Food and beverages will probably swallow up the lion's share of your wedding budget. Here, clever ideas on how to eat, drink-and save money.
Wedding Cocktail Hour
1. Hand pass pricier appetizers, like shrimp, scallops or other seafood items, rather than setting them out for guests to serve themselves. Caterers say guests consume 40 percent fewer pieces this way.
2. 'Put out big bowls of colorful, lush salads with grilled vegetables, which allows you to show generosity without spending a whole lot,' says Shai Tertner, award-winning chef at Shiraz in New York City. Tertner suggests adding punch to your presentation by using colorful bowls, giant woks and other unusual platters.
3. Comparison shop for seafood. For example, calamari and mussels are often half the price of shrimp cocktail and scampi. Ask your wedding caterer for a list of less costly seafood appetizers.
4. Skip the big cubed-cheese platter. It's often the least popular item at a wedding cocktail hour, because most guests have had cheese platters at office parties and family get-togethers. No one will miss it.
5. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean your crudites have to show it. Instead of carrot sticks and cucumber rounds, choose artichoke hearts, broccoli flowers, radishes cut in heart shapes or other creative choices, with flavored dipping sauces.
6. Use unique plates. Leila Miller, award-winning event planner at Feastivities Catering in Phila
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