i need tips on how i can afford to feed everyone

Don’t invite anyone to the “dance” that isn’t invited to the whole reception. That’s even more insulting than not inviting them at all

You need to sit down and review budgets asap. How much can you save or how much do you have in savings ready to cover the cost of food. Factor in all the rest of the items you'll need to afford - officiant, dj/band, wedding rings, venue costs, rentals, flowers, honeymoon expenses, wedding dress, suit, bridal party and parent gifts, photographer/videographer, tips for your vendors... Then look at the cost of food per head in your area, remember that tax and service fees are usually added. Then see how that budget for food adds up to your guest list... My feeling is, you'll probably need to cut the list to make it work, most of us do. And just to say right away, self catering and no open bar are not money savers, their guarantees your guests will either get sick or go home early, then you wasted whatever money was spent on a very early night.

Also, check out costofwedding.com, it'll help you see what costs are like in your area...

Y'all are great! I really appreciate your advice!

With such a large family you're bound to have some fabulous cooks that have prepared dishes for family get togethers! I don't know if you would feel comfertable but mabey you and your fiance could provide the main dishes (like a lot of people are suggesting Italian or Mexican) and then ask a few family members you are veryy close to to prepare a few side dishes and the appetizers! To be honest I would much rather go to a wedding that has unique homemade tasy food then generic chicken or steak. Even asking some relatives to make desserts can go a long way as well. Remember you're starting your future together after your wedding day. Although such an important day no need to go into debt!

View Quoted Comment Do not ask your friends and family to work on your wedding day.

Melissa - self catering is highly frowned upon. Who wants to make their loved ones cook for their expensive party? Let alone 400 people. They’re guests of honor, not employees.

Why does the theme of all wedding food is crappy keep coming up? I’ve only been to one wedding with crappy food and it was an outdoor buffet unmonitored and soggy. All other wedding food I’ve had has been great.

We found and reserved a reception/ dance venue which includes decorations, tables, chairs, linens in our choice of colors, centerpieces, catering for 125 people, DJ, unlimited soft drinks and beer for 4 hours, 2 police officers on duty all for 1 flat rate and the cheapest I've found in months (about $10,000 cheaper)!! Extra plates are $7.50 per person also the cheapest catering I've found.... and we're going to include an RSVP card for the food for any extra guests who plan on coming to the reception. Capacity is 500.... this was a God send for me and helped us set an ideal budget and pave the way for the rest of planning! $4500 for the venue; $350 photographer (family member), $50 officiant; $675 wedding dress..pending ceremony location and music and attire for the kids ass well as wedding favors. So far so good! We might have to up our budget a little for food or whatever we may be forgetting but its not going to make a huge difference considering we're not too worried with too many details! Let's just get married and celebrate!

Wow alot of guests!! There's ways to feed 400 people cheaper .. many venues discount price per person when u have lots of guests .. my venue would cost 56k for 400 people .. def not affordable .. I only reccomend to keep a wedding at 200 .. cost , mingling .. you really want to enjoy your day .. which will be difficult with that many guests

Amanda yes! We have a humongous family with each of our grandparents having had 10 or more kids. We grew up around alot of our family so you can see why the guest count is so large! I'm sure that just as much that can go wrong that at the end of the day everything will fall into place 56K is crazy! I saw alot of reeeeally expensive venues and catering businesses that was really making me pull my hair out but this gave me some serious hope!

My sister had 400+ at her wedding. We did a taco bar. My parents bought all the supplies and family friends prepped and served (: just make sure your venue allows outside catering.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Lacy!