Reception Food Dilemma!

I agree with the other girls it depends on the formality of your wedding. If your wedding is very formal and grand, that dinner would not match up.

The cheap meal you're describing would only work for a very informal daytime reception. You said that yours isn't. So something has to give if you don't want to come off as "cheap" to your guests.

My first suggestion would have been to cut down the guest list and get better food. It doesn't sound like that's an option, since you've already sent your save the dates.

So, you need to cut costs in other areas. How much are you spending on your dress? Is it possible to rent certain items (wedding attire, decorations...)? Are you planning an expensive honeymoon? Are any of your friends and family members able to provide any services, such as photography, music, etc....? Can you eliminate a need for certain vendors? Do you need expensive flowers, or a large amount of flowers? Can you do your own hair and/or makeup? These are just some of the areas you can cut back on.

Many wedding guests, myself included, find food to be the most memorable part of a wedding reception.

Yes, and cutting down the guest list wasn't much of an option in the first place- as my FH has 60 aunts and uncles (just on 1 side!). The dress is already bought, photographer already booked, all of the decorations are DIY sort of things, I made the STD's and am making the invitations myself, DIYing the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages. So we're really saving a lot of money already..but we are just having a hard time finding a caterer in our area that doesn't cost over $10. We can't afford a catering budget of $2000.

If I did the sandwiches, we would have choices of meats and cheese, and also pulled pork to choose from as well as fruits, veggies, dessert and rolls.

@Crys that's a good idea, thank you! I haven't thought of that and I believe there is one or 2 in the area that I could check in to.

I'm glad you're having some food at your wedding.... Sandwiches, salads, pasta salad, some veggies is the bare minimum I think.

I suggest going with heavy appetizers since your wedding isn't super formal. I don't think you could go wrong with meatballs, chicken wing dings, ham biscuits, string beans and trays of fruit, cheese and crackers (i'm from the South, can you tell :-) You should be able to get everything fairly cheap from Costco or some other bulk store.

Cut the guest list. The fact that you have all these relatives doesn't mean you have to invite them. I know that sounds mean, but really, how often do you see them? Would you recognize them? I can't even imagine how anyone gets one side of 60 aunts and uncles.

If it's a very, very casual reception during the day, you can maybe feed people, without drinks, for 10 bucks per. But honestly? The last time I went for fast food it was almost that much.

Do what YOU want. As long as there’s enough food and fun to fill and entertain your guests, if it’s not in your budget to have some crazy, high class buffet, just don’t stress it! Right now we are teetering on 250, and me and me FH want an outdoor/barn venue. Every caterer we have talked to hasn’t been less than 3k for that size of group. It’s pricey! And all I wanted was a grazing table style buffet of finger foods. (Sliders, kabobs, fruit and veggie displays.. that sort of stuff). Do what’s in your budget. People who aren’t paying always have an opinion. But this day is not necessary to go in debt for... unless that debt is for a killer photography, because that’s ALWAYS worth it! 😂😂😂👌🏻