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Blog post
Food is a central part of any wedding celebration, but catering can quickly become one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to serve delicious food while keeping costs manageable. Here are 17 creative ways to save money on wedding food without sacrificing quality or taste.
Buffets and family-style dining are more affordable than plated meals. These options require fewer servers, which reduces labor costs. Plus, guests can serve themselves, making it easy to control portions and minimize waste.
Offering fewer entrée choices can significantly lower costs. Stick to one or two main courses that will appeal to most guests. A limited menu streamlines your catering, cutting both food and service costs.
Daytime weddings can help you save big on food. Breakfast and lunch menus tend to be less expensive than dinner fare. Additionally, guests typically consume less alcohol during brunch or lunch receptions, which can further cut costs.
Consider skipping the traditional sit-down meal altogether and opt for a cocktail-style reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres or food stations. It’s a trendy option that allows for creative, flavorful bites without the cost of a formal meal.
For a casual yet fun alternative, hire a food truck to cater your wedding. Many food trucks offer special wedding packages, and they often come at a fraction of the cost of traditional catering services.
Rather than a full open bar, limit the alcohol options to beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails. This allows you to control alcohol costs while still providing guests with drinks they’ll enjoy.
Instead of splurging on a pricey wedding cake, consider a DIY dessert table. Homemade desserts like cookies, pies, and cupcakes can be more affordable and add a personal touch. You could also ask family or friends to contribute their favorite baked goods.
Choosing simple, comfort foods like pizza, tacos, or BBQ can save money and still make your guests happy. Comfort food is often cheaper than gourmet options and creates a relaxed, fun atmosphere at your reception.
Using seasonal and local ingredients can cut costs since they are often more affordable and easier to source. Ask your caterer to design a menu around what’s in season, which can also enhance the flavor and freshness of your dishes.
Instead of offering a wide selection of appetizers, focus on just a few options or skip them altogether if you're providing a full meal. This can significantly reduce your catering bill.
Casual food service styles, such as buffets or food stations, require fewer staff members. Reducing the number of servers can lower your overall labor costs and still keep guests well-fed.
Many caterers offer discounts during the off-season, on weekdays, or for smaller weddings. Always ask if there are ways to reduce costs through package deals or special promotions.
Work with your caterer to determine the right amount of food based on your guest count. Ordering too much food can result in significant waste and unnecessary expenses.
If your venue allows it, bringing your own alcohol can dramatically reduce your drink bill. Purchase beer, wine, and spirits from bulk stores, and return unopened bottles if allowed.
Opt for a smaller, simple wedding cake for display and cutting, while serving sheet cake to guests. This allows you to enjoy the tradition of a wedding cake without paying for an elaborate, multi-tiered creation.
A shorter reception can naturally reduce food and drink consumption, as guests will have less time to eat and drink. This can also help you save on venue and entertainment costs.
Booking an all-inclusive venue that provides food, drinks, and service can save money compared to hiring separate vendors. Some venues offer package deals that are more affordable than piecing everything together individually.
By being strategic about your wedding food choices, you can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you opt for a brunch reception, a buffet, or a casual food truck, there are plenty of ways to save while still delighting your guests with delicious food.
