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Savvy May 2020

diy Burger Bar - Any Tips?

Emalee, on October 16, 2019 at 11:05 AM Posted in Do It Yourself 1 12

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So my and my beau are trying to save as much as possible without holding back our special day (duh aren’t we all??). So to still have yummy food without the catering cost (we’re expecting about 100 people) we’ve decided on a yummy burger buffet bar! Especially since our venue is like a forest park.

The set up will be self serve with an array of toppings, condiments, and probably even a few vegetarian, gluten free, etc options.
I want to buy in bulk, even the patties, and just start cooking day of before we eat, and then have the patties sit in warming pans. All other condiments and toppings will sit over ice tubs. I also may add a fry bar but there will definitely be other sides like potato salad, Mac & cheese, etc.

does anyone else have any tips pr tricks? Have you done this before? We’ll be outside so I worry about flies or other bugs. I don’t want wasps annoying my guests. Anything helps, thanks everyone!

(Also if you wanna use this idea lmk bc I can share my resources and money saving tricks!)

diy Burger Bar - Any Tips? 1

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12 Comments

Latest activity by Kaitlyn, on April 8, 2020 at 6:53 AM

Master February 2020
Amber · on October 16, 2019 at 11:11 AM
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Man those photos are making me hungry! This is such a cute idea. If you're having a day-of-coordinator, I would have him/her ready to restock condiments/toppings as people are going through the line
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Expert September 2020
Marcia · on October 16, 2019 at 11:17 AM
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I was going to say...,delegate the cooking of burgers and restocking to someone else. Looks like a yummy idea.
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VIP September 2019
Mrs. Bubba · on October 16, 2019 at 11:23 AM
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How about Chips instead of Fries?
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Devoted November 2019
Tessa · on October 16, 2019 at 11:27 AM
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I know this isn't what you are asking for, but I'm going to give my input anywho so don't hate me :-) But there are catering options that will do hamburgers and hotdogs for less than $20 per person. Your time and energy with the cost of your supplies (food, drinks, bbq supplies, plates, napkins, cutlery, table clothes, tables for serving, food warmers, ice, gloves, hairnets, towels, portable sink, transportation to get this to the event,ect.) will be more than $20 per person. If you want to cook because its important to you or if you think youll enjoy it, go for it! But if you are cooking only to cut costs, paper every expense out before you decide. I think you'd be surprised how much it will cost to do yourself.
I run point on an annual bbq for my company and it's a lot of money. We don't have an option of bringing in a caterer at our venue, so we do it all and it adds up insanely fast. If you are in the San Diego area by any chance I can give you great names for caterers who do hamburger cook outs. Good luck to you either way!!
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Master January 2019
FutureMrsKC · on October 16, 2019 at 11:49 AM
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I agree with above! Cute idea, but I'd definitely make sure it will actually save you money (most of the time it doesn't).
I'd also keep everything covered. Sauces in squirt bottles makes it easier, cover the other veggie toppings so they don't have bugs on them and obviously keep the lids on the warming pans for the meat!
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 16, 2019 at 12:24 PM
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I agree with this. We had a party catered for $10 per person for BBQ and it included 2 meats, 3 sides, napkins & plastic cutlery, and BBQ sauce! They brought chafing dishes to warm it up in too, and delivered it. It was self serve but still nice!
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VIP March 2019
Yoice · on October 16, 2019 at 12:41 PM
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I also agree with this.
I just want to add that I’m a huge burger fan and I don’t particularly like my burger set (even if is warm) and cooked from the day before. If you want to supply everything yourself at least have a catering do this fresh and on the spot. Some caters have big grills for this.
If you’re set on doing it yourself I’ll go the taco route as is easier to have warm and doesn’t change the flavor of the food. I also wouldn’t have a fry station that is not fresh as the food might get soggy.
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Dedicated October 2020
Amber · on October 16, 2019 at 12:43 PM
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I agree with the other comments. I originally thought about cooking half the food myself but realized the time, effort, money and logistics that go into it would be much harder and probably about the same cost. I'm going to be doing BBQ for $12 50 a person instead. Please also keep in mind that you may be a great cook, but have you ever cooked in mass before? It's a totally different ballgame feeding 100 people vs maybe 30 at a typical cookout
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Devoted August 2020
Monique · on October 16, 2019 at 3:07 PM
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I would also like to note to make sure that the gluten free buns don’t get cross contaminated with the regular buns because that would be extra horrible. Also, it would be safer to do all the burgers gluten free and bind them with eggs and gluten free bread rather than a mix just so there’s no confusion or cross contamination
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VIP March 2017
mrsanda · on October 16, 2019 at 8:03 PM
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I agree with the other posts... love this idea and I had something similar for my dads 50th birthday but it was inside and for only like 30/50 people. Plus my family owns a snack bar so it was catered practically. I wouldn’t do it on your own, seems like the time/effort isn’t worth the money saved if you actually save money. I agree that this route can be more expensive than a catering option at times. Still think it’s a good idea, but look into catering options for price and your sanity. Happy wedding!
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Just Said Yes January 2021
Kaitlyn · on April 8, 2020 at 6:52 AM
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I'm in the San Diego area and I am planning to do this for my wedding. I would love some names of caterers who do hamburger buffets if you have time!
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Just Said Yes January 2021
Kaitlyn · on April 8, 2020 at 6:53 AM
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I am planning a wedding in San Diego and would love the names of the caterers who do burger buffets if you have time!
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