Overseeing the preparations for a wedding is a tiring and tough job unless left in the hands of a wedding planner. Decor, guest list, seating placement and wedding garb are only a few things to take care of. Catering is, of course, undertaken by professional caterers but even so, you still have to make sure you choose a service that’s highly recommended and has experience in handling unexpected surprises.
For most couples, a large chunk of their budget is spent on food. As much as 30 percent is allotted to feeding guests, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. With proper planning, it’s possible to cut that figure down to 20 percent so you have some leftover cash for the honeymoon.
Never DIY
DIY catering is stressful and a lot can go wrong. A casual reception party with only a very small number of guests can be handled yourself but even so, you’ll find yourself exhausted and unable to enjoy your wedding. Professional catering should be the answer for all weddings, even casual ones because you’re likely to save money. Some wedding venues may even require you to purchase insurance, an unnecessary waste when you’re trying to cut costs.
Serve meals wisely
It’s tempting to go for a late afternoon reception meal where people have more free time to attend. However, it can push up catering bills because it’s a lunch-cum-dinner event which means a big meal. Instead, opt for a late morning reception serving cake and cocktails, or a noontime reception with cake, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres or an evening event with dessert and cocktails. If you must serve a meal, make it a luncheon as guests are less likely to eat and drink more. It’s also a great way to put a spin on celebrations without spending a fortune.
Buffet vs plated
Most of us assume that buffet style meals are cheaper. But this isn’t always the case because you need to prepare more food if guests are serving themselves. You also have to hire more wait staff to stand behind the food stations. What you can do if you must have a buffet is to choose inexpensive food with a minimum of carving.
Plated meals are more formal and if your wedding is to be so, it’s the only logical choice. As with buffets, choose foods that aren’t exotic but more homestyle cooked. Presentation is what matters and even inexpensive items like pasta can be made to look gourmet.
Check the ware
If you’re renting cutlery, glassware and crockery from the caterer, ask to see a sample. Reputed caterers have an arsenal of fine dining ware, but it’s your wedding and you may have something specific in mind. Less expensive ware is not necessarily cheap-looking if the caterer takes pains to pick and choose well.
Confirm cost
As with dining ware, sample the menu. The price of a meal usually comes with added charges to cover the cost of staff’s tips, as well as tax. Ask for a breakdown of the rates so you know exactly what you’re spending on and can eliminate needless expense. Vendor meals for the DJ/band, photographer etc may be supplied at a reduced cost. Either way, such costs also have to be borne in mind when tallying the bill.
Pack leftover baskets
A lot of food can go to waste and that’s a shame. Ask the caterer if it’s possible to pack leftovers which can be given to friends and relatives who couldn’t make it to the wedding.
