DIY Catering. To do or not to do?

We have an informal venue already booked. Their in-house catering is not good but we can't bring in outside caterers. Have lots of friends willing to help. Having a meat/cheese/antipasto style buffet out but wondering what other options we could make ahead of time and bring in and heat up as hot canapes and buffet style meal for later?

Nicole W

Question Asked: 3/10/2016

Wedding Date: 14/04/2017

Wedding Location: Collingwood, VIC 3066

Most Helpful Response

indi event management

(4) · Victoria Wide

Posted: 5/10/2016

Hi Nicole,

Firstly, congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

Before we provide some options for you, could you let us know what equipment is available at the venue to assist with heating up?

And most importantly, are you allowed to bring food into the venue?

I ask because if the only restriction is bringing caterers on site, you have some amazing options:

  1. Caterers + delivery - a catering company builds you a menu and delivers your food in its final form to someone before the wedding to be taken on site by guests
  2. Restaurant delivery - you could have a restaurant deliver food directly to your venue before the reception.
  3. DIY - If you did decide that DIY was your best option, rather than leaving the specifics to your friends/guests, you should pick what they would cook. Get some information on their skills and then create a plan for the volunteers.

For most of these options, you will need to consider the following:

  1. Who will make desserts/mains/entrees/canapes?
  2. How will they be displayed/delivered/served?
  3. Will food require attention when delivered e.g. heating or cooling?
  4. How many portions will be required? There are some amazing tools online that will help you in calculating how much food will be required per guest
  5. Are there any food allergies you need to consider?
  6. Who will pay for ingredients, preparation, presentation and delivery?
  7. Will you leave the recipies to the volunteers or will you specify a recipe to use?

If you answer the above questions, a DIY catering option could be a blast, with everyone feeling really invested in your wedding.

Let us know if we can be of any further help,

Natasha + PJ
Indi Event Management

Answered by: 4 Experts

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Simply Stunning Events

(0) · Melbourne

Posted: 16/01/2017

This sounds so much fun! A grazing buffet would be fantastic! Get everyone to bring same coloured platters, set up a beautiful buffet table with greenery and appropriately themed décor, and then have everyone bring a plate!

LUXE – Unforgettable Events

(0) · Sydney - all areas: *see our client reviews on our google business page.

Posted: 4/12/2016

Hi Nicole,

This is a good and a big question. A number of factors come into play here. Several and importably are how many guess you will host, the style, cost, availability, quality, transport and safety. Then add to this the support you will need to actually display and serve - consider a buffet. No matter if you serve hot or cold food you will need to consider appropriate storage conditions. Yes, several varied antipasto offerings is a very good start - then possibly a mixture of chicken, beef , lamb and vegetarian kebabs and or skewers. Fresh vegetable and mixed salad platters will support the skewers just fine... for dessert consider supplementing your cake with cupcakes and with single serve dessert options such as baklava all available through any of the major retail stores.

No matter what you eventually choose to serve on your unforgettable day your guests are there for you and your partner to celebrate with you both.... as long as you are prepared, have the wedding day time table and a plethora of support it will be perfect - your way.

Best Regards,

Kerrie

Events by Jacque

(21) · Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Surrounds

Posted: 4/10/2016

Hi Nicole,

Congratulations! All this best to you and your partner.

Have you got access to kitchen facilities heating and cooling? How many guests? What time of the day? And is it a sit down or standing event?

I have a list of foods I'd be happy to send you but have you considered other options?

What if you had an outside caterer prepare the food offsite? Would that be a possibility? I have a few wonderful contacts that would be willing to do this. They would deliver to any location in Melbourne, and you'd have a combination of hot and cold food. They are extremely affordable (depending on what your after) and it would mean that you, your family and your friends wouldn't be stressing about it.

Please contact me on my profile if you require anymore help.

Kind Regards,

Jacque

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