I have been researching what the rough costs/amount of food for my Guests would be, but I cannot find any resources to help me with this.
We are looking at inviting/feeding roughly 100 people in a Home-made buffet (so cold meats, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes) Our three-tier wedding cake will be dessert and also will be home-made (we're not paying for it, however.)
I was just curious as to whether any of the other Brides have done this and also what kind of money you are putting behind the bar for that number of people?
CommentAuthorXLittleMissMe!X
I personally wouldn't put any money behind the bar because a) most people don't expect it so it is money you could spend elsewhere and b) it causes so many arguments because so and so drunk more than so and so and they didn't get a free drink.
I would work out how much on average you would eat as an average at a buffet and then work out how many sandwiches you need to make. Work out how many loaves of bread that is etc and how much filling. Then you need to do the same with all the other bits and bobs and work out what you can buy it in for. Costco are brill for things like this. I don't think that there is an easy way to do it though. Sorry.
CommentAuthorRachie :D
Rule of thumb £3 per person (if just one drink) because kids will only have a soft drink but you'll always get a free loader who wants a treble jack daniels and coke!
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CommentAuthorAutumnBride
Thank you both, that's given me something to go on, finally. :-)
CommentAuthorEmsy5000
I would budget £3-£5 a head rememeber you will have to buy plaits and stuff to eat off
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I'm doing this, but havn't yet decided on price. I think it depends on what kind of quality you want. It can be done very cheaply and a little less cheaply. good luck let us know what your prices you get together.xx
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CommentAuthorNuttytart
would just skip the bar and get someone to do the buffett its hassle you dont need on the day. When you look into it theres not actually that much difference in price.
CommentAuthorRags
Oh I didn't realise it was being done by the bride and groom, I figured like me they knew someone who would make them some fabulous sarnies and super salads as a wedding present. No I wouldn't make the food myself as much as I love it I have more important things to do.xx
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CommentAuthorMrs (Dove) Pidgeon
If you do want to make it yourself- DIY sarnies. Just provide the bread, fillings and spread and let people make their own.
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CommentAuthorAutumnBride
It's being done by us and hopefully our families. I'm fine with doing it, and my FH is a former chef who loves sorting stuff like that out.
CommentAuthorRags
Faith suppers are free.x
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CommentAuthorAutumnBride
Unfortunately most of our guests have to travel hundreds of miles to be with us. I'd prefer not to ask them to cook something first :-)
CommentAuthorOuttahere
We're paying £6 a head for exactly what you have mentioned. You're very brave doing it yourself with all the other things you'll have to consider to. IMHO, you're probably going to save a few quid (maybe 10-£20) by doing it yourself and you'll have all the stress to go with it. Leave it to the professionals :D
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
Tbh i wouldnt put any money behind the bar .......you are feeding them they can get thier own drinks
MrsWalpole2be oh I know. But I really wont have terribly much else to do in the run up. All my beauty stuff I'm either doing myself or my sister is doing and aside from a facial or two in the nights before will all be done. All the reception stuff will (decorations, favours etc) will be packed up and ready to go in boxes, which knowing me will be labelled for whoever sorts it all out (probably my mother and stepfather.) Knowing my usual overpreparedness I'll be sitting around with nothing to do beforehand :-)
Lala, my FH husband has suggested checking if we can have our own alcohol and getting enough normal wine for them to drink whilst we're away sorting photos and some fizzy for the toasts and other than that having a cash bar. I think that's quite a nice compromise, especially due to the distance between Venue and Reception, what do you all think?
CommentAuthorRags
Sounds wonderful, but I really wouldn't want the stress of organising all that food, I'd just want to enjoy my day! I understand about you being over prepared and wanting something to do as well though. Lets hope they don't charge you any corkage fee.
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CommentAuthorAutumnBride
We're going to ask first, and if they do charge corkage, work on coming to an agreement with them for if they bought it in for us. It's a small venue and one that caters to a lot of events with the occasional wedding reception and I think there'll be a certain degree of flexibility there.
CommentAuthorRags
Thats what Im thinking with the venue I have chose, only thing is H2b doesnt think my venue is grand enough, just need to persuade him now. It really is the cheapest licenced venue I can find <£400 this year wont go up much by 2012 either :)
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CommentAuthorAutumnBride
Ours is £80, has a stage and a PA system (which is very important to our reception). It's not in the least bit grand, very utilitarian and functional, but it'll work well with our ideas.
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
rusty i think that is a very fair comprmise hun ....that way when the drink you have paid for is gone its gone
Just a suggestion, the Supermarket of Jamie Oliver are now doing platters for reasonable prices, you can pick up a booklet in-store and need to order minimum of 5 days before pick-up day then get someone to pick up on the day (or the day before). We are using them for the bulk of our food then just adding a few things to it. They do sandwich platters, chicken platters, kids platters, fruit platters, dessert platters. Loads of variety. xxxxx
CommentAuthormym72
We've been thinking of catering ourselves if we decide to have an evening reception after the honeymoon (only having a small wedding but maybe a party later with all our family and friends). Another place that are doing platters (hot and cold) is Costco - but you do need to be a member there.
CommentAuthorMrsPrestleton2be
were having 2 buffets. 1 at about 4pm for the 60+ day guests then another at 8pm for 100+ evening guests. its going to cost around £500 at £3.00 a head. a family member is doing ours x and defo not putting money behind the bar. i have never been to a wedding where this has been done and i think its totally acceptable. i will be purchasing several bottles of champagne for the day guests so we can all toast but thats it x
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CommentAuthorltw979
I'm doing a buffet myself along with my mum and SIL and anyone who will lend a hand, we always do for any function, i suppose i am spoilt that i have been brought up in catering environments (pubs etc). My mum does a locally renound buffet for a fraction of the price of local catering companies. I was really miffed when i rang round asking for quotes, some of them were about £10 a head and i have been to these places, there is never enough and the sandwiches are floppy, no fresh salad etc! My lot are quite common (lol), a buffet to them meand chicken, pork pies, sausage rolls, pizza and thats what i will be doing for them! Stuff they'll eat. I have no problem doing it myself but then i am getting married abroad and having a party on return so it wont really be my wedding day and i wont have the stress of getting wed as well as catering. I think i'm going to budget for £3 per head and that will quite litterally cover everything! Good luck with whatever you decide! x
