How to Cater an At-Home Wedding

If you're like most people, you don't have tens of thousands of dollars to contribute to the wedding and reception you've thought about in childhood fantasies. Many people, rich and poor, choose to host their weddings and wedding receptions at home to offset the costs associated with getting married. Catering an at-home wedding can be quite nerve-wracking; but with the proper organization and help you can pull it off with relative ease. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Food
• Large food containers
• Burners
• Buffet table
• Plates
• Silverware
• napkins

1. Prepare your wedding menu. Long before the wedding day arrives you should plan what dishes will be served. Consider two different types of meat and at least one vegetarian dish for main dishes. Provide several different side dishes including vegetables and grains. You must also consider the cost of dessert. The key is to consider special dietary needs as much as possible without confining your menu.
2. Determine your food budget. Once you know what food you want to serve at your wedding reception you should decide how much it will cost if all invited guests attend the reception. With a high starting budget you can decrease the number when you have an accurate count of the guests actually attending the wedding. When your budget is determined you will also know if you can afford to hire a caterer or if you will have to recruit friends and family to provide the dishes.
3. Hire a caterer or family cooks. It may not be the wedding reception you had in mind, but hiring a small catering company or recruiting family members to cook is your best and least expensive option. If your budget allows for a caterer, it will alleviate plenty of tension for you. If your budget does not allow for a caterer, consult aunts, grandmothers, and cousins to provide the dishes for your wedding reception.
4. Purchase all the food. You will want to wait until your RSVP date has passed before purchasing the necessary food. If you hire a caterer they will do this for you, but if you have friends and family members providing the food for your wedding reception you should buy all the ingredients to allow them to adhere strictly to your menu.
5. Buy or rent catering equipment. Whether you choose a caterer or a group of family chefs, renting catering equipment may still cut down on costs. Secure large aluminum containers to hold the food and burners to keep the food warm. You will also need enough silverware and napkins to serve the entire reception. If you choose a caterer they will have these items but you may save a few dollars by renting them on your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Be as specific as possible with your menu for caterers or family members.
• Haggle with the caterer over prices, many are willing to negotiate.
• Avoid fast food catering, the grease will ruin your guests' clothes.
• Only use friends and family members with a proven record of making edible food.

Who Can Help:

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