Should you decide that a caterer is a bit beyond your budget, there are other resources out there. Check to see if there are any culinary institutes in your area. Sometimes they offer a program where students will cater an event for a very low fee. Because their institute’s “good name” is involved, you can expect it will be quality food that you will be pleased to offer your guests.
Another resource is your local supermarket’s deli. Most offer “party trays” as well as entire meals at a price far less expensive than a caterer. Of course, someone will need to pick up the food dishes, but that is not much of an inconvenience when you consider the money you will save.
Everything from cold cuts, cheeses, and relish trays to complete chicken dinners, fish dinners, meatballs, pizza, and sub sandwiches are on most delicatessen menus. Then perhaps hop over to the bakery department and order some fancy dinner rolls like fresh homemade potato rolls, yummy buttery croissants or aromatic toasted onion rolls. Or, you can simply order a variety of fresh from the oven whole wheat, sourdough, rye, and pumpernickel breads.
Don’t forget an obvious resource. If your immediate family members are willing, the reception table can become an impressive, eye-appealing feast! Have each “willing cook” assigned one of their famous dishes to prepare in large quantity. Then you buy those inexpensive large plastic “cut-glass” look bowls to put each delightful dish in. This will take away the feared family potluck look and no one will be the wiser!
You can often find a local chicken and/or fish establishment that will deliver their specialty on large party platters as well. Then you can use your supermarket deli or your family members to supply the side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, three-bean salad, baked beans, Jell-O salad, and perhaps a delicious casserole-type of side dish.
Use your imagination! Whether you decide on a catering service with mouth-watering delicacies or the less expensive comfort food without a caterer at all, your wedding reception will be a great finish to your beautiful marriage ceremony. And remember, a table that appeals to the eye is just as important as one that is appealing to the palate.
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Times may be changing, but providing, setting up a buffet, keeping food refreshed and cleaning up after a party of 100 or so guests is quite a lot of work. On top of that you are suggesting a table that appeals to the eye, a special skill. At the very least , that requires a whole lot of work for friends and family on a day when they should be feted as much as the bride and groom. There are so many things to be concerned about on your wedding day. Do you want to have to worry about your guests being served well at your once in a lifetime celebration?
A seasoned caterer will work with you to find value friendly options, especially in times like these.