Food is a huge expense in most wedding budgets. For an upscale wedding, the average cost per plate of food is approx $26 - $36. Multiply that by the number of guests and you're looking at a hefty bill. Here are some easy ways to save money on your catering costs.
Determine whether you can use your own caterer vs. the wedding venue's catering staff. Some wedding venues require you to use their catering staff for your reception. Other wedding venues will let you bring in your own caterer. Hiring your own caterer can often save you lots of money, however many wedding venues offer affordable meal plans too. Be sure to compare prices to get the best deal. Make sure you ask about the venue's catering policy before you sign a contract.
Don't serve a full meal. This is the biggest cost saver, whether you are using a caterer or planning the food yourself, is to not serve a full meal. Most wedding guests expect a full meal for an evening wedding, but if the wedding and reception are held earlier in the day, guests may not expect a full plated dinner. An afternoon "cocktail party and dessert" reception will save you thousands of dollars when compared with an elaborate dinner.
Buffet catering style instead of plated meals. A plated meal is a very classy way of serving your guests at the wedding however if your wedding has a more casual vibe, consider serving your guests buffet style. Many times you can order the same food from the plated menu, but since your guests are plating themselves you'll save a bundle of cash.
Avoid the open bar. Alcohol is expensive and an open bar can break the bank. Usually your guests will expect drinks. Instead of an open bar, consider serving wine at each table, or just serve beer and wine instead of a full bar. Another option is to provide your own alcohol and mixers. Some venues won't allow this, but if it is allowed, you will save hundreds of dollars. It is always less expensive to purchase and serve the drinks yourself than to pay a caterer or bartender to do so.
Choose inexpensive options. Meat is another cost that can add up quickly. By choosing less expensive meats like chicken instead of steak, you can dramatically lower your food costs. Another option is to choose a course that has meat but doesn't use a "choice cut" of meat. Serving prime rib will be less expensive than filet mignon.
Use a bakery sheet cake instead of a fancy wedding cake. An easy place to save money on your wedding is on the wedding cake. Bakers and caterers often charge anywhere from $2-6 per slice to make and/or serve the wedding cake. Instead you can purchase a delicious sheet cake at a bakery and then have your catering staff cut and serve it at the reception. You'll end up paying about $1 per slice. Be sure to ask the caterer what they will charge to cut and serve the cake.
If you have a lot of friends and family willing to help, you might consider making your own food for your reception. You can save several thousand dollars by doing so. This option is more realistic for a home-based wedding than one held at a traditional wedding venue.
Orange Blossom Catering Florida is pure Professional Catering Service Provider. We are famous Tampa Caterers for Party Catering, Wedding Catering or Business Catering Services.
