How to Save Money on Food for Your Wedding

When it comes to a wedding one of the most expensive parts of it is the food. This is particularly true if you are hiring a caterer. When you sit down to create a wedding budget, you will be spending most of it on the food per person. This money can quickly add up beyond your wildest dreams. Of course, it doesn’t have to. It seems as if weddings are just a cause for much feasting and merriment, and that requires a great deal of food.

 One of the most expensive parts of a wedding is the food served at the reception.  This is particularly true if the bride and groom want to serve their guests food that is theme based or that is on the more extravagant side.  This can include foods such as fancy appetizers, sushi, tapas, or gourmet meals.  The bride and groom that are on a tight budget will want to avoid fancy foods and stick with a menu that is more within their means.

 There are many things that you can do to help cut the cost of your wedding food. Let’s look at some of them:

1. Be careful on how many hors d'oeuvres you order if ordering from a caterer. You don’t need eight different types. If you must serve appetizers offer cheese and crackers or mini items.
2. When you are choosing your menu, be careful to only get what is really needed. Do not binge on a five course meal if you can’t afford it. Know what your per person budget is and stick to it no matter what.
3. Have your friends and family prepare appetizers, side dishes, bread, and meals and salad. 
4. If you're trying to keep costs low, stay away from certain foods that are very expensive such as shrimp, salmon, lobster and beef tenderloin. If you have your heart set on one of these dishes only serve them as appetizers and not the main course.
5. Instead of a full meal, serve only hors d'oeuvres. It is easier to dish out and cheaper to provide.
6. Food stations can offer your guests variety and save you money. These can include stations from around the world like pastas (Italy), Mexican foods, etc.
7. Offer a buffet style meal rather than a sit down dinner.
8. Offer lunch instead of dinner because it is much cheaper.
9. You can have barbecue if you are throwing an outside wedding ceremony and reception.
10. Choose a specific theme for your food, because this will make it easier to select your food items.

 Most caterers will charge by the plate, such as $20 per plate.  This means that if you have 100 guests at your reception that you will be paying about $2000 in catering costs.  This can be too much for many couples to afford.  Get estimates from a few caterers and determine which one best fits your budget and the style that you’re looking for. 

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