How to Set Up Special Children's Catering for Your Wedding

When planning their wedding reception, many couples cringe at the thought of paying the price of an adult plate for any children who will attend. This causes many couples to ask that kids be left at home--which, of course, leads to many other problems. Instead of resorting to eliminating children from your wedding reception, it might be a good idea to contract for special children’s catering. Here's how to set it up.

Instructions

1. When you interview prospective caterers, look for someone who will not just do a good job and has a good reputation, but who will also perform special children’s catering services for your wedding.

2. Get the caterer's input on a children’s menu that will cost half of what an adult plate runs (or less). A good caterer will have either a children’s party menu on hand or an original idea like sending a server to McDonalds to pick up Happy Meals. (We know of a caterer who not only did this but suggested it.)

3. Discuss a kid-friendly, low-cost kids menu for the reception. Consider chicken fingers and French fries with dipping sauce. If you are having an outdoor picnic reception, kids might like hamburgers and hot dogs. For a hot meal, consider macaroni and cheese and meatloaf. Try to coordinate the children's meal to the adults' meal. If you are serving the adults seafood, serve the children chicken fingers. If you are serving adults an Italian feast, serve children spaghetti and pizza.

4. To make serving easy, you may want to set up a special children’s table or children’s buffet. Of course, you will need to have a server for the children, or request that parents serve them.

5. You may be able to save on the wedding cake as well by ordering a smaller cake that is just big enough to serve the adults, and having someone make trays of cupcakes for the children.

Tips & Warnings

• This plan will work for an informal wedding with homemade food as well. Make low-cost foods you know children will eat, and save the more expensive pickings for the adults.

• You may need to have someone guard the children’s buffet from adults who will eat up their food if given the chance. Some people prefer kids' foods over gourmet adult choices!