A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it deserves the best memories, food, and service possible! But as we just said, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. As much as you want to make sure your guests have a fantastic time, you don’t need to break the bank to do so.
At The Deco Catering, we know that weddings can be expensive, but there are ways to save money without compromising quality. We’re here to help you stay on budget with catering for your big day by offering some tips on ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or flavor. These tips can help you save money on your wedding catering while still getting a memorable meal.
Plan Ahead
Planning helps keep costs down because you won’t have to worry about last-minute changes. Be sure you plan out the meals you’d like to serve before the wedding day. That way, you can find the perfect caterer to create a delicious menu and price their services fairly.
Planning also ensures that you’ll get just what you want. If you don’t know where to start, consult with a few friends who have already tied the knot. They may have some good ideas on saving big on costs. Or, if you’re not looking for specific dishes, ask your venue for their suggestions. You might even consider asking your local wedding caterer for inspiration.
Go for Budget-Friendly Delicacies
After planning, the second way to save immensely on your catering costs is to stick to budget-friendly foods. Your menu selection plays a significant role in the amount of money you can save on your big day.
For example, instead of ordering filet mignon, opt for chicken breast. Instead of spending top dollar for lobster or crab legs, order a shrimp cocktail or oysters. These options aren’t only more cost effective for you; they also can be healthier and just as decadent and delicious.
For your wedding reception meal, you can also consider the serving style. Choosing a buffet-style or heavy appetizer meal is often an easy way to save huge on your catering budget vs. a plated dinner.
The Reception Time Can Make a Difference
This is an extension of the planning tip above. You can also take advantage of the reception time to reduce your catering costs further when on a tight budget. For instance, if you plan your reception at 7 p.m., guests will expect a dinner-like serving, which means more food and more expenses. In contrast, a morning, brunch, or lunch wedding will require lighter fare and portions.
Reconsider Your Guest List
It’s a rule of thumb; catering costs depend on the number of people attending your event, and more wedding guests mean more expenses. Think of all the items that you may be renting that depends on the guest count: tables, chairs, place settings, food, and beverages. Thus, cutting down your guest list shouldn’t be the toughest of decisions – and it saves you a lot of money. Inviting just close family members and friends will significantly reduce your overall costs.
Find a Venue With No Food & Beverage Minimum
Some venues require a food and beverage minimum to book their space. The venue may require that the food and beverage minimum meet their capacity requirements. For example, the venue could seat 250 guests but your guest list is no more than 150 guests. That’s a lot of meals paid for that won’t get eaten and can hit your budget hard right off the bat. Look for a venue that doesn’t require a food or beverage minimum to avoid the unnecessary costs.
The Deco Catering is Your Go-To Catering Services Provider in the Minneapolis & Surrounding Area!
Catering can be expensive because it takes a lot of food, labor and resources to ensure that everything goes smoothly but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you want to cut costs and keep your wedding budget in check, you need to focus on planning, venue costs, menu selection, the number of guests, reception time, venue, and working with a professional caterer.
You can always leverage a caterer’s experience and expertise to help with planning, suggesting budget-friendly foods, and offering other suggestions on cost reduction for affordable wedding catering.
At The Deco Catering, we take pride in our ability to offer affordable catering solutions while maintaining high-quality standards for your dream wedding. We understand the importance of delivering exceptional service, so we work hard to ensure that every single one of our clients receives personalized attention. Our goal is to exceed all expectations by creating memorable experiences for each client. With our extensive catering menu, you have a wide selection of affordable wedding foods for your special day.
So if you’re a Minneapolis resident planning to tie the knot, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about our catering packages and how we can help you save money!