{"id":50210,"date":"2018-02-22T00:40:25","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T00:40:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/?p=50210"},"modified":"2020-08-18T11:55:33","modified_gmt":"2020-08-18T18:55:33","slug":"wedding-food-service-options-feeding-hungry-guests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wedding-food-service-options-feeding-hungry-guests\/","title":{"rendered":"Wedding Food Service Options for Feeding Your Hungry Guests"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When you start your wedding planning journey, you may already have an idea of what kind of food you want to have at your reception. You want your reception to be a great party, and with a great party it just seems right to have great food. The standard idea of a wedding dinner is one that involves a multi-course catered meal. And this may very well be the option for you. But it is important to note that full-service catering is not your only option! From restaurants, to food trucks, to potluck dinners, there are tons of ways to treat your guests to some delicious eats. Even with all of these options, choosing a wedding food service option doesn’t have to be stressful! Here’s our guide to figuring out what’s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guests and Budget<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before you make any major decisions about the food you\u2019ll be serving at your wedding, have your guest list worked out. You\u2019ll also want to have an estimate of your budget and have an idea of what you are able to pay for food and drink. This way you can make the calculations and decide what food to serve based on how much you can afford to spend per guest. You may quickly find that food and drink will be one of your biggest wedding expenses. If making a full-service caterer work on your budget is going to be tough, don\u2019t sweat it! There are all kinds of ways to feed your guests, and you can choose one that fits the vibe of your wedding as well as your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

Full-service caterer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Full-service catering involves the caterers coming to your venue to prepare and serve the meal. They usually also handle all of the logistics around the meal, including setting up chairs and tables and cleaning the kitchen. <\/span><\/p>\n

The main issue with this option is the expense. The cost per person can make it particularly expensive for larger weddings. Going with a caterer doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t save money or have something unique, though. Caterers often offer different types of food service. A buffet or family-style meal may cost you less than a traditional plated dinner, for instance. You can also seek out caterers who are willing to prepare less traditional fare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Restaurant<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another great options for a seated meal is booking a restaurant. Be aware, though, that the price of a wedding dinner at a \u201cnice\u201d restaurant can rival the cost of catering. The great thing is, you can have your wedding at any restaurant that will allow it. If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, there may still be ways you can save. Instead of booking the entire restaurant, you can also ask them about a partial buyout. Also ask if the price for booking would be cheaper on certain days. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided this option is for you, there are a few other things you should ask about. First of all, you\u2019ll want to make sure they have enough space for your guests. Inquire about serving options as well. They may be able to offer a buffet or family style service. A limited menu is also a great option than can cost less.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other important questions to ask:<\/span><\/p>\n