Wedding Catering Buffet Or Service
Posted on May 2, 2008 - Filed Under wedding
Another conundrum for soon-to-be married couples is the dilemma of having servers versus having a buffet for the reception. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at both sides before you make your decision.
At the buffet table
The first and most obvious upshot of having a buffet style dinner at the wedding is the opportunity for all of the guests to choose what they want to eat. This way everyone is happy and they can have as much or as little as they want. There can be multiple things for various dietary restrictions as well as a multitude of side dishes for the vegetarian that hates getting pasta at every wedding.
But the downside of the buffet table is that things that are popular will run out. If you do not plan ahead for shortages, then you may have guests that didn’t get what they really wanted to eat. In terms of movement, the buffet table can be tricky. The bride may have troubles moving up there and might be afraid to spill anything on her dress, as other may be as well. Trying to find ways to serve items without having a large opportunity for spillage will help to avoid any dry cleaning bills.
The service is excellent
Having servers for the reception is a classy and easy way to keep everyone happy during the reception. Not only will no one have to move until the dance, but the servers can also attend to any problems without the couple even knowing about them. Drinks can also be served, which is wonderful for everyoneno more needing to get up and down during dinner.
On the other hand, this excellent service does come with a price tag. It will be costlier to have staff waiting on the guests, especially with more guests. You will also take the chance of the staff being nice to the head table and not to the rest of the guests. The best advice is to interview each staff member as well before the reception.
Both buffets and service are great options for reception dinners. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, then the buffet will be great, but for the more formal occasion, service is best. You may want to stop and consider your guests at this point. If they’re older and don’t move around well, service is a great way to keep them comfortable.
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Tags: catering, catering a wedding, catering ideas, catering resource, wedding cater, wedding cateringWedding Budget Basics - Don’t Let Your Bar Break Your Catering Budget
Posted on March 28, 2008 - Filed Under wedding
So you’ve read the etiquette rules proclaiming cash bars a no no, and now you’re fretting the potential cost of a pricey open bar at your wedding reception. Relax, an open bar does not have to kill a carefully planned wedding budget. Consider these ways to save:
Find a Reception Site that Allows Outside Alcohol -
Believe it or not, many wedding reception sites will let you bring your own alcohol - which can lead to extensive savings! Liquor store prices are always less, and you can usually return any unopened bottles for a full refund after the wedding. When prospecting potential reception sites, ask whether stocking your own bar is a possibility.
Select a Reception Site with Reasonable Bar Prices -
Along those lines - even if you can’t find a desirable reception site that will allow you to stock your own bar, compare bar prices when interviewing facilities. Just like catering menus, all bar menus are not created equal. Many reception sites offer reasonable bar rates (anywhere from $15-$25 per person), while other charge exorbitantly. Choose wisely
Serve a Limited Bar -
Even though cash bars are frowned upon, you don’t necessarily have to provide a completely open bar at your wedding reception. Consider serving beer and wine only; this will substantially cut down on bar costs, and most wedding guests will hardly notice. If you’ve got a number of liquor drinkers on your guest list, serve a full bar stocked with only well brands.
Cut the Guest List -
We know you’ve heard it before, but the only way to substantially cut your wedding budget is to decrease your guest list. Almost all wedding costs are tallied on a per person basis - bar packages included. Decreasing the number of people in attendance will significantly decrease your bar costs.
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding vendors, with the planning tips to keep brides in the know on today’s planning trends and styles.
Tags: bar, budget, catering, reception site, wedding, wedding budget, wedding reception site