DIY Grazing Table for 125 people....Insane!?

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

Is it completely insane to want to do a grazing table ourselves for 125 people? 
My main concern is that I would like to organize and do it myself (its fun! and I would enjoy it!) But it needs to be done during the ceremony (in July). So how does one refrigerate an entire grazing table?! In pieces??

Ideas??

LondonLisa

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4 said:

Is it completely insane to want to do a grazing table ourselves for 125 people? 
My main concern is that I would like to organize and do it myself (its fun! and I would enjoy it!) But it needs to be done during the ceremony (in July). So how does one refrigerate an entire grazing table?! In pieces??

Ideas??

Yes, a DIY catered wedding by the bride is insane. It’s a recipe for food poisoning. Do you really want to spend your wedding refilling trays? Or worse, making your family do it for you?

If you want inexpensive catering, look at restaurants that do platters. You can hire a few people to clean up and refill the food.

although, I would suggest you talk to some caterers with your budget. A lot of caterers can work with you (and they have all the equipment and experience to deal with this).

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

Its not the catering, its for the cocktail hour!

LondonLisa

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4 said:

Its not the catering, its for the cocktail hour!

Yes, still insane to have it DIY by the couple. Why not ask your caterers to do an inexpensive spread? Or get some cheese/fruit/ dip platters that you can pay someone to put out.

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

Our caterer doesn't do the type of spread that we would like! Definitely have to think about it more. Thanks for your response!

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

What do you think of DIY charcuterie boards for each table? we have 16 tables. These can be prepared the day before and wrapped in cellophane and stacked in the fridge.

missJeanLouise

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4 said:

What do you think of DIY charcuterie boards for each table? we have 16 tables. These can be prepared the day before and wrapped in cellophane and stacked in the fridge.

I like it. I am sure there will be some detail I am not thinking of but this is a much better suggestion than some others I have seen, lol.

LondonLisa

Yes, sounds much better. Although check with the caterers. Some will not allow other food in their fridges due to food safety issues. 

But I love charcuterie! 

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

our wedding is all diy on a family friends giant property! so we will be using their fridge

maine7mob

You can hire caterers to serve and refresh the platters even if you do them yourself in advance. But you do need some hired help no matter what!

OurWildKingdom

maine7mob said:

You can hire caterers to serve and refresh the platters even if you do them yourself in advance. But you do need some hired help no matter what!

If you live near a high school or college with a hospitality program, look into hiring students.

MobKaz

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4 said:

our wedding is all diy on a family friends giant property! so we will be using their fridge

Will this be held outside in July?  
If you want to keep your guests and the food safe, you need to consider having all food taken care of professionally.  
Does this family friend have more than one refrigerator?  You'll need extra space just for ice!
Are you renting additional toilet facilities?  How is parking being handled?  Do you have an inclement weather plan?

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4

We have all those details planned out. I was only asking for advice with this specific thing. 

MobKaz

knottie3f9f154ee55979d4 said:

We have all those details planned out. I was only asking for advice with this specific thing. 

Hopefully they are planned out with the comfort and safety of your guests in mind.  There have been MANY posts created regarding "home" weddings in which important details have been overlooked.  The fact that you are toying with the idea of providing an outdoor cocktail hour in July for 125 guests on your own wedding day does make me wonder what, if any, other "completely insane" ideas you might consider.

It is absolutely your prerogative to decline responses.  However, anything you offer on a public forum is open to questions and/or comments.  

MesmrEwe

Are you sure your caterer would even allow this?  Most caterers/venues because of food safety and state laws will say No.  I know my insurance on my office is the issue if I want to have food at anything, and that's just an office with a classroom.