The wedding reception is perhaps the one part of your wedding that people will remember. It’s also one part of your wedding that can get quite costly quick without you even realizing it.
And this often because of your wedding catering budget.
It can be quite easy to go overboard on the cost of your catering budget as there are little details that could rack up your bill. But if you stay conscious of how you spend and what you spend on, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep to your budget.
Are you looking for catering companies Arlington for a wedding? Here are nine tips that can help you organize the best reception without overspending on catering:
- Buffet, not plated
Forgo the full service plated dinner and opt for a buffet dinner instead. A buffet is cost-efficient in many ways. It reduces the cost of rentals needed for the reception. It also requires fewer waiters and staff during the event.
- Weekday wedding
If you’re really looking to cut your wedding cost, go for a weekday wedding. Catering companies usually offer discounts for wedding events held from Monday to Thursday. Wedding companies — catering included — charge a bit on weekends since there are more weddings and events held from Friday to Sunday.
- Simple but elegant food items
You may be tempted to opt for gourmet meals for your wedding reception. Going for those Wagyu steaks, caviar-topped canapes, and lobster dishes can impress your guests — but it can make quite a dent in your wallet. Opting for simple but delicious and elegant dishes, or meticulously plated comfort food items can really reduce your catering bill — without you sacrificing the quality of your wedding reception dinner.
- Limit main dishes
If you are going for a buffet dinner, limit it to two or three choices of main dishes, plus the usual salad or soup and dessert. For plated dinners, a three-course meal should be sufficient — a soup, salad, and an entree, plus the dessert.
- Limit Hors D’oeuvres
There is no need for several choices on the Hors D’oeuvres during cocktail hour. In fact, you can skip passed appetizers.
- Consider stations
If you plan to skip on the passed appetizers, you can choose to have food stations in your reception instead. This way, you can control the food cost.
- Substitute
When your caterer presents you a sample of their menu, ask for options that can cut the cost without sacrificing quality. Maybe that lobster mashed potato can be turned into a cheaper shrimp mashed potato? Why not opt for one vegetable dish among your three entrees? Don’t be shy to swap expensive items for more budget-friendly ones.
- Choose ingredients carefully
Choose ingredients or dishes that are in season. You can ask catering companies Arlington which ingredients and meat products are in season during your wedding date or you can do your own legwork and visit the local grocery or farmer’s market.
- Do your research
Don’t limit your research on what’s in season. You can also do the legwork on which cut of meat or type of fish is cheaper. Again, it is best to coordinate with your caterer to see which option would fit your budget-conscious wedding.
Let our team at Saint Germain Catering make your wedding, corporate event, or private party an awesome one! We’re one of the most trusted catering companies Arlington, contact us today and find out why!
