The Whats & Hows of Fast Food Wedding Catering
A bride and her groom enjoy a fast food wedding feast. Photo Credit: Huff Post
To save money on their wedding reception, more and more couples are turning to fast food chains to cater their events. But how does it work and which spots are the best? Let’s find out if fast food wedding catering is right for you!
The Rise of Unconventional Wedding Catering
While traditional weddings are still common, more and more modern couples are embracing uniqueness. They want events that stand out and offer unforgettable experiences to their guests.
That’s why so many weddings now feature fast food, local food trucks for receptions, and DIY food tables where guests can build their own meals to fit their tastes. Not only are these options exciting, they are incredibly affordable if you do it right.
Fast Food at Weddings
Before the walk down the aisle, many couples spend countless hours on dates, getting to know each other and building memories. Many of those experiences involve local fast food chains.
Maybe they had their first date at such a restaurant or enjoyed getting take out and watching movies on the weekend. This means that fast food brands carry more meaning than simply fast and easy food.
Couples may choose to serve fast food that reflects moments in their unique love story or that has played a large role in their courtship.
For instance, couples who began dating in high school may have made countless trips to a fast food location to share a meal or grab a snack.
Serving that food at their wedding would reflect their journey to the altar and create an unforgettable meal on their special day.
Is Fast Food Wedding Catering Tacky?
A fast food burger bar will make your guests smile! Photo Credit: weloveminji on Instagram
Traditional Expectations vs. Modern Preferences
When you’re planning a wedding, there’s a lot of pressure to conform to societal norms. This means hosting a classic sit-down dinner with traditional foods.
But many couples see how much it costs to cater a wedding and quickly begin to look for other options.
Not only is this format costly, but it can be awfully restrictive for guests. They must stop mingling and dancing to sit and eat.
Wedding customs are quickly evolving to prioritize guest experience over traditions. Buffets, food tables, and drink stations allow guests to choose when and where they eat.
So if they want to spend more time on the dance floor, they can simply do so and choose to eat later. This makes for a flexible and laid-back experience your loved ones will appreciate.
Perception Matters
Some guests may view fast food at a wedding as undesirable and confusing. That’s probably because they have been to so many traditional weddings that they’ve come to expect a cookie-cutter experience. So be sure to communicate the type of food you will be serving.
While some may balk at the idea of fast food at your wedding, many will be excited to taste familiar favorites. That’s one of the perks of using fast-food wedding catering: the taste, textures, and flavor profiles are predictable!
Breaking Wedding Stereotypes
Unconventional weddings are becoming more and more popular. Couples across the country are moving away from catered sit-down menus and opting for familiar favorites.
In fact, more and more fast-food restaurants are offering extended catering menus that are perfect for weddings.
Remember that your wedding menu is a reflection of you and your spouse’s love story. There will always be naysayers, but the fact of the matter is that your wedding menu is about you. So if you want items from your favorite fast-food restaurant on the menu, then go for it!
Pros and Cons of Fast Food Wedding Catering
Chipotle catering is elegant, filling, and affordable. Photo Credit: Megan Marwitz
Pros
1. Cost-Effective Option
Choosing fast food catering means you’ll save a lot compared to traditional catering. If you go the traditional route, you’ll spend about $50-$75 per person for a sit-down, plated meal.
However, fast food catering can be done for as little as $15-25 dollars per person, depending on the restaurant and package you choose.
2. Personal Touch
When you add your favorite fast food to your wedding menu, you’re sharing your unique tastes with your guests. This is much more personal than the standard chicken-or-fish offering at most weddings.
3. Nostalgic and Fun Atmosphere
Most guests dread attending a stuffy, formal affair. Using fast-food catering will make them feel nostalgic for their favorite flavors. It also adds fun to your wedding atmosphere, making guests more likely to cut loose and have a good time.
4. Quick and Convenient
Many factors of wedding planning are contingent upon a tight timeline. You may have to wait weeks for your dress to arrive, but fast food restaurants can cater your event with as little as a 24-hour notice for orders feeding less than 50 people and about a week’s notice for larger events.
This means you don’t have to cross your fingers that you’ll make it on their calendar!
Cons
1. Perception of Being Tacky or Cheap
When you serve fast food at your wedding, you risk guests perceiving your event as tacky or cheap. But at the end of the day, these guests most likely would find issues with anything you serve, so take it with a grain of salt.
Remember, your day is about you and your spouse. No one else’s opinion should weigh as heavy as your own!
2. Dietary Restrictions and Health Concerns
Another con of offering fast food catering is the lack of options for guests with food sensitivities. Only a handful of restaurants offer allergy-friendly menus because it’s a challenge to avoid cross-contamination in a cramped fast-food kitchen.
So if you have guests with food allergies or sensitivities, you may find yourself having to spend additional money to ensure they have a safe plate of food to eat.
How to Cater Fast Food at Your Wedding
Fast food doesn't have to be fried; Olive Garden's catering is delicious and wedding worthy! Photo Credit: Olive Garden
Planning Ahead
1. Budgeting and Costs
Traditional catering is costly, reaching heights of $150 per person, depending on the type of food you choose. The reason for the high price is primarily the cost of labor. It takes a lot of manpower to prepare, cook, deliver, set up, and serve a wedding meal.
When you choose fast food catering, you can fashion a meal for as low as $15 per person. Many restaurants will deliver for a small fee. You’ll need to have a family member or venue worker set up the food, but you’ll save big in the long run.
2. Guest List Considerations
The most important part of wedding catering is ensuring that you have something for everything. During the RSVP process, identify which dietary restrictions, sensitivities or allergies you’ll need to accommodate.
Meet with the manager of the location and ask what allergens are present and what options they have for people with dietary restrictions.
Remember, many fast food restaurants do not accommodate allergies, so you’ll need to DIY some options, like a taco bar, for those guests. It will be an extra expense, but you will still save big bucks over hiring a traditional wedding caterer.
Choosing the Right Fast Food Options
As you decide which restaurant to go with, consider what food fits your wedding vision. Look up the catering menus for the locations closest to your wedding venue. Research both national chains and local restaurants.
You may have to call and speak with a manager, but it will be worth it to know what you’re working with. Choose the food that you and your spouse love that is affordable and offers the biggest bang for your buck.
Presentation Matters
Hand written notes and mood lighting elevate your fast food offerings. Photo Credit: Amoree Kimberly
1. Elevating the Display
You won’t see any paper cartons here! Replate all fast food offerings onto fancy platters that fit your wedding theme. Use elevated platters, proper serving tools, and get creative with the placement of your food.
You can create individual plates that guests can grab and go or display each offering together like a buffet. If you include elevated table decor and centerpieces, it will instantly make your food look fancy.
If individual platings are too much work, try a fast food wedding charcuterie board that guests can pick and choose from!
2. Themed Packaging
Buffets aren’t the only way to display your fast food meal. Order custom wrappers or containers that match your wedding colors and include your name. This will make your food feel instantly special!
Choosing Caterers Vs. DIY
There are many factors to consider when choosing caterers over DIYing your wedding food. One is that you’ll need to put in a lot more leg work to make your meal happen if you aren’t using an official wedding caterer.
Many restaurants will deliver, but it’s up to you to set it up and clean up afterward. Caterer’s prices often include delivery, set up, and service staff, as well as clean up after the event. This takes a load off your shoulders.
Unique Places & Ideas to Cater Fast Food in Bulk
Catering boxes of various sandwiches and chips. Image by Cater Curator.
National Chains Offering Wedding Catering
Chipotle
Possibly the most flexible option, Chipotle is a Mexican fast food restaurant that offers an extensive catering menu. You’ll find gluten-free and vegan options, making it a great choice if you have guests that need special food offerings.
2. Chik Fil A
Everyone’s favorite chicken place offers a variety of catering options, from their famous chicken sandwiches and fries, to wraps and salads. Remember, though, they aren’t open on Sundays!
3. Pizza Hut
Whether you go with a local pizzeria or a national chain like Pizza Hut, this is a cheap and easy way to feed a crowd! Many pizza spots also offer sides like chicken wings, bread sticks, and pastas.
4. Panda Express
This national chain specializes in Chinese food. So you can get large portions of main courses, rice, and even desserts. Check out local Chinese food restaurants in your area if you don’t have a chain nearby. You’ll find affordable, filling dishes to feed your guests.
5. Panera Bread
Panera specializes in soups, salads, and, of course, bread. So if you’re hosting a wedding lunch, this is a great option. They also have hot dishes to serve like mac and cheese. Many of their offerings include DIY sandwiches, bagel bars, or salad kits.
6. Olive Garden
Pasta is a cheap and easy way to feed your wedding guests while still maintaining the elegance of a wedding. This spot offers catering-sized portions of their most famous dishes, as well as lots of breadsticks!
You can also include soups and salad in your catering order, which can easily be made gluten free if needed!
Bulk Ordering Tips
When ordering in bulk from fast food restaurants, it’s key to call ahead. When you’re three months out, talk to a manager to see what the ideal timeline is.
Chances are they will need some time to order the correct amount of food, but you’ll probably just need a week or so advanced notice.
Order about 15% more food than you think you will need to account for guests who take larger portions. Ask the restaurant for recommendations based on your guest list size.
Finally, don’t be stingy with the tip! You’re already saving a ton of money by using fast food catering, so be generous and tip the staff for their hard work.
Creative Ideas to Use When Catering Fast Food
A full fast food feast will ignite your guest's taste buds. Photo Credit: Claudia Hernandez.
Hit Up Club Stores for the Extras
Catering isn’t just about the food. You’ll need plates, napkins, and beverages. While some fast food caterers will provide these items, you can hit up Costco or Sam’s Club to get these things for less. Don’t forget about table linens and cups!
Limit the Offerings
Just because you’re having a fast food restaurant cater your event doesn’t mean you need to offer the whole menu. Choose two or three entree options, as well as their most famous side.
Create Meal Boxes
Some fast food restaurants will create boxes with an entire meal inside. Guests will just have to choose their entree and grab a box! This will save on prep on your end and allow guests to get a complete meal quickly and with minimal mess.
Making the Decision
Aligning with Your Personal Style
When choosing your catering source, make sure it reflects you and your spouse’s unique personalities. If you’re laid back, go for options that are easy, breezy and natural.
If you have more expensive tastes, plate your fast food offerings so they look elegant and expensive. No matter what food you choose, the styling is what will align it to your own personal taste.
Budget vs. Expectations
Set a budget early on and begin researching what that amount will get you. This will help you manage expectations and know what you can afford.
Survey your options and make the choice that will help you balance what you can afford with what your wedding food vision is.
Embracing the Unconventional Choices
At the end of the day, your wedding is all about you and your spouse’s dream wedding. If that dream includes foods from a sentimental fast food spot, then so be it!
Embrace every unique choice that you make and you’ll craft the fast food wedding meal of your dreams.