How Do You Save On Wedding Catering?

Planning a wedding can be exhilarating but comes with a unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to managing the budget.

One of the biggest expenses, catering, can quickly add up, but with a few thoughtful choices, you can ensure your guests enjoy a memorable meal without overspending. 

There are plenty of creative strategies to keep costs down, from limiting alcohol options to selecting seasonal ingredients and even considering a daytime wedding with lighter fare.

This guide offers practical, budget-friendly tips that allow you to create a delicious and enjoyable experience for everyone while staying on track with your wedding budget.

Let's get straight to the point

Organising a wedding on a budget? Save on catering with these smart strategies! Opt for a limited bar (beer, wine, or signature cocktails), or consider a daytime wedding with brunch or lunch options, which are often less costly.

Choose a simple three-course meal and limit hors d'oeuvres to a couple of crowd-pleasers at self-serve stations. 

Go with classic, budget-friendly dishes using local, seasonal ingredients to keep things fresh and affordable. Think food stations or barbecue catering for a unique, fun dining experience.

Finally, consider a dessert table instead of a traditional wedding cake and select a venue that allows outside catering for maximum flexibility.

These tips will help create a delicious, memorable wedding without stretching your budget.

1. Limit Alcohol Options

Providing a full open bar can quickly inflate your budget. Instead, consider these options to reduce alcohol costs:

• Offer only beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails.
• Create a "semi-soft bar" with limited spirits (e.g., vodka and whisky), which allows for cocktail options without stocking a wide variety.
• Negotiate a per-bottle or per-drink rate with your caterer instead of an open bar.
• Choose a vendor with a buyback policy to return any unopened bottles.

By limiting the range of alcoholic beverages, you keep the bar accessible and enjoyable while cutting down on costs.

2. Opt For A Simple Three-Course Meal

Instead of a lavish multi-course dinner, offer a straightforward three-course meal:

• Soup or Salad as a starter
• A main entrée
• Wedding cake as dessert

Guests generally appreciate the simplicity, and this option reduces both preparation and serving time. Plus, fewer courses mean fewer ingredients, ultimately saving on food and labour costs.

3. Limit Hors D'oeuvres Choices

Hors d'oeuvres are popular during cocktail hours, but they can be expensive. To save money:

• Stick to two or three options that are easy to prepare.
• Choose budget-friendly snacks like cheese platters, dips, and fresh fruits.
• Serve pre-made appetisers to avoid preparation time and labour costs.

These choices allow guests to enjoy a satisfying snack selection without excessive spending.

4. Skip Passed Appetisers

Hiring servers to pass hors d'oeuvres can increase your catering bill. Instead, set up self-serve stations with crowd-pleasers like:

• Crudités, gourmet crackers, cheese plates, and bread selections.
• Colourful fruit displays to enhance presentation and variety.

Self-serve stations are budget-friendly and allow guests to pick their favourites without requiring a full waitstaff.

5. Choose Simple, Classic Dishes

Eliminate high-end dishes like lobster, oysters, and fillet mignon and stick to simpler options:

• Choose classic proteins like chicken or pork instead of premium cuts.
• For a touch of luxury, include small portions of expensive flavours, such as a crème fraiche blini with a dash of caviar.
• Limit the main course options to one or two choices.

Simple, crowd-pleasing dishes keep costs low while ensuring guests have a delicious experience.

6. Simplify The Menu With Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Complicated dishes often require extensive preparation, which can increase labour costs. Here’s how to keep your menu affordable:

• Opt for easy-to-prepare dishes like roasted chicken, pasta, or vegetarian options.
• Skip intricate dishes like beef Wellington or lamb cassoulet.
• Ask the caterer to focus on quick preparation and affordable ingredients.

A simplified menu keeps your budget in check while providing a delicious, well-prepared meal.

7. Incorporate Food Stations For Variety

Adding one or two food stations can create variety without the cost of a full dinner menu:

• Consider a sushi bar or make-your-own grilled cheese station.
• Use stations for popular items like pasta, salad, or taco bars.
• Theme the stations around favourite cuisines like Mexican, Asian, or Italian.

Food stations offer a unique experience for guests and allow you to cater to diverse tastes affordably.

8. Bring Your Own Alcohol

Many caterers allow clients to bring their alcohol, often for a small corkage fee. This option can save significantly:

• Select an alcohol vendor with a buyback policy for unused bottles.
• Opt for bulk wine and spirits to ensure ample supply without excess.
• Serve local or in-season wines to reduce costs further.

Bringing your alcohol gives you more control over the budget and ensures you only pay for what’s consumed.

9. Use Local And Seasonal Ingredients

Seasonal and local ingredients are often fresher, more available, and more affordable:

• Ask your caterer to use in-season produce to reduce the cost of shipping and transport.
• Discuss with your caterer about local farmers or suppliers who can offer quality products at lower prices.
• Plan the menu around what’s abundant in the area during your wedding date.

Using local, seasonal produce supports local farmers and helps you maintain quality without overspending.

10. Consider Themed Food Stations

Themed food stations can be a great alternative to traditional plated meals, providing variety and a fun dining experience:

• Options like fajitas, stir-fried Thai, or Italian pasta bring international flair.
• Serve your favourite cuisines in station form to allow guests to enjoy different flavours.
• Decorate each station to match the theme for an added visual appeal.

Theme stations create an inviting atmosphere and lower costs than formal dining options.

11. Choose Inexpensive Protein Options

Premium cuts of meat, such as fillet or rib-eye, come at a high cost. Instead, opt for these affordable but tasty proteins:

• Chicken, pork, and lamb are budget-friendly and versatile.
• Use flavourful marinades or sauces to elevate less expensive proteins.
• Consider options like roasted or braised dishes that enhance taste while remaining affordable.

Less costly proteins can still impress guests when prepared with care and attention to flavour.

12. Diy Some Appetisers

Making a few appetisers yourself can help save on catering costs, especially for easy-to-prepare items:

• Set up a cheese and crudité platter with assorted dips.
• Assemble a fruit or dessert station with fresh and simple treats.
• Avoid overly complex appetisers that require extensive preparation or handling.

Preparing appetisers in advance is cost-effective and allows you to add a personal touch to the meal.

13. Minimise Service Costs By Reducing Waitstaff

Hiring waitstaff can increase catering expenses due to labour costs. To reduce these fees:

• Skip servers for cocktail hour and use self-serve appetisers instead.
• Limit the need for servers during dinner by opting for buffet or family-style service.
• Use a self-service setup for dessert or coffee to cut down on staff requirements.

Minimising waitstaff can help you manage costs without compromising service quality.

14. Hire A Food Truck

Food trucks are a trendy and budget-friendly alternative to traditional caterers, ideal for informal weddings:

• Book a truck specialising in popular items like tacos, sliders, or pizzas.
• Choose a truck with set menu options to ensure pricing clarity.
• Make sure the venue accommodates food trucks to avoid logistical issues.

Food trucks offer unique fares without the high overhead of full catering services.

15. Go For Barbecue Catering

Barbecue is a crowd-pleaser that is often more affordable than formal dining. Consider these options for a laid-back yet satisfying meal:

• Serve classic BBQ favourites like pulled pork, smoked chicken, or grilled vegetables.
• Choose comfort food sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans.
• Opt for family-style or buffet service to let guests help themselves.

Barbecue caters to a wide range of tastes and provides a hearty meal without the expense of upscale dishes.

16. Select A Venue That Allows Outside Catering

Some venues require you to use in-house caterers, which can limit budget flexibility. When looking for a venue:

• Ensure they allow outside catering or that you choose a vendor.
• Choose a location with minimal restrictions on food and drink options.
• Look for venues with kitchens or facilities that support various caterers.

This approach gives you control over catering choices and allows you to find a caterer that aligns with your budget.

17. In Seasonally-Style For A Communal Atmosphere

Family-style dining is a cost-effective option that encourages guests to share food at the table:

• Serve large platters of entrees, sides, and salads for guests to pass around.
• Choose dishes prepared in bulk to save on individual plating costs.
• Set up tables with simple, classic décor to complement the communal setting.

Family-style dining adds a warm, intimate feel while reducing food and service costs.

18. Prioritise Seasonal Ingredients

Using out-of-season ingredients can significantly increase catering costs due to transport and freshness issues. To avoid this:

• Plan your menu based on what’s in season locally.
• Work with your caterer to source fresh produce that’s affordable and widely available.
• Avoid exotic ingredients or those that need to be imported for freshness.

Seasonal ingredients enhance flavour and presentation without breaking the bank.

19. Replace Traditional Cake With A Dessert Table

Wedding cakes can be expensive and often need to be more neat. A dessert table offers variety and cost savings:

• Set up a display with cupcakes, pastries, cookies, or candy.
• Let guests choose their favourites, which can make desserts feel personalised.
• Decorate the table with seasonal flowers or themed accents for an inviting presentation.

A dessert table allows you to save on a traditional cake and still offer guests a sweet ending to the meal.

20. Hold A Daytime Wedding And Serve Brunch Or Lunch

Daytime weddings often have lower catering costs due to the meal and drink expectations. By hosting a brunch or lunch, you can:

• Serve lighter, affordable options like pancakes, omelettes, and pastries.
• Offer mimosas, coffee, and tea instead of full bar service.
• Reduce service fees as daytime events are often shorter.

Daytime celebrations offer flexibility and cost savings while providing guests a refreshing, unique experience.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Smart catering choices, such as limiting alcohol options, simplifying the menu, and choosing affordable dining styles like family-style or buffet service, allow you to keep costs down without sacrificing quality or guest satisfaction. 

Whether it’s opting for seasonal ingredients to keep dishes fresh and budget-friendly or hosting a daytime wedding with brunch, each of these strategies helps make your wedding a beautiful, memorable, and affordable event.

With these tips, you can focus on enjoying your big day, knowing you've made thoughtful decisions that keep your budget on track while delivering a fantastic experience for everyone.