Cooking for reception?

I would really look into a caterer that will allow you to design the menu. Mine went over suggestions and I hand picked what we would have. She gave me a price. We worked from there. .

JuneBride: We could, not sure what they deliver, I'd have to look into it and consider the prices. And cash bars are very common and expected here. That would be tacky, I'd never buy the alcohol and then charge for it, oh my gosh, no way.

StichingBride: I am also considering having deli or something prepare food or something similar. I use to be against the idea but I've had a friend do it and now my bestfriend/MOH is doing it definitely for her wedding. ....

Also just as a heads up, pork can go bad pretty quickly so fair warning. Also, also just don't do it.

Yes food poisoning is very likely!!!!!!!!

I went to an event where all the food was cooked for about 60 people and we all got so sick! Things weren't warmed up or cooked correctly.

Don't cut cost with the food.

Bryce: There will be 2 whole kegs. Nobody likes wine that I know. We're having punches. We're only tossing the idea of a cash bar because I don't want people making a beer run in the middle of the reception because they ran out or want a different kind. That would be horrifying. We haven't booked a DJ yet but I'm not too particular on one as long as he has good reviews. I refuse to chimp on a photographer. Thats my one standstill.

Kimberley: That was the other reason I was considering because I have looked at so many caterers and they all have set menus and none are exactly what I want.

You should refuse to "chimp" on food considering guests are paying money (in gifts, lodging, outfit, etc) and giving their time to celebrate your marriage.

I really think you are underestimating how much work this would take, both before and during the wedding.

Mmmmmmm salmonella, dysentery, mmmmm

I'll have the salmonella a la almondine, please. And make it a double.

I'm also in South Carolina , you should look into Jason's Deli catering . They have pasta meals starting at 6.99 per person and includes bread. Go to Sam's Club and get some salad w/ dressing and it would cost less than $1,000 based on 100 people. Also they will delivery or you may pick it up.

We did this but my husband is a chef and we had 55 people. You are not a chef and have three times that many.

Don't do it.

Yikes. Let me start at the beginning.

Food poisoning and logistics of serving/keeping the food at proper temps has been covered, so I'll skip that.

Let me begin by saying I hope you're not planning on the people reheating the food being at the ceremony. No snark, this is serious. There won't be a chance for them to. Hams will probably take a good 2-3 hours in the oven to get hot, like they should be, and you're going to need several for a guest list of 100. Macaroni and cheese...I love mac and cheese. But I hate it after it's been refrigerated. It gets gross and rubbery and just ew. Please don't do that to your guests. Mashed potatoes are typically also best fresh. They can be okay reheated, but they never taste the same, you can ALWAYS tell they're reheated.

You say you'd get warming supplies and everything, but who is going to monitor those things during the ceremony? Someone needs to be with the food the whole time.

I get that you want the foods you want, period. But going with a caterer is more than just getting the food. You're getting the food, the help to present and serve it, and the expertise and knowledge of how to keep that food at the proper temperature so that it is safe. Also, if people DO get food poisoning, it's on the caterer, not you.

As for the bar, get a couple of selections of beer, get plenty for everyone, and call it a day if there are no wine drinkers, though I would suggest getting a few bottles from a place you can return them, just in case. If no one drinks them, no loss, but they're there if someone wants some.

No just no

Omg Sqwiggy gross!! Is that pasta salad in a SINK!?! *gag*

Bella, the ladies on here are giving you really good advice. You need to be more receptive here. Several on here have been to self-catered disasters and a handful have even tried their hand at self-catering and WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT.

On the real, @Bella, prioritizing your photographer - which is for you, over your caterer - which is for your guests, is selfish. There is never an acceptable occasion for selfishness. Never.

You've referenced "your pictures" as reasons to be rude to your guests twice in this thread. Get your priorities in line or have a wedding with just your FH and photog.

Just... don't, for everyone's sake. Even though friends, and family say they'll help, and it's not a bother. It REALLY is. Please, don't make your guests or certain family members have to work on your wedding day - placing meals out for a banquet. They came to enjoy the day, so let them. You'll be a happier person too, in the end. Believe me.

ETA: Grandpa, and grandma, and other family members (not to mention, your guests) getting food poisoning, or the SHITS at your wedding because you wanted to save some money. OH, yes they'll remember your wedding day, but in a BAD way. PLEASE, just get it catered. Nuf, said.

Sqwiggy I am dying what is in the bathtub D:

I think it's spinach or greens. I'm very picky about home cooked food. Some people are just nasty.

Bella: you said Summerville, SC?

Here's a high-rated restaurant that does catered BBQ for as low as $9 per person. Go look at their catering menu and call them.

www.kellysbarbq.com/

Here's another highly rated BBQ restaurant that caters, and you could even hire them to bring their food truck out!

www.jimnnicks.com/menus/charleston/catering/