Whether you are looking for a wedding caterer, or just want to save some money on your next dinner, there are some things you can do to make sure you are getting the best service without spending too much. Here are three simple tips you can use to help you get the food you want at a price you can afford.
Book Early
Choosing a caterer is one of the biggest expenses a couple can incur when planning a wedding. Many couples are looking to save money on their catering. This does not mean they should cut corners when it comes to quality. However, if they are not willing to compromise, there are a few ways to save some money.
The first thing a couple should do is look at their wedding budget. Once they have a total cost, they can better determine what food and drink items to include. You can also compare prices from different caterers.
It’s also important to keep in mind that different caterers have different pricing models. Some charge a set monetary amount and others charge a per-person cost. Some may even require a minimum number of guests.
Another way to cut costs is to use prepared meals from your local grocery store. These are easy to prepare for large groups.
Select A Fixed Menu
Choosing a fixed menu for wedding catering is one of the most affordable ways to plan your big day. This option ensures that your guests will not have to wait for hours to get their dinner.
The food is also more likely to be more balanced than a la carte options. This can help save money on catering as well as reduce food waste.
Aside from a fixed menu, another way to save money on wedding catering is to choose a caterer that offers an all-inclusive menu. This will ensure that your meals, service, and taxes are included. This will also allow you to have more flexibility with your menu choices.
The cost of wedding catering can vary, so make sure you compare prices and services from several different caterers. You should also ask about additional fees such as set-up, delivery, and corkage.
If you are planning a small, intimate wedding, it might be a good idea to serve family-style dishes instead of a buffet. This will give your guests a variety of foods that will be easy to prepare and serve.
Have A Sit-Down Dinner
Choosing to have a sit-down dinner instead of a buffet can save you a lot of money on wedding catering. This option also allows you to focus on one main course, which is usually the best way to keep the catering bill low.
When deciding whether to serve a buffet or a sit-down dinner, you should consider the number of guests. Larger guest counts can mean a higher food cost, but there are ways to cut costs.
Guests will typically drink less wine if you serve at the table. Another option is to provide an alternate drop, which means you don’t need to serve guests their wine at the end of the meal.
Using local ingredients can help reduce the overall cost of your wedding. Bringing in your own snacks is a great idea, as is utilizing biodegradable materials.
Having a sit-down dinner is easier to budget than a buffet, but you may have to pay extra for corkage and set-up fees. If you don’t have the funds to cover these expenses, you may want to choose a buffet style of catering.
Have A Food Truck
Having a food truck for your wedding may seem like a crazy idea, but it’s a great option if you’re on a budget. This is because food trucks are generally much less expensive than traditional caterers.
In addition to the cost savings, a food truck can give you a unique experience. They’re often designed for outdoor weddings, and can provide delicious and creative foods. They’re also a popular option for those who love to eat.
Another way to save money on food is to serve appetizers instead of a full dinner. This can save you money on rental equipment and on catering expenses. Choosing a smaller guest list can help you keep your catering costs under control.
Another way to save money is to use a cash bar. This is a controversial choice, but it’s the cheapest. You can serve a few drinks, including fresh fruit and chips, along with a charcuterie board.