Affordable Catering

Many people cannot afford a lavish four-course dinner or a full buffet feast for their wedding, so don’t fret if you’re one of them. There are lots of different options out there that will allow you to serve your guests food without having to file for bankruptcy. And remember - even the simplest of foods can appear special when presented with flair.Your guests will expect different types of food depending on the time of your affair, so the most important factor to consider while planning your menu is the time of the day of your reception. Generally, buffets are cheaper than sit-down meals because the caterer has to provide less staff. If you will not be serving a full meal, make sure to indicate that on your invitations. For example, if you’re having a tea reception, add a line saying “Tea reception following ceremony.” But whatever you do, don’t forget to serve beverages and wedding cake.

A tea reception:
A tea reception is inexpensive and should be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tea and coffee is served with a variety of tea sandwiches. The crusts are cut off of these small sandwiches, and tarts, scones, and pastries may be served as well.

A salad luncheon/reception:
A salad luncheon or reception is a wonderful option if your wedding will be held in the late morning. Offer a wide selection of salads, such pasta, potato, and rice salads, coleslaw, fruit salads, and green salads. Provide a few salad dressings, fruits, and breads.

Hors d'oeuvres reception or deli/party trays reception
This type of reception/event is appropriate between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Provide light finger foods such as chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, and crackers, and note on your invitation that “light hors d’oeuvres” will be served. If you would like to serve more substantial foods, you can include meat and cheese trays, shrimp cocktails, oysters, egg rolls, sausages, chicken wings, and tea sandwiches. If you will be serving appetizers with meats, you can write that you will be serving hors d’oeuvres.

Hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception:
This type of reception or party is similar to the one above in regards to time and menus. However, you are serving hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, so make sure your caterer will provide wait staff.

Dessert reception:
This type of reception is suitable between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Serve an extensive assortment of rich desserts such as cheese cakes, tarts, tortes, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, cobblers, biscotti, ice cream, sundaes, and candies. Serve coffee, tea, and other beverages.

A simple cake and punch reception:
You can "let them eat cake" as long as your event is not during a regular mealtime. A simple but elegant cake and punch reception must be planned for the mid-morning, for the mid-afternoon, or after an evening wedding. In addition, you may include some candies, cookies, and nuts to the menu.

More tips:

Location/rental equipment :
Does the site include tables and chairs, or do you have to rent them? Do not forget that you may need to rent tents, linens, and kitchen facilities. You may be able to cut costs by using paper and plastic goods instead of glassware, china plates, cloth napkins, and silverware, but remember that this isn’t very environmentally friendly.

Reception staff/duration:
How long will the reception last? If the event runs over, you may have to pay overtime charges. How long do you have the reception site/facilities for? Does the time of the rental of the site and the reception staff include set-up and clean up? Ask your caterer to start cleaning up while your guests are still there. If you cannot afford staff, consider ordering drop-off food or self-serve buffet food. Or you can have your friends pick up some deli trays or takeout food and set up the food with their assistance.

General Meal Times:
Breakfast 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
High tea/snacks 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dinner/cocktails 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Passed or stationary hors d'oeuvres 8 p.m. and later
Dessert 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.