DIY Brides: buffet tips

@Sarah....Thank you! I have been really blessed with a wonderful daughter! If you think you can pull it off, go for it. I am not one of those people who always says hire a pro. The reality is a pro is not always in the budget, and even if it is, a pro can seriously skrew up(like my DOC).

If you are going to do it, and you can't do steak, I would go with Italian mainly because you can prep it ahead.

Good luck!

Josie D: great idea about the ad in the paper!! That's a wonderful idea!

We negotiated with our venue to use their staff (for a $1,300 fee for 130 guests...this fee includes soda, water, coffee, tea), but we can bring our own food. We're buying pasta in bulk from a hometown favorite mom & pop italian place, incluing garlic bread, garlic cheese bread (they're famous for it) and tons of salad, for about $4.10 per person. I'll have a family member pick it up and transport it.

This saved us a boatload of money. The venue's cheapest menu item otherwise was strictly appetizers and it would have cost us $22 per person for just cheese, crackers, fruits, veggies, and one or two hot appetizers!

FH did the negotiating. He's amazing.

GOOD ideas, Tracy! $22 a person for appetizers is NOT something I'm willing to pay for. I just don't understand why these places charge sooo friggin' much!