Food at Reception Help... Tacky?

Mexican is the cheapest....I happen to be 1/2 Mexican and 1/2 Italian...Search for a caterer any where close...My engagement party was done by a local caterer for $8 per person (Italian food)....My cousins was Mexican food and $6 per person...If you have the liberty at your reception local to use any caterer you want....call every restaruant in the area...pot lucks are great...can be done classy or tacky....just make sure only to ask close family if that is the route you are going to take...other wise you will be suprised what local mexican restaurants can do on a tight budget

I agree with asking close family thats what I'm doing asked aunts, mother, and my girls to help and we are having the meat cartered in so we just have to worry about the sides. I mean just getting meat in so you wouldn't have to worry about that is a good thing too.

I agree the pasta will go a long way!! I served alfredo at mine with rolls and fresh salad. everyone seemed to luv it!

We are doing a finger food/snack reception. basically whatever you would find at a superbowl party is what we will have.

i saw pasta mentioned and i have a really good pasta recipe for a BIG group here it is

rotini noodles-6 lb (the colored kind if you can find them)

parm. cheese-4 1/2 C

caned chicken breast- 6 13oz cans (can be substituted for boiled chicken breast)

basil- 4 1/2 tbsp(to taste)

olive oil-3 C

cook noodles let cool ass all the other stuff and mix well

Taco bar!

I wouldn't ask every guest to bring something, I would have the parents ask any family memebers if they would be interested in bringing something. I would provide a meat for the guests though, like beef or something, not just pasta. I did go to one wedding potluck reception, I wasn't exactly offended, but a little peeved that not only did we give them money, put money in the boot, but spent $60 on food for marinated salad.

But also spent $60 on food for marinated salad* and not even a thank you was spoken during their thank yous for all the food people brought and it wasn't mentioned in their thank you cards (I actually think they didn't send any)

To go with the pasta, it's not too difficult to cook up chicken cutlets or even sausage and peppers...to give them a meat choice...but pasta, salad, and breads is definitely something I'd consider at a potluck...or you can do casseroles...

I 2nd Asian~Bride with the taco bar! It would be very easy to do and and easy prep.

I agree with the meat part we had chicken too like grilled chicken breast strip not everyone wanted chicken so we just ordered a small amount for those who wanted meat! like manly the men! lol

We're having an open-house style reception so people can mingle.

We're doing veggie trays,cheese and crackers,little triangle sandwiches and such.

We are also having a taco bar. We are feeding approximately 100 and paying less than $600. Guest get up to 6 tacos(I only eat three myself), Rice and Beans, quesadillas, chips and salsa, and they included for free a gallon container of horchata.

We also looked at BBQ. We went to our favorite BBQ place and their 1/2 BBQ chicken with two sides was $9 per person.

I hope this helps!

As far as pasta goes, my sister is lactose/fructose/gluten intolerant, so I know all the tricks to making tasty food with those things in mind! Thanks to all your contributions; it makes things ALOT easier!!!

Mmmm and I love tacos...