Deborah Chan
Wedding catering is one of the biggest expenses in most wedding budgets, second only to the venue. The average cost of wedding catering for 80-90 guests is £5,395. Couples must consider food, beverages, waitstaff, rentals, and gratuities when budgeting for catering. To save money, couples can choose a venue that allows outside catering, reduce their guest list, opt for a buffet instead of a plated dinner, choose in-season dishes, and avoid passed appetisers. They can also hire students from culinary schools, rent a food truck, or choose a less expensive wedding cake option. Ultimately, the decision to cater independently or choose a wedding package depends on various factors, including guest count, venue, and budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catering costs | Dependent on the number of guests, type of food, and service style |
| Wedding package costs | Typically includes venue, food, and drinks; can be more affordable but may have hidden costs |
| Saving on catering | Choose a cheaper venue, limit guest numbers, opt for a buffet, choose in-season foods, and avoid passed appetizers |
| Saving on packages | Compare prices, negotiate, choose an off-peak date, and opt for a limited bar instead of an open bar |
| Guest experience | Good food is memorable and enhances the experience, but other factors like music and decor are also important |
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What You'll Learn
Buffet vs. plated meals
Wedding catering is one of the biggest expenses in most wedding budgets, second only to the cost of a wedding venue. The average cost of wedding catering for 80–90 guests is £5,395.
One way to save money on wedding food is by cutting the number of guests. If you're willing to make some adjustments to your invite list, this makes a significant difference in your catering bill.
Another way to save money is to choose a wedding venue that allows outside catering. This provides the opportunity to research other caterers and find one that fits your budget.
When it comes to plated vs. buffet meals, there are pros and cons to both options, and the cost varies depending on the type of food served.
Plated meals are more formal and are served at the same time, whereas buffets allow guests to choose their food and how much they want. Plated meals are usually a fixed cost per meal, whereas buffets require caterers to account for guests coming back for seconds.
Buffets typically require fewer staff members and are ideal for weddings with over 250 guests. However, plated meals are more aesthetically pleasing and can be a more efficient use of food.
Ultimately, the only reliable way to determine which option is cheaper for your specific situation is to get quotes from caterers.
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In-house vs. external caterers
When it comes to wedding catering, you have two main options: in-house catering provided by your venue, or external catering, where you hire a third-party caterer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget.
In-house catering is often more convenient as the venue provides the catering service, including their own chef and staff. This option ensures seamless coordination since the in-house team is familiar with the venue, equipment, and staff. It can also be more cost-effective, especially with all-inclusive packages, and may offer more flexibility with menu adjustments closer to the wedding day. However, the quality of food and service may vary, and you might be restricted to a set menu. Additionally, some venues have catering minimums based on guest count, which can be costly if your guest count is lower.
On the other hand, external catering allows you to choose any caterer you want, providing greater flexibility in terms of location, culinary styles, and specialties. You can select a caterer that suits your specific budget and work with them to create a personalized menu. External caterers often bring unique flavours and presentations that enhance the wedding experience. However, hiring an external caterer requires more research and coordination, and there may be additional costs for servers, dishwashing, and other services that are typically included with in-house catering.
To save money, consider choosing a venue that allows external catering, as this provides an opportunity to find a caterer that fits your budget. Trimming down your guest list and choosing seasonal dishes can also significantly reduce catering costs. Additionally, opting for a buffet-style service and avoiding passed appetizers can lower both food and service expenses.
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Trimming the guest list
Firstly, it's important to remember that you don't have to invite everyone. Weddings are expensive, and it's unlikely that you'll be able to accommodate all of your friends and family members. Be ruthless and ask yourself: "Would I buy this person a $200 dinner?". Another way to think about it is to consider whether you know the guest well enough to call them by their first and last name. If not, they might not need to be on the list.
Next, categorise your guests into two or three tiers of priority. Tier 1 is for people you absolutely must have at the wedding: family, best friends, and the bridal party. Tier 2 is for people you'd like to have, but who you could do without. Tier 3 is for people you're inviting out of duty, such as colleagues or parents' friends. You can send out the Tier 1 invitations first, so that if anyone declines, you can invite people from Tier 2 without it becoming awkward.
Another way to trim the guest list is to limit plus-ones. You don't need to invite dates for unmarried guests. However, if a guest is in a long-term relationship, it's polite to invite their partner. If they don't know anyone else at the wedding, you could also give them the option to bring a friend.
Finally, if you're still struggling to cut down the list, consider having a separate, low-cost celebration later on, where you can invite more people. For example, you could have an anniversary party at an affordable venue, without all the extras and intricacies of a wedding.
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Choosing affordable food options
There are several ways to save money on food options for your wedding. Here are some suggestions:
Choose an affordable buffet service
Instead of a plated dinner, opt for a buffet service. This allows guests to choose what goes on their plates and how much food they want. Buffets are generally more affordable than plated dinners, as they require less service staff and can be prepared in advance.
Opt for in-season dishes
Foods that are in season will be more affordable and taste better than out-of-season options. Transporting out-of-season produce can significantly increase costs.
Simplify your menu
You don't need to offer a large variety of dishes. A simple and limited menu with a few standout dishes is more budget-friendly than an extensive menu. Focus on a few delicious and affordable options rather than trying to impress with quantity.
Choose affordable proteins
When it comes to entrees, certain proteins are more budget-friendly. Chicken and salmon are excellent choices that are usually less expensive than options like filet mignon, lobster, or oysters.
Reduce the number of guests
The number of guests you invite has a significant impact on catering costs. Consider trimming your guest list to only close relatives and friends. This will not only reduce catering costs but can also allow you to choose a smaller, more affordable venue.
Hire a food truck or student caterers
Food trucks offer a unique and affordable dining experience. They are used to serving delicious food at busy events and can work within your budget. Alternatively, consider hiring student caterers from a culinary school, which can provide professional service at a lower cost.
DIY options and affordable stores
Consider creating your own charcuterie board from stores like Costco, which can be a beautiful and budget-friendly option. DIY options can also include creating your own dessert bar with items like chocolate cake, pies, and homemade chocolate truffles.
Remember, you can still offer delicious and enjoyable food options for your wedding guests while staying within your budget. Get creative, be mindful of costs, and don't be afraid to make adjustments to stay within your financial means.
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DIY vs. vendor packages
When it comes to weddings, there are two main ways to approach the big day: DIY or vendor packages. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, the decision ultimately comes down to your budget and how much work you're willing to take on yourself.
Vendor packages can be a great way to save time and stress. By choosing a package, you can often get a discount on the total cost of the wedding, as venues will offer deals on catering, drinks, and venue hire. This means that you don't have to spend time researching and contacting individual caterers, bartenders, and venues, and you can be sure that everything will be taken care of on the day. However, this convenience can come at a cost, as vendor packages can sometimes be more expensive than organising everything yourself.
On the other hand, DIY-ing your wedding can be a great way to save money. By sourcing your own caterers, drinks, and venue, you can shop around for the best deals and negotiate on prices. This can be especially effective if you're able to cut down your guest list, as the more mouths you have to feed, the higher the cost. DIY-ing also gives you more flexibility to personalise your wedding, whether that's by choosing a unique venue like a community centre or park, or by adding personal touches like a photo booth or a food truck. However, the downside of this approach is that it can be very time-consuming and stressful, and you may end up spending more if you don't keep track of your spending.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to go for a vendor package or DIY your wedding comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you have the time and energy, DIY-ing can be a great way to save money and create a unique day. However, if you'd rather save time and stress, a vendor package can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to save money on wedding catering. You can choose a buffet-style meal instead of a plated dinner, select in-season dishes, avoid passed appetisers, choose a less expensive type of meat or fish, and opt for a simpler wedding cake. You can also save money by reducing your guest list, choosing a venue that allows outside catering, or hiring catering students from a culinary school.
A wedding catering package typically includes food, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and waitstaff. The waitstaff can be involved in setting up, tending the bar, clearing tables, and more. Rentals like tables, chairs, and dinnerware may also be included, but some caterers charge extra for these.
It depends on the venue and your specific needs. All-inclusive wedding packages can be more affordable, but they may not offer as much flexibility in terms of menu options. With external catering, you may have more freedom to choose a caterer that fits your budget and preferences, but you'll need to factor in additional costs such as delivery fees, set-up fees, and gratuities.
Food is one of the most memorable aspects of a wedding for guests, so it's essential to strike a balance between quality and cost. You can find caterers who offer delicious food at reasonable prices by getting multiple quotes, reading reviews, and asking specific questions about packages and inclusions. Ultimately, it's important to prioritise what matters most to you and your partner.
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