Caterers Vs DIY buffet

[CraftyGirly90]

So I'm getting married in the next couple of years and don't know whether to opt for a caterer or do a mostly cold food buffet myself (with the help of some friends). What have others done in the past or what would you opt for? TIA xx

Depends what kind of wedding you want. Small & intimate DIY could work, 200+ then no

It's about 50 people in total maybe only just over x

Have a caterer. Why wouldn't you?

You and your friends should be thoroughly enjoying the day, not fretting about food

It would depend on numbers and venue.
What sort of food, cooking it or buying pre-prepared?
Space available to cook, or even open purchased pre—prepared food, adequate cold storage space before hand. Are you going to do it all in one place or rely on others having the same hygiene standards in their homes? If cooking it yourself, do any of your guests have food allergies? You would need separate food prep and storage space for any specialist food. Even for vegetarians or vegans you would need separate cooking utensils and pots. Do you have enough crockery and cutlery, caterers will supply these as well as the food. What about serving staff or will it be a help yourself style buffet, keeping the table stocked up, washing up? Again caterers will supply servers and wash up afterwards. Transport of the food safely to the venue, how and who who be able to do it on the day, you are going to be busy getting married and I’m guessing your friends are going to your wedding? Caterers will only be focussing on the food.
Laying out food ages before you plan to eat it, is running the risk of food poisoning your guests.
I have self catered many family celebrations, big birthday parties etc but never considered it for my wedding. I wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the day.

Even if it’s cold, someone still needs to put it out and clean up afterwards. You’ll also need plates, cutlery, napkins and glasses for everyone. You’ll also need a way of serving drinks. Do you really want to do this on your wedding day? And you really can’t ask your guests to help. I’d definitely go for the caterers.

Depends on where your reception is really. Where would you store it, who would put it out/tidy away/top up etc?

Would want to use caterers for sure. Who needs all that hassle on their wedding day and you want your guests to enjoy the day too.

Yo keep costs down but not do all the work yourself, you could order food from M&S or Waitrose and get someone to collect it.

You could also advertise (local Facebook site, next door etc) for some people to help with putting out the food, pouring drinks, clearing away etc

I did my own but arranged through the local fishmonger to have whole salmon poached and platters of shellfish.

Caterers

Get professionals, even to do a cold buffet. It seems fun now, but organising food for fifty people is a big task that you will not have time for on your wedding day.

(declaration of bias: went to a wedding which was a buffet where everyone brought a contribution. Organising and storing it was a massive headache, plus I spent the next day throwing up, so clearly optimal temperatures had not been maintained)

I can’t imagine anything more hellish than catering your own wedding. It’s stressful enough catering for 20 at my dc’s birthday party. Your wedding is your day. Make it a smaller wedding and do it so you can enjoy and relax.

head desk
No love you pay money so that the venue does this shit

Thanks to all for your suggestions/opinions x

We did a DIY buffet for 120 (plus children). It wasn't a chore or remotely stressful because we both have largish families and everybody helped out. Guests were also invited to contribute food if they wished. Many did and we had more cake than we knew what to do with. The children were in seventh heaven. To make sure family got a chance to enjoy themselves we hired a couple of staff to make sure the empty trays were refilled and plates collected up etc.

Get a caterer. If you’re short of money just opt for a cheaper meal or something like an afternoon tea instead of an evening dinner. It would be a hassle organising the food for your own wedding and it isn’t fair to ask friends to do it.