If it's a budget wedding, cutting catering costs can be tempting. If you organize your wedding reception yourself you can save at least half. But the idea is only feasible in case the event you are planning is not large in size. The bride-to-be, her family and friends can take care of the appetizers and drinks. Setting up elaborate dinners with an extensive list of dishes and guests can load the bride with stress and fatigue. This is why it is always better to rely on professionals. However, in case you want to undertake the organization of your catering, read our advice and find out how to do it.
Steps
Step 1. Get specialized wedding magazines and search websites for tips to collect in the months leading up to the wedding
You can find ideas on DIY decorations and centerpieces
Step 2. Analyze the guest list and try to figure out who will really be present at the wedding
Usually 20% of the guests do not show up
Step 3. Calculate what budget you can use for lunch / refreshments
- Most couples reserve 35 to 50% of their budget for catering
- Separate from the total amount the sum of all the things you absolutely do not want to do without on your wedding day. Organize the reception with the remaining sum.
Step 4. Decide on the menu
- The dishes, during a wedding, can be both simple and elaborate, the choice is yours. This depends on your budget and your preferences.
- Organizing a refreshment with finger food and appetizers can cost you less than a real lunch.
Step 5. Make a list that divides everything that can be prepared in advance, frozen or kept in the fridge, from what needs to be prepared at the moment or just before the wedding
Ask your friends and family to view the list. Assign volunteers dishes to cook or tasks to do
Step 6. Find the cheapest way to buy food
- Look for discount coupons, or special promotions in progress.
- Buy large volume groceries, bags, large jars etc. rather than single packs.
Step 7. Let someone else take care of the more difficult aspects of the organization
Order the wedding cake from the bakery and don't try to make it yourself
Step 8. Visit the hall where the reception will take place
- Get an idea of where you can keep food before refreshments / lunch and think about how it will be served.
- Find out if the dining room offers dishes and dishes, or if you want to get them yourself.
- The tools you have at your disposal will greatly influence how you prepare and serve food.
Step 9. Prepare everything you can in advance
If you manage to complete everything in the weeks leading up to the wedding under date, you will accumulate less stress
Step 10. Try to have the room available on the eve of the wedding
- If possible, finish setting up the decorations the day before.
- If there are refrigerators available, bring the food to the chosen location on the eve of the wedding.
- Finish everything early and try to keep your mind clear of commitments on your wedding day, at which point you just have to relax.
Step 11. Count on someone to clean the room after the reception is over
- It is unthinkable that you will stay there cleaning up on your wedding night.
- Look for a cleaning company or find volunteers with family or friends.
Advice
- Send thank-you notes to anyone who has offered to help you organize your reception.
- Keep an eye on how things go. Ask family members and friends who have offered to help you how the preparation is progressing.
