| Catering a wedding reception is by far the greatest | | | | in order to be elegant. The presentation is important, |
| cost-component of an overall wedding plan. Therefore, | | | | and this is where an excellent caterer will shine. |
| when trying to keep your budget manageable, catering | | | | Consider serving a less expensive entree, such as |
| is an obvious area on which to focus. Remember that | | | | chicken in lieu of filet mignon. Limit the number of |
| budget doesn't have to mean tacky. | | | | choices to two entrees; limit side items to two or three |
| One great way to cut costs is to control the size of | | | | choices. |
| your guest list. You may want to consider making the | | | | Consider catering service other than a traditional |
| reception by invitation only. This will allow you to plan | | | | sit-down arrangement. You can save up to 50% |
| accurately based upon a known total list, since your | | | | simply by choosing a buffet. Think about skipping a |
| guests will R.S.V.P. You don't want to order more food | | | | main meal and offer substantial appetizers instead. |
| than necessary, and likewise you don't want guests to | | | | You can save another 25% over serving a buffet |
| go hungry. | | | | dinner. |
| Scheduling your wedding for an off-peak time can help | | | | Wedding cakes are typically quite expensive when |
| enormously. It will cost less to plan your wedding for | | | | purchased from a wedding caterer. You can save |
| the fall or winter than it will for spring or summer. | | | | hundreds of dollars by purchasing your cake from a |
| Also, schedule the reception for a time of day when | | | | grocery store. With advance notice, you'd be surprised |
| guests will not be expecting a full meal. | | | | at what grocery store bakeries are able to produce. |
| Choose an alternative to an open bar. Buy your own | | | | There are a lot of choices to be made when working |
| alcohol and hire your own bartender. This is the least | | | | with a wedding caterer. By following even just a few |
| expensive way to have an open bar at a wedding. | | | | of the tips here, your choices will save you hundreds |
| Otherwise, consider a cash bar or serve only | | | | and more likely thousands of dollars. Pay attention to |
| champagne, with the cake. | | | | detail upfront, and you will be rewarded with a terrific |
| Keep appetizers simple, and offer a maximum of | | | | wedding reception at a reasonable cost. |
| three types. Hors d'oeuvres need not be extravagant | | | | |