Why is catering so expensive????

Catering can be pricey. Have you considered a smaller guest list? You can also have a brunch wedding or an appetizers selection. Just keep in mind if you are not providing a meal you will need to let your guests know so they can plan ahead.

I'm assuming if you are spending $5500 on a venue, it probably won't allow you to self-cater. Did they give you a list of preferred vendors or can you bring in anyone? How many guests are you expecting. $1000 is on the extremely low side for catering for even 75 people when you factor in a full meal and staff.

I'd caution against self catering. It will be a lot of stress, and you will end up asking your family or friends to help. They would probably like to enjoy the day and not work. Most people aren't experience to cater for high volume crowds and food temperature safety.

I'd look at Mexican, Italian, or BBQ. Good luck!

I know how that feels. It literally makes me want to cry! It's almost as much as the venue!

If your venue allows it just order catering from a restaurant. They deliver it and sometimes set it up for you. Most restaurants have a catering menu and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a caterer, believe me I’ve looked everywhere for food.
Italian food is affordable and still looks fancy if you have a protein option with your buffet.

If you go this route, spend the money on chafing dishes. You can rent steel ones for $20-ish a piece or buy a full set of disposable ones for $30. Your guests could get really sick if you don’t keep the food hot.

1000 is a steal for catering! My venue is 5500 and our catering is almost 6000, and that’s for 75 people. I know we’re in the northeast and it’s pricey up here.

Honestly, we got a great deal from a family friend and are paying $1200. I know it can look like a lot but food is one of the most focused on parts of a wedding. I would always recommend avoiding DIY food. A good friend did catering from a local chicken place. Maybe a local restaurant could be a good option for you.

Btw I know I probably sound cheap, but I'm honestly just scared of not being able to afford it because I don't know when I'll be able to return to work.

View Quoted Comment Is it possible to push your date until you’re back at work so you can have a better idea of your budget.

Catering is an important part of the budget. If your venue is so expensive they probably won’t allow self-catering due to the huge liability it carries.

Try looking for family-style Italian catering or BBQ as those tend to be the cheapest.

I'd look at maybe cutting costs elsewhere like DIY boquets, cheaper venue, or doing a sheet cake instead of a stacked one. You could look at local restraunts or grocery store deli sections which sometimes offer catering menu's that are cheap and well decorated.

Try a cocktail reception but your best bet is to change venues

I wouldn’t spend $5500 on a venue if I couldn’t afford $1k for catering. How many guests are you expecting? $1000 is extremely expensive.

View Quoted Comment $1000 doesn’t sound like that much to me. I’m paying $750 for only 30 people for just a chicken dinner. Catering includes staff to serve/clean, it adds up. A wedding with a bigger guest list would easily spend $1000.

View Quoted Comment Whoops, I meant inexpensive

I would honestly rethink the venue if you are paying that much. Normally when you get the venue you can also get them to cater as well. Before you get your venue i would find out all the details and look at other venues too.

We're only having 70 guests and switching venues isn't an option without losing our $1000 deposit. I had NO IDEA I was going to be on medical leave, it was an accident at work, that caused me to find out I had a tumor that spreads. So this has all been very VERY stressful and I just needed advice. I get that $1000 is inexpensive, but with the current situation I was just wondering if there were other options. I'll figure it out. Thank you for your opinions.

View Quoted Comment Ooh haha, that makes more sense!

View Quoted Comment Seriously find out if your venue contract allows outside catering. Restaurant catering is $10-$15 a person. You could save a mountain of money.

View Quoted Comment They do allow outside catering.

View Quoted Comment If you’re comfortable posting the city your venue is in I could browse the web to see what I find for catering. I’ve got nothing better to do before bed

View Quoted Comment The venue is in Miamisburg, Ohio