mixed food ideas??

elke01

I would like to have our reception catered however we have many people who are great cooks offer to make the food for our reception. I dont know what to do I know we would save a ton of money by not having it catered but I also dont want people to think we are cheap either by not having it catered. Please tell me what you think! Thanks

Zeni21

Pot Luck! there done,  lol
Have all the great cooks, make one or two dishes and lay it out buffet stye.

vsgal

Do not do a pot luck. There are too many health problems that could arise with dishes that you will be responsible for.  Hot food hot and cold food cold is not always followed by everyone.  Not to mention that the mayo based pasta salad has sat in a hot car during the ceremony.  Can you say botulism and food poisoning?  We went to a potluck party for a football game last year and it was a mess.  There were 20 bags of chips and various dips. There was a pork dish?  At least I think it was pork that was ice cold and wretched to eat.  There was a bowl of cole slaw that was turning colors and seperating because it sat out for so long.  Not a good experience.  Imagine that for your wedding.

Not to mention, it is horribly tacky to ask for pot luck for your wedding reception.  You have asked people to take a day off for you, get a nice outfit, possibly bring a gift and then you ask them to schlep a chicken casserole as well.  I would impolitely decline that invite.  Wedding receptions are not the place for pot luck.  Receptions are to thank your guests for attending your wedding. 

If you have people that are offering to cook, have them bring dishes to the day-after event if you are having one.  They can bring dishes to a pre-wedding, getting to know you BBQ.  They can save that dish for the next July 4th.  You can also say no to them.  Tell them that, while you appreciate their desire to help, you want them to enjoy themselves at the party and you will be providing food.

There are many ways to cut the food budget.  Post on your local board, to the left, for caterers in your area that have good deals.  Have the reception during a non-meal hour.  Then you can serve cake and punch with no meal.

Dont AskMeAgain

I think it's a great idea. That's exactly what we are doing & I feel like there is no reason to pay somebody for something we can do better. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having food half-catered. My cousin is a caterer & she will be helping & my fiance's sister is an avid cook. The people that are helping wants to help & the guests will still be gusts. I really don't think food poisoning is an issue. Use what the caterers use, use common sense about food prep & keep it moving.

Zeni21

they can called "part A wedding gift". or thee gift if you want.
but thanks for thinking that was a good one.