When you’re planning your wedding, one of your biggest expenses is food. If you can cut costs on your wedding meal, you’ll be able to save a lot of money. How can you keep expenses low, but still have happy, well fed guests? Luckily, you’ve got some options.

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If you’ve got a bigger budget, you can hire a caterer and work out a reasonable price. If your budget’s on the small side, you can DIY your wedding food. If neither of these work, don’t worry - you can semi-DIY!

There’s always a range of prices to choose from. Start by thinking about your budget, and how much you want to spend on food. Once you have a number, you’ll be able to decide which option is best for your budget. Typically, the lowest price will be a DIY menu that you serve yourself. The highest price will be full service catering, with plated meals.

How to Save Money on a Wedding Caterer

The most expensive service is plated meals. You’ll save money if you choose family style or buffet service instead.
The price of your food makes a huge difference. Instead of prime cuts, choose staples like chicken or pasta. Fill out the meal with soup and salads.
You don’t have to serve dinner. You can can save money if you plan a brunch, lunch, cake and punch or a cocktail party instead.

How to Save Money With DIY Wedding Food

Best for a small or medium size wedding.
Think about your skills before you decide to cook a full meal.
Plan something easy to put together and serve.
Set up food bars, food stations or buffets.
Remember to do the math first. Sometimes a caterer is actually cheaper. For example, if you’re planning a barbecue, most caterers can offer you a package for $10 to $15 dollars per person. Figure out a budget ahead of time and get some prices before you make your decision.
If you want to DIY your wedding menu, read this next: Self Cater Your Wedding: How to DIY Your Wedding Food.

How to Save Money With Semi-DIY Wedding Food

If you don’t have the skills to cook a full meal, you can still save a ton by planning a semi-DIY meal.
Order a main dish that’s already cooked, like a turkey or roasted pig. Then make the side dishes yourself.
Plan a simple menu and order it from your local deli or grocery store. You can order sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts, then set it up yourself.
Order takeout from a local restaurant. Most restaurants have a catering department and can help you place an order. On your wedding day, you’ll just need to get it picked up and set out for your guests.

Casual Reception Ideas

Pizza buffet
Barbecue
Pig roast with a buffet of salads and side dishes
DIY food bar - guests can make their own tacos, pasta or burgers
Ideas for easy food bars: Best Food Bars For Your Wedding

Low Budget Menu Ideas

Cake and punch reception
Backyard wedding: What Do You Need For a Backyard Wedding
Morning wedding with brunch
Potluck dinner

Medium Budget Menu Ideas

Catered breakfast or brunch: How to Plan a Brunch Wedding
Catered appetizers and cocktails
Dinner reception at a restaurant
DIY dinner with wine and beer
Catered dinner served buffet style

Higher Budget Menu Ideas

Catered dinner served family style
Plated dinner with full service catering

When you need to save money on your wedding menu, you can choose from any of these options. You can mix and match ideas. Or be creative and come up with something completely different. Remember, you can serve any meal you’d like. As long as your guests get fed, they’ll be happy - and you’ll have a great wedding!

Affordable Wedding Food: Menu Ideas For a Small Budget