There’s been a lot of buzz out there about “ways to save” on catering and obviously to a bride on a budget, anywhere you can cut corners is going to help! The best thing you can do when trying to save money on your catering is to do your homework. The cheapest option is not always going to be the best option for you. There are ways to cut back without having a potentially disastrous situation.

Consult your venue:

Venues should have a preferred catering list, as opposed to  a “free for all” situation.  Here is an example as to why this is important. Let’s just say Jane Doe catering company comes in the day before your wedding, she could care less what condition she leaves the facility in because she’s never coming back. We’ve seen it so often we could write a television series about this!  The end result is simple. Your guests are stuck sitting on chairs that have gold glitter on them and the mother of the bride has a new bright side to her back -side for the duration of the reception.

Choose Experience.

As for using a new caterer, of course we all have to get started somewhere but beware using your wedding as the place for “XYZ Catering” to get her feet wet in the catering business. She’ll give you an amazing “deal”, but her anxiety level will be twice that of the bride. The staff picks up on that negative energy, which in turn filters down to your guests. This is not a good situation and will leave you asking yourself what you really “saved” in the process. Having peace of mind  with a qualified caterer and staff makes all the difference in the world for your wedding day.

Consider the Menu and Service Style

So you’ve consulted your venue on the caterers they know and trust and you’ve interviewed a few qualified caterers and narrowed it down. You trust the caterer to give you a superb experience, however, you need to cut back on your expense. Instead of cutting back when it comes to experience and qualifications, work with your caterer on ways they can alter the menu for your budget.

A buffet style reception will cut down your costs since less catering staff would be needed. Also, choose a less expensive entree. For example, instead of offering seafood or steak, try chicken or pasta dishes. Keep in mind, elegant, stylish weddings do not have to be black tie! According to elegala.com, “A recent trend has brides breaking from the stuffy formal affair and embracing a more casual and festive atmosphere.”

Accomac Catering offers a Casual Concepts menu that is an excellent option for stylish, casual weddings. Here is a sample of the offerings on the “Riverside” themed menu:

HOR D’OEUVRES

Creamy Spinach & Fennel Au Gratin- Artisan Cracker Assortment

York Valley Cheddar Black Bean Dip – Seasoned Tortilla Chips

Seasonal Vegetable Pizza Squares- Old World Dough Recipe w/ Roasted Vegetables

White Bean and Rosemary Bruschetta- Seasoned Lavosh Crisps

ENTRÉES

Chipotle Beans with Gnocchi and Wilted Spinach -Black Beans, Pasta, and Spinach in a Chipotle Tomato Broth

Grilled BBQ Chicken Quarters -House made “El Capitan” BBQ Sauce

Hickory Smoke-Roasted Beef Eye Round- Piquante Sauce

Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp and Orzo- Roasted Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Fresh Parsley

Petite Beef, Rice, and Bean Burritos- Tabasco Hot Sauce

ACCOMPANIMENTS

Steamed Yellow Rice, Roasted Red Bliss Potato Wedges, Creamy Red Pepper Polenta, Potato and Sweet Onion Hash, Buttermilk Cornbread Pudding, Grilled Squash Medley, Steamed Shoepeg Corn, Cumin Glazed Carrots, Nappa Cabbage Slaw