Ceremony & reception details

Hello lovely ladies,

I have a question regarding meal options at the reception that i need some perspective on. My reception site offers a large number of meal packages but at a high price. At the moment a simple two course meal is $38 per head and although we only have 75-80 guests it is still alot of money. These are your typical meals that waiters bring out and place in alternates on the tables. There is a buffet BBQ option which offers just salads, rolls, and a selections of BBQ meats served buffet style that guest help themselves too which is only $34 per head so it would be better for us cost wise. My question is what are your opinions on a buffet style meal instead of a ‘table service’ meal? My wedding isnt overly formal but not casual either. I just need some perspective on the matter pretty please

I am a fan of buffets. We are going to one for our reception (in vegas). I like being able to choose what I want and have more of one thing and skip something else. When you have the plated alternate meal you are stuck with what is on your plate!

However with plated everyone is served quickly and at the same time. Maybe see if they can set up two serving stations so that people can grab their meals quickly without lining up for 20 minutes!

There is only a small selection as part of the buffet, as it is one of the cheaper options, i think its prawn skewers, cocktail steaks and beef and chicken gourmet sausages with a few salad options. Im a little annoyed that the reception offers so little for budgets, there are some really lovely options available but from $40 to $90 per head its just a staggering cost to feed everyone.

See how there are upsides and downsides to both options? The $4 off every meal per head is almost worth it though.

That’s still more options than would you like the chicken or steak madam!

Are you locked into this venue? Maybe looking for a cheaper venue with more catering options (ie outside caterers) might be the way to go? Do they offer cheaper options for a lunch time reception instead? I rather like the idea of afternoon receptions especially on a sunday! If they are charging that much for BBQ I hate to think what the bar packages cost!

Is there anywhere else you can save some money? so you can upgrade the meal?

I hate how the wedding industry over charges for everything and plays on girls emotions! They suck!

Unfortunately all venues in the Port macquarie area are of the same price range. The prices for meals were cheaper but they rose due to food prices. Our date and time of day is concrete and has been for a while, this food issue is the only thing we’re having trouble with which annoying. The $38 is the lowest meal package, and thats a small entree and a main. If i could skip the entree i would but since it’s a late afternoon wedding and i have learnt from experience that the entree is necessary to sustain yourself for the evening. Oh dont even ask about the bar cost! :S it’s too scary, we’re being mean and only paying for wine and soft drink. It’s too crippling otherwise, and again the basic package is expensive and doesnt include very much so it wasnt worth it. 

the wedding industries do indeed suck!