Our venue's price person cost includes a basic meal and open bar. None of the liquor is top shelf nor is the beer or wine high-end but we have the ability to bring in our own supplies to supplement as we wish. If we bring in our own stuff, they'll serve that until they run out then switch to their own supplies.
We have decided to include passed apps during the happy hour. The venue coordinator thinks it's unnecessary but we decided to go for it.
We're doing the more expensive dinner option- buffet - to accommodate picky eaters, younger kids, and dietary restrictions. Dinner will include salad and rolls (from a ridiculously amazing bakery!), prime rib, roasted bone-in chicken breast, some sort of veggie (I think we decided on green beans almondine with the beans on the side), and a carb. They recommend baked mostaccoli but I'm thinking rice pilaf. If we have the budget, I'll also include a vegetarian pasta dish that also makes a good side. I'm thinking something with pesto. Maybe add another veggie as well.
We're doing a smaller cake for cutting but grossly over-ordered on the sheetcakes. Both families love cake and we thought extras with different flavors are ideal.
We were originally thinking about bringing in pizza (combination of Chicago-style and pan) for a late-night snack but the woman at the venue is convinced that it's way too much food. Is it worth including?
Should we upgrade booze instead? We're also getting lots of recommendations that we do signature drinks, though we haven't mentioned it to the venue yet.
We have the budget for pizza or booze but not both.
Recommendations? Or ideas for another place to put our extra money?