Let me say right off, “GET A CATERER!”
Being your own caterer or letting a relative or friend do it can cost you in dollars and piece of mind. It takes a whole lot more than going to Costco or Sam’s Club and buying prepared food to set out. If you haven’t thrown a party for as many people as you’re inviting to your wedding in the past, then your wedding is not the place to start. Here are some basic questions to answer before you decide to do it yourself. If you’re going to be your own caterer, get informed and be prepared.
What am I serving?
How much will I need?
How much time will buying and preparation take?
Where will the food be stored before the wedding?
Where will the food be prepared?
How will the food be transported to the reception?
How will it be presented?
Who will serve the food?
Who will set up, clear and clean up?
How much food can I put on a table? How many tables will I need?
How many warming trays are needed?
How will the cold food be kept cold on the buffet table?
How many plates, napkins, utensils and glasses are needed?
There are so many things that can influence the quantities you’ll need; things like the age of your guests, time of day, weather, location and yes, even occupation. Sounds crazy doesn’t it but I swear it’s true!
Elderly guests will eat far less and want less spicey foods than younger guests; Guests who don’t attend a lot of parties or formal events will consume more food such as seafood, pastries and hors d’oeuvres and take larger portions overall than those who attend formal events regularly; Men eat more than women; Teens and young children will waste more food and drink than adults; People will eat more when it’s cold and will want lighter foods when it hot and 4 ounces of wine will look like more in an oversized wine glass than a regular 6 ounce wine glass.
Are you getting a headache? Look, having 20 people over for a BBQ or a throwing a party and having the whole gang over, is a far cry from serving 100 - 200 people at a wedding reception. Hiring a caterer is truely the smart thing to do. However, if knowing all this you still want to do it yourself, this brave soul, is for you.
These easy references are for those who just want the facts. I will have food charts up next week but until then I hope this helps. Keep in mind that while the figures given are based on industry standards, they are only guidelines. How Much Do I Need
© 2008 Mary Spies All rights reserved
