So since before were engaged, my FH has been saying that his friend Leo would cater our wedding on the cheap. We've been trying to get a quote from him since February and finally heard back that it would be about $12 a head, which is more than I was hoping to spend. (My FH was clueless about how much catering costs - he thought Leo would charge closer to $5 a plate...yeah right) We have invited about 130 people (FH thinks only 80 will come, but I feel like it will be closer to 100 but we'll see. Plan for 130).
I really don't care that much about what we eat. FH hates beans. I hate water chestnuts. He's allergic to pineapple. My sister is allergic to gluten (Celiac disease) and is one of my bridesmaids, so I need a gluten free option. One of my other bridesmaids is vegetarian (but eats fish) so I'd like to be able to accommodate her as well.
I was thinking meat, cheese, crackers, and veggies for appetizers (that my mom and I will probably prep in advance. Costco is our friend).
Initially, I was thinking a cheese stuffed chicken breast with pesto sauce and skin-on mashed potatoes (gluten free and you don't even realize it) with pesto pasta with tomatoes or something for a vegetarian option. However, this would be too expensive and would also mean Leo, one of my FH best friends/father figures (he's getting a boutonniere) would miss the wedding. Not acceptable.
Then I thought maybe a baked potato with build your own fixings, like family style. (I'd like to do family style/plated for the main meal versus buffet if possible) Gluten free naturally, and you don't have to put bacon on if you don't want to.
Then I thought maybe pesto spaghetti with tomatoes and chicken breast (could make a pot with gluten free noodles for my sister. I may have a few other guests who might prefer to eat gluten free as well so it wouldn't be just her.) My vegetarian bridesmaid can leave off the chicken.
FH suggested taco bar, but I'm not crazy about that - I'm a very messy eater and that just sounds bad and I don't like tacos all that much anyway.
Our wedding's in October in Arizona at 4pm, food would be at 5pm. Would like ideas of stuff we could prep ahead of time and then hire someone to heat and serve (Leo knows 2 people who could do that for $100 each a night) Our church has a kitchen where they could heat it and stuff and might have some dishes and such.
Any other ideas for cheap and easy reception food? Thanks. We're trying to keep catering around $1000 if possible.
