Time vs. Money
The first consideration when making your reception and rehearsal meal decisions is how much time you have at your disposal and what your budget will allow. The ease of hiring someone else to handle all the food purchases, preparations and serving details can be a major consideration. Couples who find themselves facing a fast-approaching date may find this the best option as it allows them to concentrate on other aspects of the wedding while knowing the food is being handled by someone else. On the other hand, if your budget is feeling the strain of other wedding commitments, this may be an option which is beyond your means.Only Use the Services You Need
One way to handle either situation is by using a caterer for only those portions of the ceremony where the benefit is the highest. Having a professional prepare meat entrees or seafood appetizers while friends, family or local grocery stores handle the side dishes can be a happy medium. Another option is having an appetizer selection prepared by a professional caterer and skipping a full course presentation. This is an especially good option for afternoon or early evening receptions. Nelson's Catering, in Springfield, offers several different options including appetizers and dessert menus. Full service catering is also available and each food item is broken down for easy calculation. The option of picking up the food yourself can save you a pretty penny if you have reliable friends or family members who can take care of the food set up.Simple Foods Equals a Lower Catering Cost
Another cost cutting and time saving option is to simplify your menu. Less preparation time and less expensive ingredients translate into a lower total cost for the entire reception. Depending on your location, seafood or out-of-season fruits and vegetables can rack up a hefty bill and create extra preparation expenses for a bridal couple. By substituting simpler beef fillings for shrimp or crab, you may be able to design a menu which fits your budget and allows you to hire a professional.Ask Your Venue for Cost Lowering Options
Many reception venues also offer a catering service and by using the same vendor for all your reception needs, you may find yourself being offered a substantial price break. Countryside Banquet Facility offers a combination venue and catering option for those bridal couples who are needing a combination facility. The convenience of having your food prepared in the same location as the reception will save any delivery charges and simplify your plans as you will be working with one vendor for the entire event as opposed to coordinating two different professionals. Check out this type of facility to help with both budget and time issues.Catering is a wonderful option if you can afford to have the service. Speak openly about your budget restrictions when consulting with area professionals. You are not the first couple to approach a caterer with specific limitations and most professionals will have several options to meet your needs. By cutting a few luxuries and keeping your financial picture in the forefront, you will find the happy medium between great food and a healthy bank balance.
