Reception food question!

trina0612

Has anyone tried doing their own food?!   My fiance and I want to do our own, and I was wondering if anyone did and if so, their experience and tips they have to do it smoothly. thanks!

HobokensFury

I would not advise making your own food for a wedding for a few reasons. Mainly being it's a huge task that you will not have time for.  Also there are quality and health concerns.  Other people here on TK will agree this is best left for the professionals.

trina0612

Yes, I do understand the health reasons.  But I am in school for such a profession and I understand food safety and how to keep it at safe temperatures to ensure that no bacterial growth can happen. I have taken tests and received certificates saying I am qualified in that area. 

loca4pook

I think it's risky because you will be incredibly busy the week of your wedding and it might not be a stress you want to take on....

trina0612

yeah... I am worried about the stress situation also. I didn't know if anyone had discovered quick and easy food options to reduce that.  

SlothGoals

I don't think this is a good idea. In addition to what Hoboken said, what happens if your warming trays suddenly stop working? Or if someone drops something while transporting it? You'll be the one having to deal with the problem when you should be enjoying the day and the company of your guests.<div>
</div><div>[QUOTE]<span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.818181991577148px;">However, multiple family members may offer to help make food[/QUOTE]</span></div><div><span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.818181991577148px;">This is also not a good idea. Your family members are guests at your wedding, they should not be put to work.</span></div><div><span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.818181991577148px;">
</span></div><div><span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:11.818181991577148px;">I would just hire a caterer or look into inexpensive alternatives for serving food such as holding your reception in the afternoon and just serving cake and punch. The ladies on these boards are excellent at locating options to fit any budget!</span></div>

dtbluv

This totally depends on your wedding size.

If you've never catered anything large scale before (we didn't do anything large scale when I was in culinary school) then you really have no idea.  If your wedding is over 20-30 people and you don't already have all your own pro-catering equipment and access to a professional quality kitchen then it definitely is not worth it.  Also, your venue may have restrictions on making your own food.  I wasn't allowed to make a friend's wedding cake because I didn't have the proper licensing her venue's insurance policy required (and I'm serve-safe certified and a chef, I was just missing a business or catering license or something stupid like that).

My advice, if you have over 20 people, hire it out.  If you have under 20 people, do a quick run-through with a basic menu, including transporting the food to a different spot and setting it up and serving it to some friends, then see if it's right for you.

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_reception-food-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:015abc04-3854-403c-accb-c24ac95b6470Post:6db31773-2bce-4190-9147-cb681d0ad43b">Re: Reception food question!</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes, I do understand the health reasons.  But I am in school for such a profession and I understand food safety and how to keep it at safe temperatures to ensure that no bacterial growth can happen. I have taken tests and received certificates saying I am qualified in that area. 
Posted by trina0612[/QUOTE]



But are you insured? Most venues will require the person that provides the food to have a policy JIC