One of the highlights of any wedding is the food, but creating a delicious, memorable menu doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning and creativity, you can offer a delightful culinary experience that fits comfortably within your budget. 

Here’s how to design the perfect wedding menu without overspending:

1. Establish Your Budget

Start by determining the overall amount you’re willing to allocate to food and beverages. Keep in mind, the food and beverage element of your budget can be between 40-60% of your total wedding budget. Don’t let high numbers scare you in this phase – unfortunately, this is normal. Knowing your budget from the outset will help guide your decisions and ensure you make choices that align with your financial plan.

If you need more assistance estimating how much of your overall wedding budget to allocate to each category, check out this resource here.

2. Choose the Right Catering Style for You

Consider the following service styles to see which best suits your budget and vision:

Buffet

Offers a range of options and can be more economical than plated dinners due to the lower labor requirements. It also allows guests to choose what they like best.

Plated

The traditional plated meal is often considered to be the most expensive option, however this is not always the case. Consider offering a less expensive protein as the featured entree, like a chicken or a creative vegetarian option. Making these menu decisions can keep the costs of this service style similar to the other options.

Food Stations

Provides variety and flexibility, encouraging guests to mingle while tasting different dishes. It also puts a new twist on the traditional buffet style approach.

Cocktail Reception

Focuses on hors d’oeuvres and small bites, potentially saving costs on a sit-down meal. 
Word of caution: Heavy hors d’ouevres receptions can add up quickly and become just as expensive (a more) than traditional dinner receptions. If you go this route in an effort to stretch your budget, consider offering a grazing station (charcuterie boards are popular) and only 2-3 passed appetizers.

Be sure to request quotes for different services styles from your potential caterers so you can see how the pricing varies between the options.

3. Prioritize Your Menu Items

Identify which aspects of the meal are most important to you, whether it’s a gourmet entrée, a signature cocktail, or a show-stopping dessert. Allocate a bigger portion of your budget to these priorities, while simplifying less critical components.

4. Opt for Less Expensive Proteins & Seasonal/Local Ingredients

Oftentimes the bottom line of a caterer proposal can be adjusted by choosing less expensive proteins for your main entrees. Explore proteins such as chicken and pork. Move away from filet, short rib, chilean sea bass. 

Also, choose seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to enhance freshness and reduce costs. Local ingredients are often less expensive because they cut down on transport fees and support local producers, adding a personal touch to your menu.

5. Limit Menu Choices

Offering fewer options can simplify your menu and reduce costs. Provide one or two options for each course or stick to a single entrée for everyone, which allows caterers to buy in bulk and reduce prep complexity.

6. Skip the Extras

Forgo extras like specialty breads, costly seafood, or extravagant side dishes. Instead, focus on providing well-executed, flavorful main dishes and complements that leave a lasting impression without unnecessary expense.

7. Let Them NOT Eat Cake

More and more I am finding couples do not want a big cake at their wedding. Instead more couples are opting for a small (1-2 tier) “cake to cut” – for the “cake cutting” tradition. Then they accompany the small cake with a beautiful spread of mini dessert choices for their guests. Popular ideas include cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, dessert shots, cheesecake bites, brownies, donuts, candies, etc. Let your imagination run wild with this!

8. Negotiate With Your Caterer

Don’t hesitate to discuss your budget constraints with your caterer. They can often suggest menu adjustments that maintain quality while reducing costs or offer package deals. Remember, they want to earn your business. If a proposal comes in a little too high, be sure to give the caterer a chance to rework the proposal with you to try to lower costs.

9. Consider Beverage Options

Provide a limited selection of alcohol, like beer, wine, or a signature cocktail, instead of a full open bar. This controls alcohol expenses while still offering guests enjoyable drink choices.

10. Plan for Leftovers

While it is not always possible to take home the extra food from your wedding reception. It is not a bad idea to discuss with your caterer how leftovers will be handled. You might plan to donate leftovers to a local food bank or package them for guests to take home, minimizing waste and maximizing the value of your spending.

Final Thoughts

Designing a wedding menu on a budget is all about prioritizing and planning creatively. By focusing on key components, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, and choosing the right catering style, you can craft a menu that’s both delightful and budget-friendly. Happy planning, and bon appétit at your wedding feast!

I hope this guide helps you in creating a wonderful wedding menu that your guests will love! If you want more free planning tips and resources, subscribe to our Weekly Wedding Tips! 

Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326