Wedding Catering Ideas

Can I cater my own wedding?

A wedding reception can easily cost a thousand dollars. The cost of a wedding can skyrocket when you factor in renting an expensive venue and feeding a big number of guests. Catering your wedding could be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. There will be challenges, but with careful preparation, you can achieve your dream outcome, just like in a fairy tale. To help you plan the reception food, we've included some guidelines and suggestions below.

Half of the typical expense of a wedding celebration is often allocated to the reception and food. One way to cut costs is to provide the catering yourself. It's still simple to go over budget without proper preparation, therefore a methodical strategy is essential for achievement. When it comes to making menu decisions after that, an open mind and an appreciation for minimalism go a long way. When everything is said and done, putting your strategy into reality will go more smoothly if you solicit support and divide up the work.

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Make an In-Depth Strategy

When it comes to wedding catering, nothing is more crucial than maintaining order. One good place to begin is with the menu. Once you have it nailed down, you can start thinking about and writing down everything you will need to serve the items on your menu. Then, make a note of the tools you'll need to make each dish on the menu. Develop a system of lists, double-check them, and get the aid of a trusted friend or family member to help you prioritise and delegate your responsibilities.

Create a Menu That You Will Enjoy Eating

You can choose from a wide variety of hot, plated meals or cold, buffet-style selections. While it's tempting to let your imagination run wild, keep in mind that you're also responsible for providing all the food. Think about how much money you have, how many people will be there, and what kind of food you want to serve them all. Once you have a plan in place, try out all of your recipes well in advance of the big day to see if any alterations need to be made.

Maintain a Minimum of Complexity in Your Meals

While it would be tempting to go all out with exotic ingredients and complicated meals for such a momentous event, simplicity is preferable when it comes to wedding catering. You should not try anything new today because of the large amount of people you will be serving. If you don't think you can pull it off, don't feel obligated to give a wide variety of appetisers, three main courses, and four different types of sides. It's easier to have success with the food on the day of the event if you've planned a straightforward menu with just a few crowd-pleasing alternatives.

Consider these wedding menu ideas that are easy to make in bulk:

  • Salad garden
  • Pasta
  • Breasts of chicken cooked in the oven
  • Veggies cooked in steam
  • Rice
  • Is there a favourite dish of yours that needs to be scaled up to feed more people? Make your favourite foods suitable for a wedding with the help of our recipe converter.

Do Not Hesitate to Seek Assistance

Keep in mind that you are just one person when organising the wedding catering. A wedding is a major life event, and you will be extremely busy during this time. Your wedding day will be jam-packed with exciting moments, from the first dance through the photo booth. You probably won't be thinking exclusively about food the whole time. Although you should do as much as possible ahead of time, on the day of the event you will need assistance in serving the food to your guests. However, it is possible that close friends and family members are not the greatest people to ask, as they would likely want to join in on the fun as well. Instead, you could enquire amongst your loved ones to see if they know of someone who might be interested in making some extra cash. You may even put up an ad asking if any local high school or university students are interested in working for pay.

Instead of renting equipment, you should invest in your own.

It's possible that the pricing of wedding-related goods and services will seem exorbitant, given the thriving nature of the wedding industry. Due to this, it's not always the best financial decision to rent your serving and dining equipment. However, you may find that it is more cost-effective and convenient to buy wholesale catering items rather than rent them and then return them the day following the wedding. After the wedding is complete, you may either store them away for future use or sell them to the next bride-to-be. You can save money by purchasing your china, silverware, and glassware in bulk online.

You can get monetary savings by purchasing in large quantities.

Buying in bulk will help you keep costs down when it comes to wedding catering. Given the expected increase in the number of diners over a standard supper, you may need to stock up on a greater volume of ingredients than usual. The cost of condiments and seasonings, for example, could quickly accumulate at the supermarket. Additionally, you'll need disposables and plates to serve your meal, but these can quickly add up if you don't shop around for the cheapest price. Purchasing goods in bulk might help you save money, especially if you know you'll need a lot of them.

However, stocking up on bulk ingredients is useful for more than just the meal itself. Candles are readily available and inexpensive, making them ideal for use as table centrepieces. Buying wholesale is typically far more cost-effective than buying at a regular retailer, so creating your own decor could free up more money in your budget.

Sort Out the Nuances

After finalising the menu, trimming the list of ingredients, and securing assistance for the big day, it is time to turn your attention to the operating plan. When planning your wedding catering, keep these points in mind:

  • I was wondering if there was a kitchen at your site.
  • Do you have access to a fridge at your venue?
  • How will you get everything, including food and supplies, to and from the event location?
  • When do you plan on making dinner?
  • Is there a minimum safe holding temperature for food storage?
  • I assume you have some plan for maintaining the appropriate temperature of the food.
  • When will you start the chafing dishes, if you plan on utilising them?
  • Is there a match or lighter you can use to ignite the chafer fuel?
  • Have any dishes or silverware for serving?
  • Once the ceremony has begun, who will be responsible for preparing the food?
  • While you're mingling with your guests, who will clean up the dishes?
  • Where will we put the dirty dishes after we finish eating?

You should jot down any concerns that crop up as you're making plans. Don't leave yourself scrambling on the wedding day because you didn't have your questions answered in advance.

Establish a Timeline for the Occurrence

Setup and cleaning times should be scheduled after you've rounded up your helpers and worked out the details. Inform your helpers of the times they should arrive and begin packing. Make sure everyone is aware of any time limits that may apply to your use of the venue. Set aside times to start preparing, serve, and clear the food for a buffet. Plan for drink time and dessert as well.

Take into consideration the following suggestions. However, you should keep in mind that you will need someone to serve the meal, dish it out, and clear it away, so you will likely have to pay for some help — at the very least, the washer-uppers, as you most likely do not want to be doing that on your wedding day!

Celebration of the bride and groom with tea on the wedding day

You don't have to serve up a large meal on your wedding day to your guests.

If your wedding is at 2:00 in the afternoon, you can easily throw together a fancy afternoon tea for your guests. In a marquee adorned with bunting, afternoon tea may make for a stunning display. And don't worry, you can still drink champagne and toasts to the bride and groom in the customary manner.

From delicate bone china teacups and saucers to sturdy cake stands, it is all available for rent. A wedding with less than 50 guests would benefit most from an afternoon tea, so you'll need to assign tasks and keep track of guest counts. Finger sandwiches are a great place to begin; imagine traditional fillings like egg and cress or smoked salmon, or even your own creations. Now that we've reached the sweets, have a cousin or friend who enjoys baking whip up some scones to serve with whipped cream and strawberry jam. When it comes to dessert, feel free to serve whatever strikes your fancy. Have your own do-it-yourself dessert table by asking visitors to bring their favourite desserts to share.

Homemade wedding reception buffet

If you're planning a rustic wedding, this is the ideal method to handle the food. Again, count your diners and prepare accordingly. As an example, you could serve leftover roasted poultry, turkey, or fish that has been in the fridge for a while cold. Then, while visitors are making their selections, someone should start cutting up the food. Ask your culinary-minded pals to bring a salad or two to share.

Delicious apple pie topped with whipped cream, chocolate mousse, and in-season fruit like strawberries and raspberries are all viable options for dessert.

If you're going to do this, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare everything, from the meats being prepared the day before and kept properly to the salads arriving chilled but not soggy.

In honour of the newlyweds, a BBQ

Everyone loves a barbecue so if you're planning a summer wedding, why not have some outdoor grilling? If you're planning on using a gas grill, fill up the tanks ahead of time and assign cooks before you start. A better option if you don't expect more than 80 guests. Plan the kind of meat you'll serve, set out a buffet of handmade salads, and don't forget the desserts!

Having a hog roast is a great alternative to a barbeque if you like the idea of a cookout but aren't comfortable allowing someone else to prepare the food for you. While some services will provide salads and other side dishes, you can save money by preparing them yourself.

Fish and chips and ice cream trucks for the DIY wedding reception

If you'd like to buy in some food but still want a bit of a DIY approach, then you could hire a specialist fish and chip van to arrive at your wedding reception with an ice cream van for dessert.

If you're getting married late in the day – then you can have the wedding speeches, toasts, and drinks right after the ceremony, and then on to the party proper. Dancers who work up an appetite can enjoy the presence of food trucks serving fish and chips, ice cream, and other treats. If you don't want your guests waiting around in the cold, this is a great option for a wedding in the warmer months, like the summer or early fall. This is helpful if you want to stagger the meals because not everyone likes to eat at the same time.

As long as it tastes good and looks good, your guests won't object if you prepare the wedding meal yourself. However, unless you are a trained chef, you shouldn't try too hard and should instead focus on keeping things as straightforward as possible.

Maintain a Clean and Safe Kitchen

Mishandled food causes illness in thousands of individuals annually. Be careful that your wedding reception doesn't add to that number. On the big day, remind your helpers how to properly handle food and have a food thermometer (or two) handy to ensure that everything is served at the right temperature. Wearing gloves and using the right sanitising chemicals during food preparation and cleanup are essential for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. Now is not the time to skimp on food safety measures; instead, prepare a plan for how the food will be handled in advance and share that plan with anyone who will be involved.

Create a Strategy for Your Leftovers

There will likely be leftovers regardless of how well you estimate your food needs for the big day. You might provide them with takeout containers so they can take leftovers home with them. Alternatively, you may arrange to give the food out after the party. In addition to packing up all of the food, you'll also need a strategy for removing any cooking appliances, serving utensils, or tableware. Make sure to give these responsibilities to a trusted friend or family member if you plan on leaving for your honeymoon straight after the ceremony.

Mobile restaurants, or food trucks,

It's hard to find someone who doesn't appreciate having a choice. Hire several food trucks to serve a wide range of cuisines to your guests at your wedding. Tacos, biscuits, gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, sliders, fried chicken, gyros, gourmet grilled cheese, and even ice cream are just a few of the options available when you hire a food truck for your wedding. Your visitors will love the flexibility and fun of ordering from their prefered food truck. The use of mobile kitchens can help you save money and provide a novel and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Hire a Pro When All Else Fails

If reading this makes you feel overwhelmed, it may be time to bring in the pros. Here are some suggestions for choosing a caterer for your wedding:

  • It's a good idea to look out local caterers online or to ask the event space if they know of any good options.
  • Locate the per-plate cost information. The caterer might even provide packages at a set price depending on how many people they'll be serving.
  • Be aware that, based on market prices and availability of ingredients, the final cost may vary from the caterer's first estimate.
  • Always enquire about a sample before purchasing. If you're going to spend money on a caterer, you might as well enjoy their meal.

Remember: preparing and serving your food is only part of what needs to be done. Keep in mind that there will be plenty of work left to do once the reception ends. By this time, you may have already left for your honeymoon, so it's important to find reliable individuals to look after your home and pets while you're away. The following are examples of possible duties:

  • Clear out your space and take out your items.
  • Donating, storing, or discarding uneaten meals.
  • All rented items must be returned.

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Planning and carrying out your wedding's catering can feel like a Herculean effort, but you can do it! When you get a head start on the food preparation, it becomes just another item on your wedding to-do list. A meal is a good place to start, followed by gathering people to help and necessary items, and then organising the big day itself. This article will help you plan and prepare for your wedding's catering if that's something you're contemplating.

Conclusion

Catering your wedding could be a great way to save money and add a personal touch. Half of the typical wedding celebration is often allocated to the reception and food. To help you plan the reception food, we've put together some guidelines and suggestions below. It would be tempting to go all out with exotic ingredients and complicated meals for a wedding. Simplicity is preferable when it comes to wedding catering, so choose easy-to-make options.

On the day of the event you will need assistance in serving the food to your guests. Buying in bulk will help you keep costs down when it comes to wedding catering. You can save money by purchasing your china, silverware, and glassware in bulk online. Candles are readily available and inexpensive, making them ideal for table centrepieces. Establish a Timeline for the Occurrence.

Set aside times to start preparing, serve, and clear the food for a buffet. If your wedding is at 2:00 in the afternoon, you can easily throw together a fancy afternoon tea for your guests. In a marquee adorned with bunting, afternoon tea may make for a stunning display. A wedding with less than 50 guests would benefit most from an afternoon tea, so you'll need to assign tasks and keep track of guest counts. Have a do-it-yourself dessert table by asking visitors to bring their favourite desserts to share.

If you're planning a BBQ, fill up the tanks ahead of time and assign cooks before you start. If you're getting married later in the day – then you can have the wedding speeches, toasts, and drinks right after the ceremony, and then on to the party proper. Mobile restaurants, or food trucks, are a great option for a summer or early fall wedding. Use food trucks to serve a wide range of cuisines to your guests at your wedding. Tacos, biscuits, hamburgers, sliders, fried chicken, gyros, gourmet grilled cheese, and ice cream are just some of the options available when you hire a food truck.

Content Summary

  1. A wedding reception can easily cost a thousand dollars.
  2. Catering your wedding could be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day.
  3. To help you plan the reception food, we've included some guidelines and suggestions below.
  4. Half of the typical expense of a wedding celebration is often allocated to the reception and food.
  5. One way to cut costs is to provide the catering yourself.
  6. It's still simple to go over budget without proper preparation, therefore a methodical strategy is essential for achievement.
  7. Make an In-Depth StrategyWhen it comes to wedding catering, nothing is more crucial than maintaining order.
  8. One good place to begin is with the menu.
  9. Once you have it nailed down, you can start thinking about and writing down everything you will need to serve the items on your menu.
  10. Then, make a note of the tools you'll need to make each dish on the menu.
  11. Create a Menu That You Will Enjoy EatingYou can choose from a wide variety of hot, plated meals or cold, buffet-style selections.
  12. While it's tempting to let your imagination run wild, keep in mind that you're also responsible for providing all the food.
  13. Once you have a plan in place, try out all of your recipes well in advance of the big day to see if any alterations need to be made.
  14. Maintain a Minimum of Complexity in Your Meals
  15. While it would be tempting to go all out with exotic ingredients and complicated meals for such a momentous event, simplicity is preferable when it comes to wedding catering.
  16. You should not try anything new today because of the large amount of people you will be serving.
  17. It's easier to have success with the food on the day of the event if you've planned a straightforward menu with just a few crowd-pleasing alternatives.
  18. Consider these wedding menu ideas that are easy to make in bulk:Salad garden Pasta Breasts of chicken cooked in the oven Veggies cooked in steam Rice Is there a favourite dish of yours that needs to be scaled up to feed more people?
  19. Make your favourite foods suitable for a wedding with the help of our recipe converter.
  20. Do Not Hesitate to Seek AssistanceKeep in mind that you are just one person when organising the wedding catering.
  21. You probably won't be thinking exclusively about food the whole time.
  22. Although you should do as much as possible ahead of time, on the day of the event you will need assistance in serving the food to your guests.
  23. However, it is possible that close friends and family members are not the greatest people to ask, as they would likely want to join in on the fun as well.
  24. Instead, you could enquire amongst your loved ones to see if they know of someone who might be interested in making some extra cash.
  25. You may even put up an ad asking if any local high school or university students are interested in working for pay.
  26. Instead of renting equipment, you should invest in your own.
  27. Due to this, it's not always the best financial decision to rent your serving and dining equipment.
  28. However, you may find that it is more cost-effective and convenient to buy wholesale catering items rather than rent them and then return them the day following the wedding.
  29. You can save money by purchasing your china, silverware, and glassware in bulk online.
  30. Buying in bulk will help you keep costs down when it comes to wedding catering.
  31. Purchasing goods in bulk might help you save money, especially if you know you'll need a lot of them.
  32. However, stocking up on bulk ingredients is useful for more than just the meal itself.
  33. Buying wholesale is typically far more cost-effective than buying at a regular retailer, so creating your own decor could free up more money in your budget.
  34. Sort Out the NuancesAfter finalising the menu, trimming the list of ingredients, and securing assistance for the big day, it is time to turn your attention to the operating plan.
  35. When planning your wedding catering, keep these points in mind:
  36. I was wondering if there was a kitchen at your site.
  37. Do you have access to a fridge at your venue?
  38. How will you get everything, including food and supplies, to and from the event location?
  39. When do you plan on making dinner?
  40. I assume you have some plan for maintaining the appropriate temperature of the food.
  41. Is there a match or lighter you can use to ignite the chafer fuel?
  42. Have any dishes or silverware for serving?
  43. Once the ceremony has begun, who will be responsible for preparing the food?
  44. While you're mingling with your guests, who will clean up the dishes?
  45. Don't leave yourself scrambling on the wedding day because you didn't have your questions answered in advance.
  46. Establish a Timeline for the OccurrenceSetup and cleaning times should be scheduled after you've rounded up your helpers and worked out the details.
  47. Inform your helpers of the times they should arrive and begin packing.
  48. Make sure everyone is aware of any time limits that may apply to your use of the venue.
  49. Set aside times to start preparing, serve, and clear the food for a buffet.
  50. Plan for drink time and dessert as well.
  51. However, you should keep in mind that you will need someone to serve the meal, dish it out, and clear it away, so you will likely have to pay for some help — at the very least, the washer-uppers, as you most likely do not want to be doing that on your wedding day!Celebration of the bride and groom with tea on the wedding dayYou don't have to serve up a large meal on your wedding day to your guests.
  52. If your wedding is at 2:00 in the afternoon, you can easily throw together a fancy afternoon tea for your guests.
  53. A wedding with less than 50 guests would benefit most from an afternoon tea, so you'll need to assign tasks and keep track of guest counts.
  54. When it comes to dessert, feel free to serve whatever strikes your fancy.
  55. Have your own do-it-yourself dessert table by asking visitors to bring their favourite desserts to share.
  56. Homemade wedding reception buffetIf you're planning a rustic wedding, this is the ideal method to handle the food.
  57. Again, count your diners and prepare accordingly.
  58. Then, while visitors are making their selections, someone should start cutting up the food.
  59. Ask your culinary-minded pals to bring a salad or two to share.
  60. If you're going to do this, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare everything, from the meats being prepared the day before and kept properly to the salads arriving chilled but not soggy.
  61. In honour of the newlyweds, a BBQEveryone loves a barbecue so if you're planning a summer wedding, why not have some outdoor grilling?
  62. Plan the kind of meat you'll serve, set out a buffet of handmade salads, and don't forget the desserts!Having a hog roast is a great alternative to a barbeque if you like the idea of a cookout but aren't comfortable allowing someone else to prepare the food for you.
  63. If you'd like to buy in some food but still want a bit of a DIY approach, then you could hire a specialist fish and chip van to arrive at your wedding reception with an ice cream van for dessert.
  64. If you're getting married late in the day – then you can have the wedding speeches, toasts, and drinks right after the ceremony, and then on to the party proper.
  65. Dancers who work up an appetite can enjoy the presence of food trucks serving fish and chips, ice cream, and other treats.
  66. As long as it tastes good and looks good, your guests won't object if you prepare the wedding meal yourself.
  67. Now is not the time to skimp on food safety measures; instead, prepare a plan for how the food will be handled in advance and share that plan with anyone who will be involved.
  68. Create a Strategy for Your LeftoversThere will likely be leftovers regardless of how well you estimate your food needs for the big day.
  69. Alternatively, you may arrange to give the food out after the party.
  70. In addition to packing up all of the food, you'll also need a strategy for removing any cooking appliances, serving utensils, or tableware.
  71. Make sure to give these responsibilities to a trusted friend or family member if you plan on leaving for your honeymoon straight after the ceremony.
  72. Hire several food trucks to serve a wide range of cuisines to your guests at your wedding.
  73. Tacos, biscuits, gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, sliders, fried chicken, gyros, gourmet grilled cheese, and even ice cream are just a few of the options available when you hire a food truck for your wedding.
  74. Your visitors will love the flexibility and fun of ordering from their prefered food truck.
  75. Hire a Pro When All Else FailsIf reading this makes you feel overwhelmed, it may be time to bring in the pros.
  76. Here are some suggestions for choosing a caterer for your wedding:It's a good idea to look out local caterers online or to ask the event space if they know of any good options.
  77. If you're going to spend money on a caterer, you might as well enjoy their meal.
  78. Remember: preparing and serving your food is only part of what needs to be done.
  79. Keep in mind that there will be plenty of work left to do once the reception ends.
  80. By this time, you may have already left for your honeymoon, so it's important to find reliable individuals to look after your home and pets while you're away.
  81. Planning and carrying out your wedding's catering can feel like a Herculean effort, but you can do it!
  82. When you get a head start on the food preparation, it becomes just another item on your wedding to-do list.

FAQs About Wedding Catering

Most couples spend between $1,800 and $7,000 on catering. Most caterers will include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as part of their packages. The average cost per person for a wedding in the United States is $40 for a plated meal and $27 for a buffet. Adding an open bar typically ups the cost by $15 per person.

New South Wales couples are willing to fork out the most for their floral arrangements, sitting at an average of $1,710 for their wedding flowers. Western Australian and South Australian couples are willing to pay a similar amount – $1,465 and $1,420 respectively. ~ EasyWeddings

Arranging a set menu is the most affordable option. Set menus are often inexpensive choices, like barbecue, pizza, tacos, falafels or kebabs. A set menu will also help you avoid long lineups. If each guest has to order, then wait while their food is made, the lineup will be terrible.

DIY Wedding Food Ideas
  1. Set up food stations for your guests.
  2. Cook or order food for a buffet.
  3. Order meals from a restaurant.
  4. Set up a no-cook buffet with salads and sandwiches.
  5. Plan a simple reception without a full meal.
  6. Serve only easy to prepare appetizers.
  7. Serve only make ahead desserts and cakes.

Catering is important as a large part of any event or party revolves around food. The food you present to your guests can either make or break your event, hence investing in a catering company is the best way out.

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