The menu is a key element of a wedding. Keeping the guests well fed and watered is essential and sharing a delicious meal together allows couples to express gratitude and form deeper connections over food. However, all the canapés, main courses, and desserts can quickly add up, which tempts some people to cut corners, and not always in the most considerate of ways.
This guest recently shared how they received smaller portions of food and drinks than the rest at a wealthy family’s wedding. Considering that it was a “no expenses spared” event, such an unpleasant experience really didn’t sit well with them, pushing them to share it online.
Food is an essential part of a wedding that can quickly drain the couple’s budget
Image credits: Nathan Cowley (not the actual photo)
This couple thought they would save some bucks by serving less food and drinks to ‘less wealthy guests’
Image credits: Pixabay (not the actual photo)
Image credits: gew114
62% of couples believe that food is a worthy expense
Many would argue that memorable food and drinks are a worthy wedding expense. In fact, 62% of couples said that catering was the most important part of their planning process, and 75% believed that spending more on memorable menu items ensured their guests were taken care of and had a good time.
Not only does food have the potential to make the guests feel taken care of and give them something to converse about, but it can also be a great way to add a unique and personal touch to the celebration.
“The food program at your wedding is a wonderful place to showcase the things that you love as a couple,” says wedding planner Tory Smith. “We’re often asked about the best ways to make a wedding feel unique and ‘like us’ and food is a fantastic touchpoint to do so.”
Even though it’s an essential part of a wedding, the catering bill is the second biggest wedding expense, with the venue being in the lead. According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of food at such celebrations was $85 per person. If it’s a small, intimate celebration with 30 people, the couple should set aside around $2,550 for catering alone. For bigger weddings with 100 or more people, the cost range starts at $8,500.
The price also has the potential to grow depending on the number of invitees, the venue, and the celebration and food type. Couples tend to spend significantly more on guests when they throw domestic and international celebrations, bringing up the average to $102 per person.
It’s important to thoroughly think about which corners to cut and how it will impact the guest experience
Luckily, there are ways to have a more budget-friendly celebration. However, it’s important to think thoroughly about which corners to cut and what impact it will have on the guest experience. If the couple chooses to remove courses or options to stay within their means, Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director of Sauveur, recommends doing this later in the evening, not in the beginning. “Wedding days involve an early start for everyone, not just the couple, and it can be a while before people have something to eat or drink,” he says.
Therefore, generous canapés and dinner should be non-negotiable. Meanwhile, big wedding cakes and cheese stations (even though wonderful additions) can be quite unnecessary and wasteful.
For the main course, the couple can choose between a plated or feasting dinner. When it comes to price, both are similar options. One way to save on substantial meals is to have a longer drink and canapés reception instead of a starter. “This gives guests plenty of time to mingle and enjoy lots of delicious canapés. You can then seat everyone for the more formal part of the evening, while keeping your dinner shorter,” explains Shaw.
Something else that can save a few bucks is basing the menu around local and in-season products. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also good for the environment. Some catering companies even offer lower prices for couples who opt for plant-based and more sustainable menus.
The traditional wedding cake can also be reimagined as doughnut towers, a croquembouche, or cupcakes, as they tend to be a much cheaper option. “Alternatively, a champagne tower instead of a cake is also a great option—and will give guests an extra drink to save money at the bar,” adds wedding coordinator Tracey James-Heyes.
These subtle changes can definitely save a pretty penny on food costs and simultaneously ensure that the guests aren’t negatively impacted by them.
The author cleared up some things in the comments
Readers were appalled by the unequal treatment of the wedding guests
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