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August 2012 Weddings
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Reception Help Needed!

AnnaLWAnnaLW member
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in August 2012 Weddings

I just go engaged this past Friday, but I am planning my wedding for August 25. I know that is crazy short notice, but my friend is going on a mission trip for a year, and I really want her to be there. I am expecting about 200 people to attend because we are making it an open reception. I really need some inexpensive ideas for the reception meal. I have heard that it is often cheaper to do meat and several sides (an actual meal) than to do a bunch of finger foods. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can do a complete meal but make it inexpensive? I know several places that cater for $12 or $15 a person, but I would like to be around $7-$10 per person. Is that even possible?

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Re: Reception Help Needed!

  • ChristineNBChristineNB
    500 Comments
    Are you hoping to use a caterer or were you trying to make food yourself?  If you are hoping to use a caterer/restaurant try looking into non-traditional ideas like Subway party platters, Costco/Sam's Club deals, or even some grocery stores can offer good deals on prepared food.

    If you are hoping to have family make the food, a BBQ can be a cheaper option, if you are having a laid back wedding
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  • i2012doi2012do member
    1000 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    do you mind me asking are you LDS?I went to a wedding and someone from the church was grilling for them and someone made a pasta salad and sandwiches.
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  • lb1212lb1212
    100 Comments

    I know Buddy's BBQ (a local chain) has 4 catering menus under $9 a person. If you don't want to go the BBQ route look at Italian Food. (Based on a quick google search - http://www.creativecateringga.com/menus/new/CC_Stations.pdf). Also ask your caterer if they would be willing to work within your budget.
    Also, I'd suggest posting this under your local board.  Maybe a bride there has an awesome source!
    Good luck!

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  • libby2483libby2483 member
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    My friend had a wedding last year and they had Famous Daves BBQ cater. It was served buffet style I believe it was less than 10 dollars per person.
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  • AnnaLWAnnaLW member
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    Thank you all for your responses!
    ChristineNB, I don't have family or friends lined up to help cater, but I am open to that as opposed to hiring a caterer! I will definitely check into Sam's and other places. Thank you!

    i2012do, I am not LDS. I'm actually Pentacostal Christian. I like the idea of pasta. My sister suggested the same thing. I might take that route. :)

    IB1212, thank you for the link and suggestion!

    libby2483, I know there isn't a Famous Dave's in this town, but there may be one near by. I would definitely love to have them!

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  • i2012doi2012do member
    1000 Comments Fourth Anniversary

    O ok, I read mission so I just figured.
    Pasta and itlaian food is easy to do in quantity and is affordable.

    It's popular up here beacuse there is a huge itlaian population- but typically for almost EVERY outdoor cookout (i know this sounds weird) i go to in RI that is hosted by an italian there isnt anything bbq. Its mostly pasta, sausage and peppers, meatballs, and calzones.

    Its cost effective and usually big ground friendly.!

    Also, Sams and other places as PP mentioned also has lots of tings you can pick up like trays of sandwiches etc. I would check with your local grocery store they do it as well.

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  • tingeytrontingeytron member
    10 Comments
    Another idea for catering is a smaller company- like one that runs a food truck during the week. Odds are they'll be available for a saturday, and if you have a type of food you and your FH like, you could go with a theme.
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