Advice: catering

What area are you in? You may can find something less expensive at a venue that provides catering. Also think about the day and time you want to get married.

Check out your local culinary schools, mom and pop restaurant and family or friends.

75 isn't very small. If you were actually having a very small wedding, 20 or less, cooking your self might be ok if you are accustomed to cooking for that many. Keeping enough food at a safe temperature for 75 people is a challenge and a ton of work. Use a caterer.

BBQ places are pretty cheap and ours is serving. Its about 12 a person for me

What all does that price include? If it's just for food then I agree it's a bit much, but if it also includes all your rentals (tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glassware, etc.) then it's not a bad deal at $60 per person. The best way to cut costs is to cut the guest list though. 75 is not exactly a small wedding. Otherwise you might want to look into all inclusive venues which tend to give more bang for the buck.

Open to bbq or Italian? I just ordered Greek for work that was $15pp in the dc area. That was drop off catering by a restaurant so look into that and just hiring some wait staff.

i think the prices you getting are fair for 75 guests. 75 is not small.

Hi Jessica! I’m also having a wedding with around 70 guests, so I understand where you’re coming from. My first suggestion is to cut from any other area of budgeting if possible. I personally feel that food should be the #1 priority since you’re thanking your guests ins hating your day that way. My second suggestion is to go to a place not typically used! You don’t need a massive food list—do mom and pop BBQ shops, Italian, maybe even chain restaurants like Olive Garden? They’ll probably be more acclimated to catering the number of guests you have, which is small to some and not so small to others lol (I always get mixed reactions too!)

Hmmm you can try bbq catering, olive garden delivers hell you can have pizza if you need to save money

As a veteran if two weddings and the guest of many, (early 50's here) the thing guests remember is food. Not tablecloths, not centerpieces not signs (not that you are focusing on those things.) Look into Famous Dave's, Noodles, QDobs or others. 75 is not small, if you are not superfirm on guests, trim there. Do not self cater please.

Famous Dave's is catering our wedding of 130 guests for $1,700. That's for a buffet of two meats, two sides, and cornbread. The set up, service, and taxes are all included in that too!

I was also finding Greek, Middle Eastern, and Mexican in the same price point