5 Tips On Saving On Reception Catering

5 Tips On Saving On Wedding Reception Catering

Your catering bill will likely be the largest expense you will incur for your wedding. Naturally, you'll want to do all you can to save as much as possible in this area without negatively impacting your guests experience. Here are my top five tips on saving money on your reception catering bill.

1. Hold your reception at a venue where you can bring in an outside caterer

If you are able to bring in an outside caterer, you'll not only save money, but most of the time, they will provide higher quality food and beverage service than most hotels and other wedding sites. The reason for this is simple - overhead. Another big area of savings is in the area of liquor. Many outside caterers will let you buy liquor at wholesale prices. They will often provide rentals at their cost. This all equates to providing more food for your dollar. On top of all this, most outside caterers won't nickel and dime you every time you turn around.

2. Hold your reception in mid afternoon

You'll save a bundle if you hold your reception at one or two in the afternoon. Why? Your guests will have already eaten lunch and won't be expecting a big 6 course, sit down meal.

3. Consider a wedding brunch or luncheon

More than likely, you've been to a restaurant where you've noticed that the exact same menu at lunch is less expensive than the dinner menu. The same holds true for wedding receptions. Brunch or lunch is normally less expensive because the food and beverage costs are less than what's served at dinner. Food portions are indeed smaller and alcohol consumption is much less as well.

4. Have a dessert reception

Consider skipping all the expensive courses and go with a dessert only reception. This can be pulled off nicely in the mid afternoon or after 8PM. You could go with fresh fruits, torts, cheesecakes, an ice cream bar and perhaps favorite desert recipes that relatives provide. Of course this will all be in addition to your wedding cake. You'll want to not on your invitation's reception card that you'll be holding a dessert reception immediately following the wedding ceremony so that your guests won't expect a full meal. You'll be amazed at how much money you'll be able to save with a dessert reception!

5. Avoid budget busting items

There are some foods that will absolutely blow your budget out of the water. Two common examples of these foods are shrimp and beef tenderloin. Chicken on the other hand, is very affordable. If you are set on having shrimp at your reception, but don't want to pay the big dough for it, consider having a shrimp salad or shrimp toast. Another tip for keeping the cost down - serve fruits and veggies that are in season. Want another budget buster? Chocolate covered strawberries in December.

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Becky McLaurin began writing about weddings on a budget when she had difficulties discovering high quality, reasonably priced suppliers for her wedding a number of years ago. She also operates a variety of informative web sites on an array of matters. You can check out her newest website here: Yanmar Tractor Parts which features a wide range of Yanmar Tractor Parts

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