diy Food-- Buffet?

Fried chicken, because it's good even when not hot. I'd have coolers for things liked diced fresh fruit and veggies. Hot dogs and hamburgers if you have someone who'd like to man the grill.

We're doing brats burgers and hotdogs. with baked beans fresh fruit mac n cheese cole slaw patatoe salad for our foods

You could have Italian, Mexican or BBQ catered in your budget and wouldn't have to worry about plates and utensils, set up clean up and trying to keep everything hot. By the time you get all your food and pans, foil, warmers plates, utensils, napkins, cups etc you will have spent enough to have it catered and served or drop off catering or a food truck for $1500 or less. You just have to take the time to look around. It can be done. Good luck

If we were getting married in the summer that's what we would have done!