In house catering or self catering

It probably depends greatly where you are, but what I found is that it was more expensive at most places to do outside catering. If they offered catering, they would charge a fee to allow you to bring in outside catering, so you have to pay for the catering plus the per person fee to the venue. Or if they offered catering, they don't allow you to bring in outside catering (unless they can't provide the type of food you're looking for for religious reasons).

ETA: I misunderstood your question. I thought you were talking about bringing in outside catering from another caterer. I would do it myself, that sounds like wayyy too much work!

In house catering.

self catering, especially with that guest count, will not only be a stressful nightmare but will at best be an irresponsible and at worst a liability then sends you to court.

Don’t self cater. You don’t want to spend your wedding day cooking nor do you want your friends and family spending your wedding day cooking. And how would you keep everything at safe temperatures - do you even know what safe temperatures should be? Get a caterer.

In house catering for a wedding should be the only option. Self catering for a wedding is just too stressful.

In house catering definitely. I cook for less than 15 people for Christmas and it is a TON of work. I can’t imagine trying to cook for 10x that amount.

There are times that the trade off between the cost of having pros do the work versus you putting in the time and effort is worth it.

Catering is not one of those times. Hire the caterer to cook, maintain safe temperatures, serve, and clean up your food. Even if you do a line buffet with chafing dishes there's still so much prep work to be done and so much that can go wrong.

I am doing in house it's so much easier

My FH is a chef, I had to fight with him to actually let us get a caterer! I won, we got one, and he's the best of the best. He comes with a hefty price tag but that's b/c we wanted to spend the majority of our budget on food. We are foodies! The caterer I went with does everything from BBQ's to sit down plated dinners and he is very budget friendly. Basically what I'm saying is do your research. Its hard and stressful but not as stressful as worrying about the food on your big day with 150 people there! You can find a caterer that will meet your budget, I promise you!

So not self cater. Get a caterer.

I used to work for a caterer. You have no idea how much work it is to cook for 150 people. Then you have to serve and clean up.

Pay someone else to do all the work.

We are doing all the good ourselves and i wish i would have spent the extra money and hired in catering. It's so stressful.

I am self catering and having a guest count of 100. I am mainly have cold foods and only a few that need to be warm. I'm hiring a staff to set everything up. Majority is going to be made ahead of time. I am only doing a cocktail reception which means all mini foods served in shot glasses and things of that nature. Plus a bruschetta bar. I have my food handlers certificate which means I am certified and know how to keep things in good temperatures. I've been on Pinterest picking out foods and things of that nature. It's definitely saving me money but it is time consuming.

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I agree 100%! Please hire the pros for this major event.

Do not self-cater you will regret it. It's also very unsafe unless you have a license.

Team "hire a caterer" here. You don't want that stress on you or your loved ones, or that liability.