Food Cost

[MAC2BE]

Just curious how much everyone is spending on food for the reception??

[reecey]

Just curious how much everyone is spending on food for the reception??


I'm not quite sure yet - it really depends on how many people show up - my budget for food isn't very high, but I get really good deals since my father works for a food company and most of the meat we'll be "growing" ourselves heh. Its good to have a farm :)

[koolade]

ummm, well, we are having a laid back reception and decided on KFC!!! most of my family has worked there (dad used to be asst manager/district man., unlce used to be man of one, mom has worked there, stepmom has worked there, brother, cousins, aunt have all worked there, and now one aunt is district man-she took dads job when he left there!) anyway, so my aunt is getting us a really good deal on everything, and we figured between 350-400 for everything we need!!! (thats almost at-cost price)

[Kelly1Mickey]

Nothing definite yet...I still have to meet with caterers, but the ones I have looked at run $25-$31 a person (one of the caterers prices includes the cake) and I think I will end up with about 150 guests. I am still hoping to find something less expensive. It all depends on what the caterer provides. The highest price one includes a lot more than the others, so it might work out to be the 'cheapest' in the long run.

[nle5]

If everything works right then my family is going to cater the reception and we are going to do Mexican food. I'm thinking the most I will spend on the food and beverages will be between $800 - $1000. This will include the cake as well because my aunt is going to make the cake if I get the supplies that she needs. This price includes food and beverages for around 200 people.

[MAC2BE]

Gosh you all are so lucky. I have a caterer that is good friends with my mom I will be meeting with her and hopefully she will be able to do it she also does cakes too. But other places I have looked its like 21.00 to 25.00 a person. I want to have a nice reception with nice food but geeeeez everything is so expensive. We are hopefully only going to be expecting no more than 125 people if even that many. but still all these cost still add up!! I love Italian food and would love to do different Itialian foods and my FH loves it too but we'll see. ;)

[janette9400]

The place I want is charging me $85 per person but this is including the reception site and service. Of course I've never really looked into this before but is this a good price. My problem is im inviting about 200 people so thats gonna be really expensive, but I love this place. :o

[koolade]

The place I want is charging me $85 per person but this is including the reception site and service. Of course I've never really looked into this before but is this a good price. My problem is im inviting about 200 people so thats gonna be really expensive, but I love this place. :o


well, if its in your budget and its what you want-than sure its a good price. if not, than i would suggest doing a little more searching before making a final decision.

[mary-kathy]

Geez.. At the reception we will have 250-275 people. Our food is costing around 500 dollars. We are getting our food from Green House Cafe. They deliver and set up and take it away when your done. It's rge same thing we had for my sisters wedding. Really ladies if your not scared of foods with sauce or salads. The good thing is I'm a vegitarian and this is better than the gross meat that most weddings serve. At my cousins wedding they paid a lot for the meat, all my relatives said that it was really gross. Try looking into a cafe they may provide good food for a resonable price.

[nle5]

The place I want is charging me $85 per person but this is including the reception site and service. Of course I've never really looked into this before but is this a good price. My problem is im inviting about 200 people so thats gonna be really expensive, but I love this place. :o

OUCH!! That is a lot of money to be spending for the reception site, service, and food. I would definately look into something else that is in your area. Unless you can really afford this place and have fallen in love with it then go ahead but I would NOT pay that much for a reception.

[iviissbrandi]

To save on money I'm having a dessert and champagne reception....and thrown in will be some cold finger foods ... I think it's going to run me 10 -12 dollars a person... I truly think this is the best deal I can find!

[nle5]

Brandi,
Just remember about what time your wedding reception will take place. If it takes place during the lunch or dinner hours then you should provide a meal for the guests. I do not know what you have planned as far as times go but what you have planned will be fine as long as the timing is right.

[iviissbrandi]

What time would be good for this idea??? I HAVE to use this idea to keep cost down... I have reserved a mansion for all day and decided to marry there! omg!!!!!

* My friend had an idea for a crab and corn bisque soup w/ finger sandwiches?? How can I turn this into a meal? :eek:

[nle5]

Brandi,
Is there away you can cater your own wedding at the mansion? If so, then you can come up with a decent menu and keep the cost at what you are looking at per person. If not, then I would suggest having an early afternoon wedding with a reception about 3 ish or having an early evening wedding and having the reception at about 7 ish. Just make sure you are not having the reception around any mealtime hours (lunch or dinner). Those are the main times you would be required to serve a meal. For example, my wedding will be at 3 pm and the reception starting at 5 pm. Because 5 pm is the kick off of the dinner hour then I will be catering my own reception and serving a Mexican style dinner.

[MAC2BE]

WOW $85 a person. That is crazy. I would definately be looking else where unless you are of course filthy rich and can afford it.. I sure can not..lol Good luck to ya. I have spoken with a few caters but I haven't gotten a full price yet on anything. Hopefully I can get my caterer, reception site and photographer booked within next week being my absolute deadline............ I am not haveing any luck with anything. Don't know if its just a bad time to wed or if its just my usual bad luck that I seem to have often..lol Thanks everyone for your comments. i hope everyone finds something within their price range........... :o

[iviissbrandi]

Brandi,
Is there away you can cater your own wedding at the mansion? If so, then you can come up with a decent menu and keep the cost at what you are looking at per person. If not, then I would suggest having an early afternoon wedding with a reception about 3 ish or having an early evening wedding and having the reception at about 7 ish. Just make sure you are not having the reception around any mealtime hours (lunch or dinner). Those are the main times you would be required to serve a meal. For example, my wedding will be at 3 pm and the reception starting at 5 pm. Because 5 pm is the kick off of the dinner hour then I will be catering my own reception and serving a Mexican style dinner.

Thank you so much!!! I do intend to have it early now...thanks for looking out for me!!!!!!!
The owner said no outside food and gave me a list of her trusted caters who carry insurance... my guest list shot up 50 and I started to freak out but now I totally feel better...I'll just move it up! whew!

[MAC2BE]

Well I still have no reception site, no caterer, and no photographer. I am going bonkers!!! I thought I had found a reception place. It is a Bed and Breakfast and it would be outside so I would have to get a tent and tables. Well I went back to the house saturday and I did not notice how bad the house itself looked. Its extremely old and it looked it. My parents were not impressed at all with it. So now I am back to square 1 once again. AARRGH. I am calling another place here soon so hopefully I will have some luck there.. I will post again when I have news....... :mad:

:D Finally a happy face!! Well I just called the other place I mentioned and so far things are looking very good so far. She is faxing me over some menus. The catering is a little costly but I haven't found it very cheap anywhere else...

[esp1087]

We are having about 200 guests. It will cost us about $6,000 for food and to rent the hall (about $30/person). That includes a bar too.

We checked around and the other prices were much higher ($7,200 to $8500 to include dinner and a bar). At the place we chose, we are getting the best meal they offer, a bar, tables set up, decorations, etc. It will be incredible!

Elizabeth

[Sam&David]

I'm not sure how much we're spending on food right now. I'm playing with some different types of reception ideas...........trying to find a way to cut the cost down a lot!

One idea I'm playing with is a dessert reception.....its done at night, late, and only dessert is served.....lasts maybe 2-3 hours.

Another idea I'm playing with is an afternoon reception.......serving only appetizers/finger foods.....

It mostly depends on the type of food you want, how formal or informal the event is and the time of day........

good luck

[mickigirl]

I have a really tight budget and because of that a pretty laid back reception. I also believe that your wedding should reflect the kind of people that you are. Anyway....we couldn't afford to do a sit down, catered meal and are doing it ourselves. We are doing a buffet style meal with deli meats and sandwich buns, potato salad, macaroni salad, and definately a fruit bowl of some kind. It's simple, definately not fancy and pretty laid back. I have a couple of friends that will go over while pictures are being done and set up the food so it will be ready by the time we get there. This is her wedding present to me. I'm not out to impress people with my wedding or reception. I want people to look back and think how happy we looked and comfortable with eachother more than wondering how much money we spent on it. Just my 2 cents. Mind you...if I had the money to spend, I would still be having a simple meal....but it would be catered!

Micki
June 11th, 2005

[esp1087]

I found out recently that my price on the hall will be a little less than $6,000 (probably between $5,500 and $5,800).

Plus, it will also include centerpieces as well as the hall, food, beverages (including alcohol), decorations, cake table, gift table, etc. Getting the free centerpieces will save me a lot of money in flowers!!!

[SusanM18]

We are going to look at reception halls tomorrow and everyplace is between 6500 - 8000 for a 200 guest wedding. That would include open bar, and a sit down meal. I will have more details tomorrow :D

[nle5]

We are going to look at reception halls tomorrow and everyplace is between 6500 - 8000 for a 200 guest wedding. That would include open bar, and a sit down meal. I will have more details tomorrow :D

I would strongly suggest you make your bar a cash bar or only allow it to be open for so many hours. You might plan for the wedding reception to be between 6500 - 8000 and then when you get the total including the liquor, because it was open bar, it could actually wind up being a lot more. If money is not an issue then go for it ... just be cautious.

[hinman2b]

To Nle5 and Sam and David,
I was thinking along the same lines as a few others, having just a fingerfood and dessert reception. Can I have an evening wedding (7pm) and get away with that?
Luci

[mickigirl]

To Nle5 and Sam and David,
I was thinking along the same lines as a few others, having just a fingerfood and dessert reception. Can I have an evening wedding (7pm) and get away with that?
Luci


I would think that is fine. For a 7pm wedding most people have already eaten by the time they get there and will just want something to fill in the gap (and absorb some of the alcohol if you are doing that). I have decided that on my reception invites I am going to state what kind of a reception I am having...Join us for a sandwiches and dancing...something like that. Havent' figured out the wording exactly yet though.

[nle5]

To Nle5 and Sam and David,
I was thinking along the same lines as a few others, having just a fingerfood and dessert reception. Can I have an evening wedding (7pm) and get away with that?
Luci

That would be fine. Etiquette calls for serving a meal if your reception falls at the lunch or dinner hour (ie noon or between 5 - 6 pm). With your wedding not starting till 7 pm your looking at the reception starting later than 8 pm. Serving fingerfood or a dessert reception would definately be appropriate. Most of the guests will have already had something to eat for dinner and may only want a snack before heading off to bed. The only thing you really need to worry about is how much liquor your guests consume.

[MAC2BE]

Ok Lots Up Updates Since My Last Post In Here... I Finally Found A Reception Site, A Caterer, And Almost Got The Photographer Booked.. We Will Definately Be Having The Reception At A Restaurant In The Same Town I Will Be Married In. Only Thing We Have To Decide On That Is If We Only Want The Banquet Room Or If We Want The Whole Restaurant Course The Prices Are Different But Not To Outrageous. The Restaurant Will Do The Catering And With A Meal And Drinks (not Alcohol) Ended Up Being Around $22 A Person.. The Photographer We Met With Her Wednesday Night And I Really Liked Her And The Photos Were Pretty But I Think The Pics That She Showed Up Were Kinda Old. Reason Being (and I Don't Mean To Offend Anyone That Is Having A "back In They Day" Type Wedding) But The Wedding Dresses That The Women Wore Were Not Like The Dresses Are These Days....... She Is The Only Photo Around That Has Decent Prices (they Are Too Cheap) But She Isn't $5k For 100 Pics If You Know What I Mean. Im Not Sure What I Am Going To Do On That Yet.. There Is One Guy That Has Awesome Prices And On His Website The Pics Look Awesome But I Just Can' T Get Him To Return My Calls............... Anyway Just Wanted To Give A Heads Up That Things Are Starting To Go Smoothly............... :)

[reecey]

Ok Lots Up Updates Since My Last Post In Here... I Finally Found A Reception Site, A Caterer, And Almost Got The Photographer Booked.. We Will Definately Be Having The Reception At A Restaurant In The Same Town I Will Be Married In. Only Thing We Have To Decide On That Is If We Only Want The Banquet Room Or If We Want The Whole Restaurant Course The Prices Are Different But Not To Outrageous. The Restaurant Will Do The Catering And With A Meal And Drinks (not Alcohol) Ended Up Being Around $22 A Person.. The Photographer We Met With Her Wednesday Night And I Really Liked Her And The Photos Were Pretty But I Think The Pics That She Showed Up Were Kinda Old. Reason Being (and I Don't Mean To Offend Anyone That Is Having A "back In They Day" Type Wedding) But The Wedding Dresses That The Women Wore Were Not Like The Dresses Are These Days....... She Is The Only Photo Around That Has Decent Prices (they Are Too Cheap) But She Isn't $5k For 100 Pics If You Know What I Mean. Im Not Sure What I Am Going To Do On That Yet.. There Is One Guy That Has Awesome Prices And On His Website The Pics Look Awesome But I Just Can' T Get Him To Return My Calls............... Anyway Just Wanted To Give A Heads Up That Things Are Starting To Go Smoothly............... :)


You might want to ask your photographer for recent references - someone you can talk to about her photography and see their portraits. The photographer that you're booking may be someone that did this for a while but then took time off to have a baby or something like that -so she may not have a recent wedding - or maybe the people did have a "back in the day" wedding hehe :)

[DonnaNClifford]

Just a quick question... If you were to have an earlie reception, what time would it start and end? Thanks

[AlmostMrsJones]

Don't forget to look into calling the career services office at a local culinary school--I work for a culinary school and we have a lot of great students that have started their own catering businesses, and they often will charge less so they can get the work. One of my past students is catering our reception.

[FutureMrs_Riggio]

my reception total will be about $3000....including food, tables, venue, linens, flatware, gratuity, service, and of course the site coordinator.

[cuteseyus]

We are paying $17.50 pp and that includes the food and the hall. Its a local indian erstaurant that has a nice ballroom to their side.

[sept07bride]

We are paying $7/person for food, but it's pretty simple. Probably chicken, potatoes, a veggie, and rolls. And we're going to ask if we can bring in some extras- raw veggies, pickles, cheese, etc.

[rcook_82ebac]

I helped plan my cousin's wedding which was in July. We ended up doing a pasta buffet for about 185 guests. We did it ourselves and it cost about $500 with tons of leftovers.

Here's what we served: salad, breadsticks, two types of pasta (penne and a stuffed pasta like ravioli), and two types of sauces: marinara and alfredo. We had meatballs and chicken breast chunks in separate containers that could be added (or not added for vegetarian guests.) We went to Sam's Club to buy stuff in bulk.

The marinara was part pre-made sauce and part cheaper tomato sauce that we seasoned and simmered together. The alfredo was pre-made from a bottle.

A cousin of the groom made the wedding cupcakes which were very good and quite a hit. They were elegant but not hard to make.

We rented a few big roaster ovens to keep the pastas and sauces warm.