11/01/2024

 

Any professional caterer or couple planning a wedding should understand that the wedding reception meal is a significant portion of your wedding budget. As one of the UK's leading catering service providers, we know the challenges of hosting a grand event like a wedding, especially when you're catering to a large number of guests. The key question often is: how can you feed a hundred or more guests without compromising on the quality and quantity of the food? In our years of experience, we've honed wedding buffet menu strategies that not only fit within your budget but also ensure a delightful culinary experience for you and your guests. Here are our top 5 expert tips on planning your wedding catering to achieve both affordability and taste.

One of the first steps in optimising your catering budget is to carefully consider your guest list. While it may seem daunting, reducing the number of guests can significantly impact your overall catering costs. Begin by identifying acquaintances and distant friends - those you may not have kept in close contact with, like old college classmates, coworkers you rarely see socially, or high school friends you mainly interact with on social media. Another aspect to consider is family connections; there may be distant relatives you've hardly met or seen only at large family gatherings. It’s a tough decision but narrowing down your guest list can make a substantial difference in managing a more affordable catering budget.

Another effective strategy to control catering costs is to plan for a brunch or lunch reception instead of a traditional evening meal. Typically, dinner menus tend to be more expensive due to the nature of the dishes served. In contrast, brunch or lunch options can be lighter on the budget and offer room for creativity. Imagine a bespoke sandwich bar where guests can build their own sandwiches, or a delightful DIY waffle station, adding an interactive and fun element to your brunch reception. At Benons Catering, we specialize in crafting menus that are not only cost-effective but also unique and memorable, ensuring your guests enjoy a sumptuous meal that reflects your personal style and preferences.

At Benons Catering, we understand the allure of a lavish five-course meal at your wedding reception, but we also recognize that such extravagance might not align with everyone's budget. An excellent alternative to consider is serving a selection of hearty hors d'oeuvres. This option can be both budget-friendly and satisfying for your guests. We recommend crowd-pleasing choices like gourmet sliders, crispy wontons, succulent fried chicken tenders, a lavish cheese and cracker spread, flavourful bruschetta, elegant shrimp cocktail, or delectable toast points. These selections are not only cost-effective but also ensure that your guests are well-fed and happy. To maintain a smooth flow, we strategically time the serving of these hors d'oeuvres throughout the event, ensuring a continuous supply of delightful bites without the risk of running out early.

Another budget-conscious strategy is to consider vegetarian options for your main course. While you may be a meat-lover, opting for a vegetarian entrée can substantially reduce costs. Vegetarian dishes such as savoury pasta, rich enchiladas, or a delicate quiche are not only more economical than high-quality meat cuts but also offer a delightful culinary experience. At Benons Catering, our chefs are skilled at crafting vegetarian dishes that are as delicious and satisfying as any meat-based entrée, ensuring that all your guests, regardless of their dietary preferences, enjoy a memorable meal.

The DIY approach might seem like a cost-saving measure, but when it comes to catering for a large group, it's often more stressful and less economical than expected. On your special day, the last thing you want is the added pressure of food preparation. At Benons Catering, we take pride in offering professional catering services that relieve you of this burden. Our team not only ensures that each dish is served at the perfect temperature but also assists in crafting a menu that aligns with your budget. Our expertise in menu planning allows us to suggest creative ways to extend your catering budget without compromising on quality or presentation.

Planning the catering for your wedding reception doesn't have to be a compromise between quality and budget. With thoughtful choices like opting for hearty hors d'oeuvres, considering vegetarian main dishes, and relying on professional caterers, you can create an unforgettable dining experience that's both delightful and affordable. At Benons Catering, we are dedicated to working closely with you to design a menu that meets your budgetary needs while delighting your guests with exceptional culinary creations. Our goal is to ensure that your wedding day is not only special and stress-free but also a celebration of love and joy reflected in every dish we serve. Let us help you make your wedding day a beautiful, delicious, and memorable occasion.