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Catering Your Own Wedding
If you are on a tight budget, consider catering your own wedding. It is not as hard as you might think. Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club have many items that are already prepared and all you have to do it heat them up. This goes for everything from the appetizers and salads to the main course.Another option for self-catering is asking your circle of family and friends to help out. You’ll be surprised at how much help you can get by just asking. Try to steer away from asking the bridal party, including the groom’s mother to help you cater your wedding.
The first thing you need to do is to find the perfect reception site. Before signing that contract you’ll need to ask a few questions. The most important question to ask is if they allow you to bring in outside food in to their site. Some have restrictions, so you need to find this out up front before signing your contract. Some require you to use their in-house catering staff or caterers they have exclusive arrangements with. Some will increase the price of the facility if you choose to self cater.
The next thing you need to check is the size of the refrigerator and the counter space available to you. It is important to know these things so you will know if you have to bring in your own coolers and tables. A large counter area will make it easier to replenish your food trays, etc. Also, check to see how many electrical outlets are in the area you will be using. The last thing you want to do is mess with extension cords. The most important items that need electricity would be your champagne or punch fountain, and coffee pots or urns. If you are having a deejay, he will need an outlet as well as an outlet for lights if you are having twinkle lights or some other form of lighting at your reception.
Of course, if you have having it at a private residence you can cater your reception easily.
Also check and see what the reception site will provide for you. They may have coffee urns, tables and chairs, linens, trash receptacles and even some have decorations such as candle centerpieces. This can save you even more and help you stretch your budget even further.
Be sure and check to see they have enough parking spaces to handle your reception easily without having your guests walk too far to get to the facility. Once you get these things resolved you can begin to plan your menu for your reception.
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Read the next Planning Your Wedding article on Choosing Your Bridal Party