Earn cash as you plan. Get a $20 gift card for every 200 points with The Knot Rewards
Wedding Reception Forum
coopman41e
member
Food idea - What are your thoughts on having Panera cater a wedding?
My fiance and I are in the process of planning our 2014 in Newport, RI. We are having a tough time cutting costs and the catering quotes we've gotten from local vendors are so much.
Panera offers catering in this area...I just wanted to get other people's takes on what they would think if they went to a wedding in a nice ballroom overlooking the Newport ocean and Panera was the caterer? We would do it up fancy so they were on platters and what not. We would also go "all out" with a ton of good sandwiches, salads, bread bowls, etc. A huge feast because we'd be saving over $5,000 from the lowest of the caterer quotes.
It is also special because Panera is our favorite place to go. So it would be a cost reduction and meaningful at the same time. We just don't want to do it if guests would be ticked and view it as tacky.
As a side note, we would also have an open beer & wine bar and have a few other unique touches to add to our wedding day (cool favors, photo booth, carousel outside of ballroom, etc.).
Thank you VERY VERY much for your time and help!
Panera offers catering in this area...I just wanted to get other people's takes on what they would think if they went to a wedding in a nice ballroom overlooking the Newport ocean and Panera was the caterer? We would do it up fancy so they were on platters and what not. We would also go "all out" with a ton of good sandwiches, salads, bread bowls, etc. A huge feast because we'd be saving over $5,000 from the lowest of the caterer quotes.
It is also special because Panera is our favorite place to go. So it would be a cost reduction and meaningful at the same time. We just don't want to do it if guests would be ticked and view it as tacky.
As a side note, we would also have an open beer & wine bar and have a few other unique touches to add to our wedding day (cool favors, photo booth, carousel outside of ballroom, etc.).
Thank you VERY VERY much for your time and help!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Food idea - What are your thoughts on having Panera cater a wedding?
I've gotta say, though, that sandwiches (even hot ones) seem incongruous with the venue you are describing. Is the venue set for sure? Also, what time will the reception begin?
I think you're the only other bride I've seen on The Knot who had a carousel at her reception. We had a waterfront venue as well (Long Island Sound).
Skip the photobooth and favors and put that towards food would be my suggestion. Be sure and come join us on the DFW board if we can help with anything locally!
With All the Trimmings
September 2013 Siggy Challenge: Bouquet Inspiration
[QUOTE]I think it would only fly if it was an afternoon/luncheon type wedding. If I am invited to an evening wedding at dinnertime in a setting that you are describing, with an open bar, I think I would be rather shocked to find out that soup and sandwiches are being served. And if there is a favor at my place setting, even more so. Skip the photobooth and favors and put that towards food would be my suggestion. Be sure and come join us on the DFW board if we can help with anything locally!
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]
This exactly! This is not evening wedding/open bar type of food
but that plus you're having it at a nice place just seems to not fit.
the open bar is great. could you contact a nice restaurant in the area to see if they cater?
Also, in regards to the carousel, that is included in the ballroom rental so no extra cost associated with that. And the photo booth was very cheap through our DJ as an add-on to the package.
Here is a link to the ballroom just to give you an idea of the view/look:
http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/enterprise-fund/ballroom/images/450_inside_dugan.jpg
Thank you for all the feedback, it is greatly appreciated
[QUOTE]Thank you all for your input and ideas!! When I say Ballroom, it is definitely not as nice as the name. It is in a great location, make no mistake. But the actual ballroom is just an open "rotunda ballroom" which is basically just a large open oval. Very plain where they leave it up to each bride/groom to decorate. Also, in regards to the carousel, that is included in the ballroom rental so no extra cost associated with that. And the photo booth was very cheap through our DJ as an add-on to the package. Here is a link to the ballroom just to give you an idea of the view/look: <a href="http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/enterprise-fund/ballroom/images/450_inside_dugan.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/enterprise-fund/ballroom/images/450_inside_dugan.jpg</a> Thank you for all the feedback, it is greatly appreciated :) ! Keep them coming :)
Posted by coopman41e[/QUOTE]
I still think that venue is a little too "nice" for sandwiches and soup, unless you are going to do it very casual and maybe around noon. I just don't see how open bar/indoor ballroom (even a casual ballroom) goes with sandwiches and soup.
If you want to do an evening affair with an open bar, you might want to consider doing a BBQ or even italian food. Lots of restaurants will do pasta pretty cheap.
Websites/blogs where our wedding has been featured:
http://www.dapperq.com/2013/11/a-very-dapper-wedding/
http://www.onabicyclebuiltfortwo.com/2013/10/wedding-christina-g.html
http://4realequalityweddings.com/2014/05/16/g-christina/
Does anyone know of any cost-effective yet nice caterers from past experience in the RI area? Or is anyone a good cook that we can fly out, ha ha ha
Thanks again!
Afternoon weddings can also be really lovely if you really want to use Panera. Then everyone would have a nice view of the water. You could always host an after party with your friends if you wanted to keep the party going (or just start the HM early!)
With All the Trimmings
If you didn't book the venue, I highly suggest looking around for other options that will fit in your budget. Figure out the budget first and what you can get for your money and then book everything! Don't try and fit a square peg in a round hole.
I love me some Panera, but Newport Wedding and Panera just don't go to me.
Fatty Blog
[QUOTE]To be honest I would be upset if I saw all the money you spent on a beautiful venue, a photobooth and a carousel and then got served a sandwich. Even if these things are included or cost very little as you say your guests will not know and think this. Posted by HobokenBride2012[/QUOTE]
I just wanted to emphasize this. Unless you DIY a sign that says, "Super Cheap!!" or "They wouldn't lower the price if we skipped this!" people may see these as extras that diverted the funds that could have been spent on their comfort.
While some of my favorite weddings have had deli trays, the deli trays were consistent with the overall budget of the wedding.
Panera is great, filling food. I'd say go for it.
I just don't think Panera would cut it for an evening wedding. It's not fancy enough.
Can you try italian restaurants? Pasta can be "dressed up" and can relatively cheap.
I agree with others. Skip on the other stuff and give them a nicer meal....or change time of wedding to be earlier...or much later and have a "dessert reception
ETA: awe zombie thread got me.... I'm just craving panera
@KnotPorscha can we shut this thing down?