7 Creative Ways to Save Money on Wedding Food & Drinks
Wedding planning can be exciting yet stressful, especially when you’re on a budget. Food and drink options account for a significant chunk of your expenses, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Explore creative ways to help you cut down food and drink costs while ensuring everyone’s satisfaction.
1. Choose Buffet Over Plated Meals
Plated dinners are fancy, but they come with a hefty price. Hosting a formal sit-down dinner means paying for the food and staff to help distribute the meals and clean up afterward. Consequently, a buffet-style dinner requires fewer people and less preparation, allowing guests to get their desired portion sizes.
This might be a great idea if you have over 250 attendees due to the number of people who need to eat simultaneously. However, a buffet may require additional time for everyone to get food before reception activities start.
2. Choose Limited Appetizers
Appetizers are a must, but going overboard with them is unnecessary. Loading your guests with a wide selection of appetizers might leave them too full for dinner. Choose low-maintenance hors d’oeuvres, like canapés topped with cheese.
Sandwich pinwheels, mini pizzas, fruit salads and cake pops also make great appetizers without hurting your budget. Think of bite-sized treats that don’t require servers to reduce labor costs.
3. Limit Alcoholic Drinks
Avoid providing many beverage options, but ensure there’s something for everyone. Instead of a full bar, offer beer and wine only. Choose one red and one white wine to keep things simple and allow guests to enjoy without overwhelming them with choices.
Make sure your supplier can handle these drinks properly. For instance, wines require a temperature range between 55 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit to retain their flavor profile. You can also add a signature drink that reflects your and your future spouse’s personalities. For non-alcoholic drinkers, offer affordable but delicious beverages, such as lemonade and iced tea.
4. Hire a Food Truck
A food truck is another alternative to plated dinner. All you have to do is pay for the rental and choose portioned items on the menu. This option brings a lot of character and excitement to your wedding reception, especially compared to a traditional catering service. You can choose a food truck that fits your wedding theme to help incorporate it seamlessly into your reception venue.
Aside from its appeal, it allows guests to interact with each other, which is usually lacking in plated dinners. People can eat whenever they want or whoever they’re with, making your reception an immersive experience.
5. Incorporate Family Recipes
Infuse your family’s beloved recipes to add sentimental value while saving money. Rather than hiring caterers, ask family members who know the recipes well to help prepare or cook.
Adjust the recipe to accommodate more people without compromising taste. It’s also essential to communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions before cooking.
Review family recipes and assess the kitchen to ensure safe cooking methods and ingredients. You can consult a caterer to see if the processes align with food safety guidelines.
6. Serve Seasonal Dishes
Seasonal produce is generally less expensive and also better for the environment. If you’re hosting a summer wedding, consider offering a salad bar with in-season fruits like apples, bananas, cherries, blueberries and mangos. A fall wedding could offer hearty meals like apple crumble or pumpkin soup.
7. Keep Your Wedding Cake Simple
The average cost of a wedding cake in 2023 ranges between $300 and $700, depending on the flavor and type of frosting. Instead of buying a multi-layered cake, opt for something less extravagant. Here are ideas to reduce cake costs:
- Consider DIYing: Bake the cake yourself or ask a trusted baker friend to do it at an affordable price.
- Go small: Choose a smaller cake shape to cut the costs without compromising taste.
- Serve small slices: Offer slices that are half the usual size. With all the food options and mingling at your reception, it’s unlikely your guests will notice the short slice.
How Much Should You Budget Per Person for a Wedding?
The average cost of wedding catering in 2023 is $85 per person. However, you can still lower this estimate by following the tips. The most important thing to do is to be as flexible as possible to ensure a quality dining experience for everyone.
Plan an Affordable Yet Unforgettable Food Experience
Consider these cost-cutting strategies to reduce your wedding food and drink expenses. Remember — every dollar saved brings you closer to your dream wedding. Be creative and strategic to create an unforgettable dining experience for your guests.
Photography Credit
Mitch Pohl Photography
Author – Cora Gold
Cora Gold is a wedding enthusiast with over six years of experience writing about trends, traditions and more. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.
