Catering: How to Get More for Less at Your Wedding

Guest Post by Frankie Burns of LowCountry Barbecue

When it comes to your wedding reception, cateringis one of the most important aspects. The food is something your guests will continueto talk about for weeks following and can be a huge factor in how well yourwedding unfolds. It’s no secret, however, that the catering is one of the mostexpensive undertakings. The average amount of money spent on food is about$50-$90 per head, butthis cost depends on the type of food, number of courses and the caterers. Regardless, mostbrides and grooms overspend on catering, so here are three great tips on how tomanage your costs within your spending limit. 

Incorporate Economical Food Choices

Whenit comes time to plan your menu, consider balancing out expensive andinexpensive food. While having a full menu comprised of luxury food items maybe your first choice, incorporating economical food choices may be the bestroute to take, especially if you are preparing to have a large crowd. This iswill not only ensure that you have plenty food to serve for less of the cost,but you will feel good knowing you accommodated all your guests while stickingto your budget. 

Organizethe Correct Amounts

For many brides and grooms, estimating the howmuch food you will need to have prepared is nearly impossible. With last minutecancellations and impromptu invites, it’s no wonder wedding catering can getexpensive- and wasteful.  Estimating afew extra rounds of hoursde oeuvres in case two or three additional guests arrive is ideal, but goingbeyond that is the easiest way to pay for too much food that will go uneaten.

Take Advantage of Natural Resources

Welcoming the outdoors and takingadvantage of natural resources is a great way to get more for less. Utilizingfree resources, like having an outdoor venue, not only gives your guests achance to mingle in the fresh air, but it also a great way to lower some ofyour catering costs so you can splurge in other areas of your wedding. Not tomention, outdoor weddings boast many economical food opportunities-you cangrill specialty meats or indulge in some home style barbecue.

While the food is one of the bestdeterminants of a successful wedding, you don’t have to overspend on food thatwon’t even be eaten. Ultimately, this is your special day, so satisfying yourguests while maintaining your budget will create the best outcome for both youand your guests. By following these tips you will be able to get way more outof your catering, which will ultimately enable you to splurge on more importantaspects- like the honeymoon! 

This article was written exclusively forWedding High by LowCountry Barbecue, proud to be a leading Atlanta weddingcaterer, serving happy couples on their big day for more 25years. LowCountry specializes in events, big or small, across the country; nolocation is too far and no party is too much.

How to Pick Wedding Favors

Guest Post by Rebecca Parker 

So he asked you to marry him, you said yes,and now you have all kinds of plans to make. From the cake, to the reception hall, all the decisions can get youcaught up in the whirlwind of romance. One of the things on your to-do list is picking wedding favors for thereception.  The reception itself is ofteneven bigger than the ceremony, so you may feel pressured to pick somethingeveryone will like.  Here are some greatideas for picking out wedding favors.

PersonalizedFavors

One way many brides and grooms like topersonalize their reception is by choosing favors that incorporate their namesinto them.  Wedding favors can beanything you want them to be, so offering up a little something as a memento ofyour special day is just what many couples want.  You might even want to include a littlepersonalized message from the two of you. There is no limit to what you can do as long as you stay within yourbudget constraints.

 

Pre-madeFavors Vs. Homemade Favors
Another question many brides ask is whetherthey should make the favors themselves. This is entirely a matter of preference. If everyone knows you like to make candles or little handmade gifts,then making your own favors is the perfect way to add some personality into yourspecial day.  However, if you have neverfelt yourself to be the artsy craftsy type, then there’s no need to forceit.  Chances are, you’ll just end upfeeling rushed and frustrated if you try to force yourself into figuring outhow to make something.

UniqueIdeas for Wedding Favors

Brides who really want their wedding favorsto stand out do have some options if they aren’t into making handmade thingsthemselves.  For example, you might handout a bag of flower seeds to symbolize your future together and the beauty thatwill come from it. 

If money is not an option, then yourwedding favors can be as unique as you are. If you want your guests to be able to use your favors, then think ofanything that will remind them of you and still be useful to them.  You might want to hand out coffee mugs,scented soaps, or personalized fans.  Ifyou’re a chef, then heart-shaped measuring spoons are a very unique idea.

ThemedFavors

If you’re still having trouble choosingwedding favors, then the simplest thing to do is pick something that matchesyour theme.  For example, you might havesome type of small container filled with a candy that you like and tied with aribbon that matches your wedding colors. It’s quick, simple, and it takes care of the wedding favor question.  Then you can mark one more thing off thatlist!

Guest post by The Wedding Planning Guides, a site dedicated to sharing practical(but fun) advice to brides and grooms throughout the ups and downs of weddingplanning.