reception.  Serve only hors d’oeuvres,  fruit trays, and cheese trays, or even a late night dessert and champagne reception.  Food costs are is much cheaper and still allow an elegant party at one of these receptions.

Have a buffet style dinner.  It is often much cheaper and easier for a caterer to provide foods buffet style because dishes can be made in bulk and require less wait staff, which could get costly.

If having a sit down dinner, cut down on courses.  Instead of five courses, serve three accompanied by passed hors d’oeuvres. 

Try to choose one type of entrée that would be please all guests instead of offering choices. Caterers charge less if they are making larger quantities of the same thing.

Have tables set up with trays of snacks like cheese and crackers, olives, fresh vegetables, and breads.  These cost less than passed hors d’oeuvres, which require a wait staff.

Have a casual, themed reception.  Instead of the traditional wedding fare, have a Mexican fiesta, Italian pasta bar, or even a seaside clambake.  These types of receptions make food preparation easier and cheaper for both you and  your caterer.

Use referrals.  Sometimes a caterer will discount your price if you tell them you were referred to them from a previous customer.

Go with elegant, not expensive foods.  Instead of  seafood and caviar, you can still have elegant appetizers like rumaki, stuffed mushrooms, and mini quiche.

Plan ahead.  Some caterers may give you a better rate if you book within a certain time period prior to your wedding date.

Consider having a brunch buffet.  Preparation of brunch foods is often much more reasonable than that for a sit down dinner, as well as saving on liquor costs.

Opt for  punch, wine and champagne instead of an open bar.  This can drop your catering bill in half. 

Buy your own liquor at a wholesaler.  You might be able to return any unused cases or bottles, and avoid paying a flat rate to your caterer for an open bar. 

Bake cookies and decorate them in your wedding colors.  Place cookies in baskets on each table.  They can serve not only as desserts, but also favors and centerpieces at your reception.

Don’t have desserts other than your wedding cake.  More than likely, you guests will be more than satisfied with cake.