initially this was something we considered, but to be honest, I am terribly glad that we did not. i never would have believed how much of my time and energy has gone into this…
I don’t know if you would consider this DIY but FI’s family is preparing our food for the wedding. It’s going to be a Hawaiian Luau buffet. This saved us quite a lot of money.
A luau would definitely fit into DIY! MissChris, how many guests are you expecting?
Bride of Rochester: I totally understand not wanting to do it. And good for you for setting boundaries around what you’re willing (and able) to take on.
We are inviting 300 people but coming from a small island like Kauai where everyone knows everyone, there is a great chance that the number of people who will show will be more than 300.
We self-catered. The work was divided between me, my father, the best man’s wife, and one of my bridesmaids.
Since the wedding was being held in the woods with a very relaxed feel and no kitchen/electrical access, we did all picnic foods that could be kept in coolers until needed. Green salad, fruit salad, potato salad, build-your-own sandwich makings to please both the carnivores and the vegetarians on our guest list, some small nibbles (nuts, chocolates, pickles, chips, etc.) and individual fruit tarts instead of a cake. It was simple, inexpensive, and wildly popular. Nobody went home hungry, food didn’t get wasted because people were eager to take home the leftovers, and it felt kind of good to be dicing fruit the night before the wedding when my hands needed something to do.
It’s not for everybody, but it surely worked for us.
Oh, and without prior arrangement, my beloved’s mother generously brought a big platter of her famous vegetable sushi to the reception. My mother in law was a terrific lady!
How many people did you self-cater for? I won’t have a lot of help, but our vows are taking place on a different day so I won’t have that part to worry about the day/nights before the reception. We will have 75 – 150 ppl, we think. We want to do a salmon bbq and salads. Is it manageable for over 100 ppl? My parents can’t help and his are from out of town so I don’t want to ask them to work. All that’s left for solid help, no question, is certain friends and my sister.
initially this was something we considered, but to be honest, I am terribly glad that we did not. i never would have believed how much of my time and energy has gone into this…
I don’t know if you would consider this DIY but FI’s family is preparing our food for the wedding. It’s going to be a Hawaiian Luau buffet. This saved us quite a lot of money.
A luau would definitely fit into DIY! MissChris, how many guests are you expecting?
Bride of Rochester: I totally understand not wanting to do it. And good for you for setting boundaries around what you’re willing (and able) to take on.
We are inviting 300 people but coming from a small island like Kauai where everyone knows everyone, there is a great chance that the number of people who will show will be more than 300.
We self-catered. The work was divided between me, my father, the best man’s wife, and one of my bridesmaids.
Since the wedding was being held in the woods with a very relaxed feel and no kitchen/electrical access, we did all picnic foods that could be kept in coolers until needed. Green salad, fruit salad, potato salad, build-your-own sandwich makings to please both the carnivores and the vegetarians on our guest list, some small nibbles (nuts, chocolates, pickles, chips, etc.) and individual fruit tarts instead of a cake. It was simple, inexpensive, and wildly popular. Nobody went home hungry, food didn’t get wasted because people were eager to take home the leftovers, and it felt kind of good to be dicing fruit the night before the wedding when my hands needed something to do.
It’s not for everybody, but it surely worked for us.
Oh, and without prior arrangement, my beloved’s mother generously brought a big platter of her famous vegetable sushi to the reception. My mother in law was a terrific lady!
How many people did you self-cater for? I won’t have a lot of help, but our vows are taking place on a different day so I won’t have that part to worry about the day/nights before the reception. We will have 75 – 150 ppl, we think. We want to do a salmon bbq and salads. Is it manageable for over 100 ppl? My parents can’t help and his are from out of town so I don’t want to ask them to work. All that’s left for solid help, no question, is certain friends and my sister.