I need to come up with a menu, and I am at a loss. I want to get the menu done as soon as possible so I can start planning out the cost for food. We are also "putting up" the bridal party at the reception venue, and I am not sure what is appropriate to do for food (for them) during "off-events" time.
Friday night - Wedding welcome dinner - FI and I have thrown around a couple ideas (hamburger, hotdogs, lasgana). Hamburger and hotdogs got thrown out cause I think it would be too hard to serve everyone at same time? Lasagna... same. I would need like 15 trays and no idea how i would cook & keep it all hot? FI's new suggestion is pulled pork since it can be made in crockpot and kept warm easy peasy.
Saturday morning - breakfast for bridal party - Do I just bring cereal/toast/bagels/donuts with me or should I plan a "make ahead" breakfast like breakfast casserole? There are 9 people in our bridal party (incl me & FI) or should I just tell everyone to go out Fri morning when they come into town to get breakfast foods??
Cocktail hour - some appetizers .....that's about all i got so far. Maybe veggies and dips. Crackers, apple butter, cheese, dip.
Reception (lunch buffet) - same issue as Friday night. What do I cook that I can make ahead and heat up and keep warm? I'd really like to take advantage of seasonal dishes. I wanted to serve salad, but what is the best way to serve a salad to a crowd buffet-style? FI's idea was do a "make your own deli sandwhich" buffet and I told him he was crazy.
Desserts - white/chocolate wedding cake, FI and I chose 6 desserts we love so we are going to serve 2 of them at Welcome Dinner, and 2 of them with wedding cake... so we are good on dessert.
Reception will end around dinner time. Bridal party will still be with us Sat. night (at receptin venue) so I figure we will go out late Sat. night for dinner or eat leftovers?
Sunday
I was thinking maybe a family brunch - but again - I don't really know if I want to cook for that many people. At the very least, I have to feed the bridal party or do I leave them on their own again?
Sunday afternoon my kids are getting baptized, and so afterwards we are doing "light" reception - I am just doing cake and punch. Maybe some veggies and dip or finger sandwiches. At this time I will be so sick of cooking.
Beverages - Non-alcoholic. We'll be doing tea and coffee, water, lemonade, iced tea, and a couple fun seasonal drinks. Alcohol will be included based on final cost.
Could I tell my bridal party they have to make ME breakfast? Seriously we are saving them like $200-$300 by using a venue that provides accomodations for them and their significant other. Or make them buy alcohol? Seriously what is the best way to do this? They are all adults.
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RSVP Date: Sept 24