Is your wedding around the corner? One cannot deny that weddings usually call for major expenses. If you have calculated the expenses, you will learn that the food and catering forms a huge part of that expense. Surely most of you must be thinking of ways to cut down your wedding expenses? This is totally acceptable, as you could put that money to better use in future. Begin with considering the catering expenses.

1.      Find the right caterer

Search for handpicked and verified caterers. Ask for references and reputation feedback. A reliable caterer will not compromise on taste. Do a menu tasting before coming to a decision. He is sure to have an idea of the quantity to prepare for the number of guests which avoids wastage. Also, he would have his sources in the right place to get the best quality food for your wedding.   His experience will come of use to help in budgeting tips with respect to your menu.

2.      Seating

Opinions differ on the costs pertaining to buffet style as against a sit-down wedding dinner. Most would prefer the buffet style since it can be quite cost effective if managed correctly. Considering you will need less staff in the buffet option, it is a good way to save you money. If you opt for a sit-down dinner you will require more service and space which will make your costs higher. Generally, it is possible for the caterers to be flexible with their food costs but not with labor costs. To be clear, it would be better to check the price of both plated meal and buffet meals before you make a decision.

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3.      In house catering or outside catering?

Pick a wedding venue that allows outside catering or gives you an all inclusive economical package deal. Choose whichever works out easy on your pockets. The freedom to choose a caterer of your choice will make a difference to your budget. Usually, many hotels that have attached restaurants do not allow outside catering. In such case, you could opt for banquet halls, wedding lawns or wedding grounds in Mumbai as your wedding venue.

4.      Make your appetizers delicious

Couples these days are refusing to join the bandwagon that focuses majorly on the main course. Serving a wide range of delicious appetizers is the way to go if you want to save on the huge cost of your main course. You could opt for appetizer stations. They allow guests to choose from a range of different counters as per their taste - a pasta station, a chaat station, rolls or Frankie station, a dosa station, salad counter, momo’s station and more. The stations create interest and fun in food options and don’t make it look like you are on a budget. Priced competitively this option is easy on your pockets.

5.      Try alternatives. Go Seasonal.

When it comes to the main course, consider the main ingredients in dishes in your menu. There could be a less expensive alternative. Discuss with your caterer. This is especially true of fish and meat. Also, be aware of out of season ingredients. Go local. It can bring down your costs. Insist that your caterer avoids offseason ingredients and instead use the fresh in-season vegetable, grains, and other ingredients. Offseason ingredients can be a big drain on your resources.

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6.      Limit your options

Instead of having a wide range of items on the menu, it would help to stick to a few options in the main course. For example, Instead of having 4 vegetarians and 4 nonvegetarian side dishes, you could have just 2 each. Avoid wastage and expenses both.

7.      Manage the drinks 

You may or may not choose to include alcohol. If you decide to include it, step one is to have a discussion with your caterer and make it clear not to be very generous with the alcohol and ensure there is just enough. Secondly, you could buy your own brand if the wedding venue permits. Limit your options in alcohol. Alternatively, offer exciting mocktails, fresh juices, smoothies, iced mochas or soft drinks. Bottom line is that your guests need to be offered a refreshing and fun drink. Another great option is to offer just one drink - a signature drink. You may create one as per your theme. It would be easy for you to manage and fun for your guests.

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8.      Have a daytime wedding

A daytime wedding requires just a main course to be served while an evening wedding calls for appetizers, alcohol (as per the choice of the couple) in addition to the main course. You can easily see what a big difference an evening wedding makes to your budget.

9.      Save money on Desserts

Resist the temptation to go for an extravagant wedding cake. Even if you do want one, you do not have to look for a 5-star chef. A trained local baker will be able to do the job just fine. A simple display and serving smaller slices can help keep costs down. This way there is no wastage from those who do not have a sweet tooth and are served large slices. For those who do, you can always offer a second helping. If you are not too particular about a wedding cake you could opt or fresh and seasonal fruit desserts or ice creams.

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10.      Invite fewer people

Although this is entirely up to you, it is one area where you can save. More the number of people, higher the catering costs. You could keep it a small affair with close friends and family, people who matter to you the most and serve them well.

11.      Check for hidden fees

Before finalizing the venue, find out whether you will incur any additional costs by way of taxes or any other charges. It is better to clear all money matters right at the beginning to avoid any nasty surprises when payment time comes. Find alternatives to keep costs to a minimum

       Keeping your costs in control doesn’t necessarily mean you would have to compromise on your style or comfort of your guests. With the above suggestions and any others, you can think of, one can plan a budget friendly wedding with regard to food.  It is considered wise to be prudent when it comes to money matters. Expenses on the wedding are personal choices but it doesn’t hurt to be a little careful with spending.