Catering alternatives at venue that requires liability insurance.

Go with a fully catered meal by a pro. It may seem expensive but it's a lot cheaper than getting insurance and praying things turn out ok. This is not something you should try to save money on if it means self-catering.

Hiring a licensed caterer is really your best option. There are more affordable options such as Italian and BBQ. We are having our reception catered with a BBQ buffet for about $12/pp.

Subway does sub platters that may work, at least they are legit and you're not buying your own food

@Melissa and @Wendy are right. There's a REASON your venue requires this insurance.

Hopping on the licensed caterer train as well. If food is too expensive, cut your guest list.

ETA: stupid auto correct

Just get a caterer. Invite the number of people you can afford to host properly. If that is 20 people, cool. If it's 200, also cool.

Get a caterer

Get a real caterer. Every venue is going to require insurance, as they should. And you should require it too. Dropping off food that may be kept in too hot a temperature or after sitting out for hours? I wouldn't ever allow that as a caterer.

Save money by cutting your guest list.

There's no way around it. Your venue requires that for a reason. There are cheaper catered options such as BBQ that you can host.