Franfogel wrote:
> I'm helping a young relative plan her wedding. She and her fiance don't have a
> lot of money, but would like to have dinner for their guests, not just wedding
> cake and champagne. What is the least amount they can spend and still have
> something respectable? Even the venues are pricey and don't include food.
> Would I be correct in thinking that they would do better going with a banquet
> hall that could sell them a package, rather than renting a venue and bringing
> in food themselves? If anyone's planned a wedding recently and has some good
> advice I'd love to pass it on to her. Thanks!


How many guests? This is the vital question. If the amount of food
fits available refrigerator and freezer space, the family can cook and
freeze ahead of time, hire some people to help serve and do up a nice
wedding at a reasonable cost. If they need a walk-in refrigerator that
they don't have, they'll need to hire someone, and I don't know of a
caterer that will let someone use their equipment without prepping the
food.


Sometimes churches, synagogues or rental halls (the Elks, the Legion)
have full kitchens that you can use. Otherwise, it makes the most sense
to call around to a number of restaurants and caterers to find the best
deal.


Another idea for a classy wedding without too huge a cost is to order
party platters from a number of restaurants without mentioning that any
of it is for a wedding. Order a cake from a bakery, and decorate it
yourself. Buy a case of champagne from the liquor store, and open and
serve it yourself, etc.


--Lia