Whether it's a small intimate gathering or a big event with hundreds of people, weddings are an important event for many couples. They can also be very expensive, even when the guest list is kept small. The average cost of a wedding is $26,720, with the venue costs and catering alone accounting for more than $11,000 of the total. Wedding catering can be expensive, but for many couples keeping their guests well fed is essential. Here are three tips for catering a wedding while on a budget.
Reconsider The Sit-Down Dinner
Sit-down dinners can be a great option for couples whose weddings are a very formal. However, sit-down dinners can also end up blowing the catering budget. A sit-down dinner often involves the need for more waitstaff and can be more expensive per plate. There are options other than a sit-down dinner that may work better for couples who have smaller budgets. While a sit-down dinner can easily cost $125 to $350 per person while a buffet or hors d'oeuvres reception can run between $30 and $70 per person. Having the reception at a local restaurant can also lead to savings since many restaurants do not charge rental fees for plates, cutlery, or glassware.
Do Cupcakes Instead Of A Wedding Cake
The wedding cake can also end up taking up a large portion of a weddings catering budget. Depending on the size of the cake and it's decorations, a wedding cake can easily cost thousands of dollars. One way to save is by going with cupcakes instead of a large wedding cake. There is also the option to do a combination of both, with a small cake for the couple to cut and multiple cupcakes for guests to eat. The average wedding cake costs between $1,125 and $1,800 while cupcakes cost between $375 and $525.
Think Outside The Box
For couples with a tight catering budget, thinking outside the box can save a lot of money. A wedding breakfast or lunch will often cost a lot less than a wedding dinner. One unique way to save on catering is by using a food truck. The average food truck can serve between 75 and 100 guests so more than one may needed. However, it costs about $20 per person to hire a food truck for a wedding. Food trucks are a unique and fun way to keep catering costs low during a wedding.
Weddings are a great time to get friends and family together to celebrate. Great food and drinks are also a big part of any celebration. However, wedding catering can cost a lot of money. For couples looking to save there are a few different options. Instead of a sit-down dinner, couples can save money by holding dinner at a favorite restaurant or having a buffet style meal. Wedding cupcakes can also be far less expensive than a large ornate wedding cake. Thinking outside the box can also save a lot of money. Adventurous couples may want to consider using food trucks for their wedding reception.
