Do it your self vs. Catering...

lovetruly06

  Ok a FI and I have been planning on using the help offered to us by family members to do our food. And since he came up with the awesome idea to have turkey and it then progressed into having a Thanksgiving type meal, I've really been looking forward to it, because it's a bit different. And since Im so picky when it comes to food, knowing thats it's all stuff I like and have been eating for years was a plus.

   Well the other day a work a client at the Auto Shop gave ken a card of theres, for Kings Pizza which also does catering. And told ken they'd give him a discount. Well I looked at their website and it's priced good. Their highest choice on a meal is like $9 a person, and you seem to get alot with it. But its the everyday chicken and pasta type catering. Which I don't mind, but still $9 dollars a head with like 140 thats like 1200. Even if they discount us at half off (which i don't think would happen) it's still like 600 bucks. Which is all fine and good thats about what I was hoping to spend anyways. Then there is the Golden Coralle with a wider verity for like 5 dollars a head if I remember right. 

  Or would doing it on our own really be cheaper for that many people. Now I would like to point out that Im not against spending money on food, if it's good. But would it really be worth it to spend 600-1000 or more on food with a cater and not have to deal with the cooking. Or spend less or about the same and do it on our own. I personally think we could spend less money doing it and get exactly what we want.

lisa89760

personally I would want someone else to take care of the catering just for stress and time reasons.  But if you think you can handle all that go for it!

MMRoberts11

I would go with catering for a few reasons:
1) You don't have to stress about something else a few days before the wedding.
2) In the event that someone got food poisoning they could technically sue you (not that your guests probably would, but they can).
3) Catering yourself would likely cost more than the prices you said a head so you are saving money if these prices are correct.

MrsBarstool2011

Something you may not be factoring into cost is all the containers and warming platters you would need if you cooked yourself; whereas the catering company includes all of that.  Personally, I would choose catering just for sheer convenience reasons.

emarston1

I think it's definitely worth the difference to have someone else do it.

One thing you'll also want to think about it where your reception location is.  Some places will only allow licensed vendors (aka not the family) to come in to cater.  Look into any rules that your reception location may have.

Also, you usually don't eat a lot at your own wedding.  So I wouldn't base all the food decisions on your own preferences.  I too am a picky eater but I know that I won't really be eating at the reception so Todd will be making most of the food decisions.

abbeylynne06

Ditto PP on most venues having to have a licensed caterer.  Definitely check into that!

Personally, I would go with the caterer.  The week of the wedding was stressful enough (and I didn't really have much to do!), so I can't even imagine  trying to cook a meal for 100+ people.  It sounds like it might now actually end up saving you tons and tons of money.  I would say a few hundred dollars is worth your sanity.  And, do you or someone you know have a kitchen that accomodates cooking for that many?  I'm having a hard time figuring out the logistics of making, storing, and serving food for that many.

mrsbunyip

I'm going to agree with PP.  We were also looking into possibly DIY to cut down on costs and customize our menu.  Our guest list is at around 140, and I just don't see that happening.  My MIL and 2 of her friends said they'd do the cooking, but by the time the wedding starts, they would be absolutely too exhausted to enjoy the wedding. 

Gwenwhyfare

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_self-vs-catering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:e0efd078-24a6-4bb8-9f2f-d256eae176f8Post:8f696e97-ed97-491b-a9fd-02b0645859d2">Re: Do it your self vs. Catering...</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's definitely worth the difference to have someone else do it. One thing you'll also want to think about it where your reception location is.  Some places will only allow licensed vendors (aka not the family) to come in to cater.  Look into any rules that your reception location may have. Also, you usually don't eat a lot at your own wedding.  So I wouldn't base all the food decisions on your own preferences.  I too am a picky eater but I know that I won't really be eating at the reception so Todd will be making most of the food decisions.
Posted by emarston1[/QUOTE]

<div>Exactly this. I think I ate a couple carrots, some roasted potatoes and the cake DH and I shared when we cut our cake. I heard our food was good, but honestly, I really didn't eat much of it.</div>

Milsey32

Not only would family be cooking the food and keeping it heated, but they'd have to clean the dishes too! Go with the less-stress catering option. :-)

rak123

I would go with the catering...much less stress!

And I love your giant lap dog  

boogerbearoriginal

I'm just going to throw it out there that this sounds like a bad idea to me.

Cooking for 140 is not as easy as thanksgiving dinner for 20 - and that's not easy. You will need multiple turkeys, at least 75 lbs of mashed potatoes, and I can't even imagine how to make enough gravey and stuffing. Plus all the other sides and rolls and butter. And what about drinks?

Even with family helping, I think you are way underestimating the cost of all that food plus the time and ability to cook it all. Nevermind keeping it proper and safe temperature so that people don't get ill.

IMO DIYing food can work - but for a small wedding, like 50 people max. Not to sound defeatest but with 140 guests you will need a caterer.