From the Venue to the Menu, How to Save on Wedding Food

Weddings have a way of getting expensive: any detail of a ceremony or reception or party can be blown out to epic proportions. But the good news is that whatever your price range, there always opportunities to save money.
Here are some ways to lower the cost of catering your reception, which is typically the biggest single item on a couple's wedding budget.
Brooklyn wedding planner Jove Meyer boils it down to one word: flexibility.
"If you're flexible, there are definitely many ways to save on catering," he says.
THINK OUTSIDE THE CATERING HALL
Meyer's company, Jove Meyer events, has planned about 130 weddings over the last six years. He says couples should consider renting out a restaurant or having a restaurant prepare and deliver their food while hiring a staffing company to serve it. Both options can be cheaper than having a full-service wedding venue cook and serve your food, and restaurants already have the staff and the know-how.
"You can buy out a restaurant, everything's included — food, staff, catering — so it comes in much cheaper," he says.
If you live in area that's well-served by food trucks, you can also give those a look. You might be able to book several of them for less than the cost of a traditional caterer and catering hall.
FOCUS
You might be tempted to provide a slew of options so everyone gets something they love: salmon for mom, steak for dad, salad for a vegetarian friend, veal for grandpa.
You don't have to do all that, and you'll save money if you narrow your choices. Consider offering one meat-based dish and one vegetarian option, possibly paired as a single entree. If you have simple tastes, consider serving comfort food instead of a fancier banquet.
STAY AWAY FROM PLATES AND SILVERWARE
Disposable goods cost less than rentals. Meyer says bamboo and faux metal plates can be "gorgeous" and cost less than traditional ceramic plates, and while paper cups will cost less than washable mugs or glasses and plasticware is less expensive than silverware. The downside, however, is that you'll create more trash.
SCHEDULING
Most weddings take place on the weekend for obvious reasons, but if you're able to get married on a weekday instead, you'll likely save money.
DON'T OVERDO THE BAR
"The number one markup for caterers is alcohol, so if you find a venue that allows you to bring your own booze in, you can get alcohol at cost," Meyer says. In addition to the cost of liquor and items like garnishes, an open bar means you'll spend more on staff. Instead, you can provide beer and wine, possibly augmented by a specially-chosen signature cocktail that reflects your tastes.
BUBBLY? UH-HUH
You can save yourself the cost of three to five cases of Champagne or Prosecco if you don't do a Champagne toast, Meyer says. Since your guests will probably already have a glass of wine or a cocktail, or both, let them toast with whatever drinks they have on hand.
"Eight-five to 90 percent of all of that champagne that gets poured all goes in the trash," Meyer says.

Meyer also advises ordering less coffee, another drink that's not a priority for most wedding-goers. He says you can get away with ordering enough coffee to serve half your guests.