do-it-yourself catering formulas

I'm basing some of my numbers off this:

http://m.dummies.com/how-to/content/cooking-for-crowds-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

I was a professional caterer when I catered my wedding myself, and I would never do it again. No one in my family (they were all chefs, including my husband) had any fun at all, we were working our A$$es off until two minutes before I walked down the aisle, and then we had to clean up. Ick.

The insurance issue is also something to think about. As are permits, food safety and your stress level on the day.

Did you ever think that it is your most expensive part for a reason? That is a lot of work to even consider on your wedding day.

^wow that sounded pretty rude. I hope you didn't mean it to across that way.

I didn't find that to be rude but honest, It's expensive because of the time, work, prep, cooking, cleaning, organizing, gas, supplies, cost of food, permits, licensing, all that goes into being able to serve food. So one should really look to see what it will require and then do the pro's and con's. FWIW there are a lot of inexpensive choices for catering you just have think outside the box.

I understand the reasoning behind the question, the execution of it seemed rude.

"If you look at the time that goes into it, the planning of the menu, the hiring of staff, the fresh ingredients....... Then you can see why it's so expensive." less rude.

Depending on which part of the country you live in, and number of guests, it can be done. But all she asked for were websites, so that was the answer I gave.

By do it yourself, do you mean make other people in your family do it? haha Just saying you'll be busy, plus your needed for the photos. I'm like you I have a lot of friends and family that can cook and would love to help. Heck, I work for a resturant, and the bosses are like family. I've been thinking about just doing it myself with the help of family and friends.

This is what I been going by:

Veggies

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/appesalad.html?

fruit

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/fruit100.html?

Like MrsC said, its a huge effort, and I wouldn't put the burden on myself or my guests. Let the professionals handle it. It doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I've been to a lot of weddings where the food is provided by family, etc. Maybe it is regional--but it seems to be the norm around here.

By "myself," I meant rather like being my own contractor, and not actaully doing the plumping and electrical myself.

I was thinking of a simple buffet like I have done at other family events with a couple of signature dishes and then build it yourself sandwiches or falafel.

And, of course, I have been looking for venues that don't have restrictions on food/catering, and even those with a kitchen available.

As for "thinking" of why it was expensive: coming from a family of multi-generational chefs, I am very aware of why it is expensive. I thought that would be obvious. I guess for some people, it's not.

Wow. I didn't realize that people were so "pro-caterer". We're self catering. It's cheap and we're making almost everything ahead of time. I hired a guy I work with (who used to own a restaurant/still caters on the side) to take care of EVERYTHING the day of. Heating everything up...grilling the chicken...making sure everything is filled...etc. It's all about planning people.

@ Jennifer I agree with you that it may be regional. Here you do it yourself and family pitches in. If I told mine and his family I wanted a caterer they would probably laugh. It's just not the norm. They might be more open after we discuss the amount of work and time, but I'm sure they would laugh.