BYO Food in Fredericksburg, VA

You're still in college, wait a year, save some money and host your guests properly.

I don't even think you could buy food to feed 200 people with $1000. Seriously, you couldn't even buy hot dogs for that.

What are you thinking honestly

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Benefit of the doubt here: by "bring my own food" did you mean catered by a local restaurant instead of the venue's wedding caterer?

@coffee from @OP's original post "having a caterer of any kind is outside our budget."

@coffee she says having a caterer of any kind of out of their budget.

When a caterer is out of your budget, you can't afford 200 guests.

The place I work at allows a maximum of 250 guests and they spend well more than the $20k minimum.

Cut your guest list and you can afford catering.

Or, push your date back and save like mad until you can afford a 200 guest count.

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200 people is a really big guest list. Cut it down to essential people. Host them properly.

I'd rather have a small event that was amazing than a large event that I had to cut every corner.

For all of you who say it CAN'T be done, I am sorry that I am not as entitled as you are but I have had 2 friends with that same amount of guests and it was GREAT! I am inviting friends and family and they will NOT sue me if they get sick... ON TOP OF THAT I would be having a "pot luck" so to say. I will not be waiting another year. I will be getting married in December and my wedding will be under $5,000 because I will find a venue that allows you to bring your own food as I know several people who already have. I was hoping for a couple helpful suggestions and so far I have two people on here who are capable of helping and not just here to tear down a girl who is trying to plan her wedding. Thanks guys!

Potluck for 200 guests? I'm sure your friends won't care if someone dies.....

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/22/health/church-potluck-botulism/

Oh God, now it's a potluck. FFFS OP..

Wondered when OP was coming back...

Umm catered food should definitely be in your budget

Oh cool! So your mind is set on potential botulism.

Why did you start this thread if you're not taking our advice?

ETA: no one is "tearing tear down a girl who is trying to plan her wedding"

We're giving solid advice. Some brides have been there, done that, and they speak on behalf of their bad experiences. Change your avi, lurk a little, stay and get the feel of our community.

We're not all rainbows and butterflies, but we do give good honest advice (something you won't get from your nearest and dearest)

And again, you don't have a date till you have a venue. No venue, no date.

If you know people who have done it before, why didn't you ask them where they got married instead of asking on a forum that is anti-self catering?

Who are you saying is entitled? You are the entitled one. Entitled to invite 200 guests and treat them like crap. Why the hell would anyone want to come to your wedding and bring food that they cooked? I personally won't eat food cooked by people I don't know and likely it wont be kept at the proper temperature. Cut the guest list and at least do some boxed lunches. Why do you NEED 200 guests.

I have 25 guests because that is who I can afford to feed and buy drinks for, so I think you are acting more entitled than I am.

@kirsten noone said it can't be done however it should not ..hire a fucking professional.

Dear Lordy... oh OP, you have so much to learn. Bets on it being a dry wedding?