One of the biggest mistakes couples make is inviting too many people.  This will add the greatest cost to your wedding.  Carefully consider who you would like at your wedding.  The strategy I used was only inviting people that I would have over for dinner.

Packages are often cost advantageous, so consider packaging your reception venue with your catering.  Your typical wedding reception venues don’t give you any other option, but if you are going for a more non-traditional reception venue (ie National Trust House, Public Garden, Zoo etc) there may be the option of bringing in your own caterer, which can often work out to be more expensive.  Independent caterers have to consider the cost of travel, portable equipment and the more inconsistent nature of the business which can inflate their costs. In short, speak to your venue about their catering options, or their recommended caterers.

While venues who do not automatically cater will most likely have a list of recommended caterers, get independent quotes as a comparison.

Catering for dinner is always the most expensive option, so even if you dream wedding plan included an afternoon wedding and a dinner reception, take a moment to consider the other options.  Just because you have a simpler reception does not mean you have to cut in quality.  For example, a dessert reception can be held at any time of day and can include an assortment exquisitely decorated rich desserts, cakes, pastries, tarts etc.

Other options include:

• Breakfast
• Brunch
• Morning tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea or high tea
• An afternoon cocktail party
• An evening cocktail party
• A dessert reception

Consider a combination of the above.  If you want to invite 100 people to your reception but can’t afford that many, have an afternoon tea for 100, and then a more intimate dinner for 20-30 afterwards.

If you are having an afternoon tea as suggested above, do you have a group of people that could organise simple catering for you?  People who could help out (and I’m sure would love to do so) could include people from a social group, church, aunts, grandparents, cousins, a special group of friends.

Have TAFE students (studying hospitality and catering) cater for your wedding.

Having a buffet will cut down on the number of staff required to serve your guests and will therefore save you money.

Reducing the number of options available for a set menu will bring the price down as they caterer doesn’t have as much food to prepare.  For example, if it is standard to offer three choices for the main course, bring this down to two choices.  Or even have just the one plate available for the entrée (making sure you cater for those with special dietry needs of course).  If your caterer doesn’t offer this option, ask!

Instead of gifts, ask your guests to pay for their meal (as long as it isn’t too expensive).  It may also be wise to test this idea on a few of your potential guests as some people will always be offended at having to pay to go to a wedding.

Get a fixed price quote.  Don’t settle if your vendor says the price of specific foods will vary depending on the market cost that day.  If you agree to this you are allowing your caterer to charge you almost whatever they feel like on the day.

More:

The Wedding Dress    

The Bridesmaid Dresses
The Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire   
The Shoes  
Hair, Makeup & Jewellery    
The Ceremony    
The Reception Venue    
The Catering    
The Drinks    
The Cake    
The Bonbonniere    
The Music    
The Flowers    
The Photos    
The Transport    
The Bridal Shower, Hen’s Night & Buck’s Night    
Invitations    
The Gifts    
The Honeymoon 

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© 2009

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Disclaimer
This publication is the opinion of the authors, and the author’s do not guarantee any savings as a result of following the tips offered in the publication. The authors do not take any responsibility for the use or application of the information provided.

This publication is provided on the understanding that:
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