To Do Food or Not to Do Food...That is the Question!!!???

SweetheartLove84

Hi Everyone! My FH and I are having our Wedding @ 2pm. So the Reception will be around 3:30pm. We cannot decide on what to do for Food for our Reception! I just really need some advice! I've racked my brain! Ive checked out Caterers (way to expensive) to Kentucky Fried Chicken (we liked this one) to just subs,platters- veggie and fruit, sausage and meatballs, etc! (Dont really know anyone to re-fill food for everyone)

Our Reception budget is at the most $1,200! The cheaper the better!
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US OUT!!!! TOTALLY STRESSING!!!!  

Manwaithiel

I chose cake and punch. Your reception time isn't a meal time so you could easily do dessert/snack things.

MarcyLT

Definitely cake and punch. I'd say, overall, that would look intentional where KFC, subs, etc. would just look like you were trying to save money.

twilight.rose

Ditto PPs. I think cake and punch is your best option.

McKenna2012

I like the cake and punch option best.  

SD3194

I catered a sub style wedding a few months back and it was AWESOME. There were a ton of different types of meats, cheeses, breads and toppings. They also had things like potato salad and fruit. It was a huge hit and if you did it yourself you would save some cash.

sklink0486

Cake and punch or subs (spelling?). What about both though?

SweetheartLove84

If we chose to do subs, platters, etc., I would still have Cake and Punch!
It doesn't look cheap just to have Cake and Punch alone?

See, I told you Im very confused..lol!

[Deleted User]

I think cake and punch (maybe do a little dessert bar as well?) is totally fine.
I've looked into getting some cold horsderves (whatever) and its not too expensive. They'd come from this little coffee shop I found. Tea sandwhiches and whatever, just incase someone is a little more hungry that they want something more substantial than cake and tarts and candy.
But I'm holding my wedding at about 1 (still in works, but I think) so that people aren't missing lunch or dinner.

Apparently you can put on "light snacks" and its ok (or perhaps "cake and punch"?) on the invitations, etiquette wise. Or so i'm told, I don't much pay attention to etiquette.

KFC just seems tacky, subs not. Then again, if your group of friends is really into KFC it might not be so bad (or a southern wedding perhaps?).
If the reception is short I would never think its cheap to have cake and punch alone, but I don't think its cheap to hold a cash bar (so long as I get a drink ticket or two).

lemark2

That time of day is perfect for appetizers since they will go home and have dinner later. That way they have something to munch on while they celebrate with you at your reception. Appetizers are easy do-it-yourself options, and they are also much cheaper than a meal if you can find a caterer that works for you. Much more fun than just cake and punch. Good luck!

Blueyed228

I would do heavy apps with cake and punch,

If you are looking for ideas to keep it under $1200 we would need to know how many guests you are having.

[Deleted User]

One thing I thought of on the DIY sub station: I thought of this as an option as well, but it creates a bottleneck and its potentially messy.
No experience on that though. And cold cuts aren't super cheap (atleast not where I live) either.

Just thinking, if the reception is at 3:30 and everyone is out in an hour or two, maybe no appies since they'd be going straight to dinner? But depends on how long its been from your ceremony too.

I'll add to Blueyed228's comment on # of guests with this thought: 300 people munching on cake alone sounds a bit thin...but 50 of your closest family and friends for a short period sounds fine.

SweetheartLove84

Im expecting 105 guests!

[Deleted User]

Ok that's like mine (100).

I am planning on doing several different kinds of cakes instead of a big tiered one, with home baked treats in there too (cookies, tarts, squares etc) and maybe some candies as well (we're all big kids).
That plus the espresso bar, at a wedding running from 1-3/4pm should be more than enough...I would think anyway. But i'm not a typical bride (and its not a typical crowd).

However, I was getting frustrated and was going to grab meat/cheese platters and sandwhich platters from Safeway (or local supermarket, basically). Finally found a caterer that's out of a coffeshop and offers "cold horsdouvres" and things. They drop off/pick up all the serving platter. Its plasticware, but you can upgrade for a small fee and they're provide one or more staffers for another small fee. I spend a lot of time googling and site hopping to find them though!

If budget is tight you could always have a few friends/family transfer the storebough goods onto nice server sets - no one will know!

My mom also got enough sandwhiches/subs from a local deli to feed 20 people for about 100 (maybe 150). Times that by 5 and you've got a much cheaper catering option.
If you decide for the food, definetly check out local cafes and delis (lunchtime spots). A lot do "corporate catering" with the idea of bringin lunch to offices and its not much of a stretch for them to go from 50+ people to 100 for serving side.

Hope that helps and good luck!

acwm

Cake and punch is a good choice. If you do some apps or a few different kinds of dessert, it won't look cheap or thin. 

aegrish

for 100 guests, I would stick with cake and punch.  Your reception is at an inbetween meal time anyways.  I don't think it looks cheap at all, you are hosting what you can afford and that is fine.  If anything, note 'cake a punch reception to follow' with your invites or on your wedding website (if you have one).  Most guests are more than happy with a good piece of wedding cake.  Adding multiple desserts can get expensive and people usually don't like a sugar rush mid-afternoon anways.  Cake is plenty.

achiduck

I voted cake & punch. You could also get your local deli counter to put together platters of finger sandwiches and veggies & dip. I've done this in the past for work events, parties, etc and it's always worked out great.

Wiscisbliss

I would have the following
Cake
Punch
Veggie Platter or Fruit Salad
Cheese & crackers or Chips and Salsa

That way there is a little something for everyone (Swwet, salty, and healthy). 

SweetheartLove84

Thanks everyone for your advice and opinions!!! It's definately helped out alot!

lthom17

1) Cake and punch.

not a meal time!  guests will eat at dinner

cherylnicholas

I think cake and punch would look most intentional... not cheap.... Just make sure that your invites say "dessert reception" so ppl know to eat lunch prior....

katieisawesome

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_food-not-foodthat-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:84abadfd-c54e-4371-bd06-b71d84d35b33Post:c60088c7-d75c-4bcd-bb00-e1ee29f4734e">To Do Food or Not to Do Food...That is the Question!!!???</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi Everyone! My FH and I are having our Wedding @ 2pm. So the Reception will be around 3:30pm. We cannot decide on what to do for Food for our Reception! I just really need some advice! I've racked my brain! Ive checked out Caterers (way to expensive) to Kentucky Fried Chicken (we liked this one) to just subs,platters- veggie and fruit, sausage and meatballs, etc! (Dont really know anyone to re-fill food for everyone) Our Reception budget is at the most $1,200! The cheaper the better! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US OUT!!!! TOTALLY STRESSING!!!!  
Posted by SweetheartLove84[/QUOTE]

<div>Depending on the number of guests, you could probably do a lighter buffet for that budget (not including alcohol).  I am in a wedding and involved in some of the planning this summer and the catered buffet (salads, breads, several meal options) was like $11 per guest.  And I've had the food before (actually had it at my wedding several years back) - it's very, very good.</div>

katieisawesome

Depending on the couple, the KFC thing could be really fun - and hell, the food is tasty.  I don't necessarily think that's a bad idea depending on the couple's style and the guests.

SweetheartLove84

Lol...Both sides of our families are very southern so I thought it was a great idea! The only thing that I hesitated about it is I couldnt figure out a way to keep all that food hot! That's why I posted the question!!!

SweetheartLove84

 Thank you to all who voted and gave me their advice!!! We spoke with someone else from KFC Catering and with both sides of our families being southern and the price given to us from KFC, we will be catering KFC for only $1000. That will include 3 pcs. per person, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Biscuits PLUS Delivering, Set up, Serving, and Break Down!!!! All together for 110 Guests will end up only being $9.80 per person!!! So excited!!! Thanks again to all who helped!!!

[Deleted User]

That's a pretty good price!
I understand the southern thing, having traveled down south just a tiny bit. And if you guys are really into it, and happy with it,. great!