Good Idea? Low budget~

I think maybe a pasta bar would be better at dinnertime.

I like the idea. People can build their own subs.

I think sandwiches and cold salads can be very nice.

Thats what i was thinking originally "wellalwayshaveparis" a pasta bar! but i dont want to have to worry about keeping things hot and I don't want to ask family memeber to be in charge of food and not be able to enjoy their time there! that is why I was thinking of a gourmet sandwhich bar because it just has to be set out! and we will have like other things to go with it! like chips and hummus and I was think a bruschetta salad also!

Julia, I have been to a wedding with a sandwich bar before (small wedding 50 people max)...it wasn't my favorite meal choice.

It took a long time for everyone to cycle through the line and since we were at a table further away from the food, it took us almost an hour. It worked but it was slow moving.

Have you looked into hiring a student or recent grad from a tech school (or cooking school) to be in charge of the food? That way you can do something other than just sandwiches?

You could do a cold pasta display with sandwiches and veggie & fruit trays? best of both worlds. & cheeses.

I like the idea, maybe add some cheese and crackers along with veggies and dip....even chips. That way people who may travel a little will at least be able to hold over til dinner.

I like it. There is a place around here (NY) that does sandwich catering and it is delicious!

What an ingenious idea that still falls within your budget! Perhaps there is a family member that will be happy to make sure everything stays stocked. I'm sure they won't think of it as a chore.

I vote for the sandwiches myself. cold pasta doesn't sound appetizing to me at all.

how many guests are you having? if there's aren't that many, and it's going to be a reception of people mingling and eating as they please, I don't see a huge issues.

what you described is exactly what we had at my class reunion and there were over a hundred people. I don't remember it taking that long for people to get their food.

sandwich bars are the norm for functions where I live at all times of day. usually the sandwiches are already made up and they have meats and breads set aside in case people have special dietary concerns and need to make their sandwich special.

myself and just about everyone I know would vote for sandwiches if we were to be at your wedding! it's hard to keep food just right at these things, which is why sandwiches are so popular.

dont stress about it. if anyone does it like it, then let them order a pizza!

How about doing small rolls (called dollar rolls around here) already made up with a variety of fillings. Then people can take a couple and move along. You could do fruit and vegie trays and chips or hummus and it could be almsot like a tea time thing.

Thank you ladies!!! We are inviting no more then 70! So probably only 60 will end up showing! I am going to definitely ass some great sides to make it more special then just a "sandwhich"!

I know a few people that have done BBQ for their wedding and parties and it came out great. Fairly inexpensive as well. They came in the tins with stereos and everything stayed warm! Like maybe BBQ chicken and pulled pork... Cold sides maybe baked beans and like corn bread! Yum! If not the cold cut buffet will be nice also. Just make sure you have plenty to choose from and include more then the standard ham and turkey... Like pastrami even where I'm from cold chicken cutlet hoagies are a fan Fav!

I don't personally think it's special enough for a wedding, and cold sandwiches for a dinner buffet in the winter?

You could do baked pastas, which are easy to keep warm; a couple lasagnas, ziti, salads. Cold cuts add up fast, dollar wise.

I know zip about catering, but don't those sterno cans keep the foil casserole pans hot? You could do great comfort foods (like homemade mac and cheese), as well as the dishes Celia mentioned. Add a huge tossed salad, and you'd be good to go.

Sternos will keep hot stuff hot, but you don't want to try and heat up cold stuff with them. It's not safe and it takes forever.

I used to work catering and we offered a deli buffet, but I think people only did it for afternoon summer weddings. It worked well, though.

What about renting or borrowing some panini presses? It would slow the buffet line down quite a bit, but if you set it up more like stations it wouldn't be too bad if you had 5 or 6. You could do like a grilled cheese bar it something.

What exactly is your budget for food? Knowing that might help

I would think baked pastas kept warm with sternos would be better and cheaper. Full disclosure: I'm not a sandwich person. hehe

For the first 16 years of my life i thought wedding receptions were strictly cold cuts!

I think you can make it work. Just have maybe two tables set up so the line moves. Also maybe move it to lunch time.