How to Bring Down Costs With Wedding Caterers

A wedding can be one of the most beautiful events of your life. It can also be one of the most expensive. If you're planning one, you know that everything associated with it costs a lot of money. Food is one of the most expensive pieces of the wedding day. Catering costs can be brought down, however, if you know what to look for and ask for when you are planning your wedding reception.

Instructions

1. Have your reception buffet-style. Almost all caterers charge a lower price for a buffet-style reception than a seated reception with waiters. There is less manpower involved, so fewer waiters are being employed and paid. There is less work in the kitchen, as well. All of these small differences in labor add up to a much smaller price tag for your overall food service bill. You can have something special like a carving station, and your guests will still feel like they're getting the royal treatment, without you having to shell out royal money.

2. Have stationary appetizers instead of butler style. This is another small thing that most people overlook. For appetizers to be brought around to your guests by servers, butler-style, there must be an extra waiters on staff. Having the appetizers stationed in three or four different spots lets your guests still mingle, while not having everyone crowd one area where all the food is. This will save you money on labor, and ultimately your food will probably go farther, as well.

3. Provide your own bar. A great way to cut down on cost is providing your own beverages. Think about going with a wine and beer bar only. That way, you won't have to apply for any special permits (this happens only when hard alcohol is being served). Most caterers charge between $20 to $30 per person for the bar. If you buy your own beverages in bulk, you will save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Almost all off-site caterers will let you do this.

4. Have cupcakes instead of one big wedding cake. Have the caterer provide a small, decorated cake for the two of you to cut, then provide cupcakes for the guests. A traditional wedding cake can average anywhere from $8 to $15 per slice. Cupcakes top out at around $2 per person. There are many cupcake stands on the market now where the small decorated cake can fit on top with the cupcakes cascading down. It is an arrangement that can be unique, beautiful and still cost-effective.