Self Catering

In terms of food safety, everything hot was cooked in a crock pot and served in one, so we just turned them to Warm once they were done. No issues with temperatures there. The cold food was kept in a fridge until it was needed, and we served small quantities at a time so that nothing was sitting long- we just refilled the trays often instead. Food was served as a buffet. Food was prepared in an industrial kitchen attached to the hall.

Now, with the exception that we wouldn't want to be doing that work on our wedding day (we worked from 8:30am to 6:00am the next day pretty much without a break), I don't see why it would be so terrible to cater your own party. It sure saved a LOT of money. That price figure included so many leftovers I probably could have cut $75-$100 off the bill and done it for $1.50pp. Everyone had plenty to eat, raved about the food, and thought that we had it professionally catered.

So, since the amount of work one puts in is a choice, I think that the flames directed at people who choose to self cater are unmerited. Obviously if people are making poor choices like outdoor self catering in the summer, that is a serious health issue. Otherwise, I don't really see a problem with it.

Bahahaha

Are you looking for a pat on the back and a "good job" .. this isn't something to be proud of.

Omfg it's too cold out for this shit

I cannot with today. Wtf

Is this the turn up queen?

.... is it a full moon today?

Just here to say I made it all the way through the last post. I couldn't comment on it bc it was made read only by the time I got to the end.

Oh. Also, OP, is your wedding reception at a steakhouse by any chance?

So I guess people needing food handlers cards at restaurants etc is a useless piece of paper? I needed one to serve chips and salsa at a hotel social hour. If I didn't have one, I wasn't allowed to do that. I am not a waitress. So anyone can do that? Why is there a law stating you need too in CA then?

Perhaps you can spread some holiday cheer by shortening the time that we "have you"?

@Keisha, are you not a cheese fan? We had I think 9 different kinds. By "sliced cheese", I mean cheese that was sliced Seriously, where do you get the idea otherwise?

I prefer to cater because food and people's health is not something to fuck with.

We cater all of our large parties because we want to leave something that important up to the professionals. I don't invite people to celebrate with me and risk their health just to save a few bucks. I prioritize the guest experience over savings. We host a winter solstice party every year and have it catered so we can enjoy time with our guests without worrying if the turkey meatballs are warm enough.

TL;DR

In my mind:

Guest experience & health/safety > saving a few dollars

I will stay here as long as I wish Kat...You are not the boss of me. If you don't like it, I don't know what else to tell you.

There's nothing like treating your nearest and dearest to a lavish dinner of ranch dip & kettle corn... classy AF.

A food handlers' certificate is not difficult to get Pretty much anyone who has worked in the food industry ever has one. My fiance and I both have one.

I do believe I said "snacks" not apps. I don't see why kettle corn isn't a yummy snack at a casual party for some of you but hey, takes all kinds.

None of my family and friends worked this- just my fiance and I. It was lovely. No worries at all of anyone getting sick if you actually read what I wrote.

The only reason we are NOT doing self catering at our wedding is because of the amount of time it took, and we actually want to enjoy our wedding. I see nothing wrong with it if people make that choice to spend the time on it, though.

No, not everyone handles food properly. Storytime: In grad school I had a classmate who would constantly bake for others. I personally did not eat since I dont eat people's food if I haven't seen your kitchen or how you handle food. Boy am I glad I had the rule. Strike #1, I saw her leaving the bathroom without washing her hands. She saw the look of disgust on my face and replied, "What? I use enough toilet tissue so I never touch anything. My hands are totally clean." *vomit* Strike #2, a bunch of us went to her house to hang out. As she was making guacamole her cat jumps on her counter. She proceeds to pet her, while he was walking on the counter with all the ingredients, and continue chopping veggies. I have no idea how many classmates consumed pee pee hand cupcakes and cat hair banana bread...

I'm sorry but there's no way anyone would look at that menu, being served in crock pots, and think it was catered.

Lol this made me giggle

Hahahahahaaaha