What is good to serve at a 5pm wedding reception?

Question

I need help planning the meal for my wedding (The wedding will be April 21, 2007). I only want to spend between $300-$400 on the meal part; including plates, cups, napkins,etc. My mother, my soon to be mother in law and myself will be handling all the cooking, etc. What are appropiate dishes to serve? Meats, sides, veggies, fruits..etc. Any suggestions will be helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

There will only be about 50 or so people at the reception. My fiance and I are trying to cut costs and thought it would be best if me and the mother's cook. He mentioned turkey for the meat but everyone might not like that. I'm just at a dead end. I am making our wedding cake myself, I'm good at things like that and love to cook and bake. The money can vary, I can spend more of course, we are just trying to not go too far overboard. It's my 3rd marriage and his 1st. We don't want to be in debt being newly weds. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Answer 1

I would start with spam balls and crackers. One of my favorites.

Coach

Answer 2

We did this for my brother-in-laws wedding.
Sandwiches (Tuna Salad, Roast Beef & Ham & Cheese)
Veggie Tray, Fruit Tray, Crackers w/ some spreads & a few cookies & other sweets. We made all the sandwiches the night before & put on trays the next day. It was really easy & very cheap - go to Sams or Costco whichever is near you to save We got plain white plates & cups & they splurged a little with personalized napkins. We all had a great time. Don't worry too much - you enjoying the day is the most important thing!!!

Answer 3

Seeing that its the end of the afternoon

try something really unexpected Salmon or steak, as a side artichoke hearts its delicious,gazpacho its a cold soup so maybe you'll want a hot soup for dessert other than the cake acourse try some whipped cream with fresh berries put it inside the little cup cake foil. I had this dinner at the Four Seasons at my brothers wedding. It shouldn't be exspensive

Answer 4

Sounds like your definately going to have to go buffet style. If you only want to spend $300-400 in total, that comes out to be like $6-8/head. You cant even go to Chilis and eat for that cheap unless you want a bunch of appetizers.

There are people who dont have main meals, only hoeurderves all night, but I dont recommend that. Your guests will be unsatisfied. Can you cut corners anywhere else and up your food allowance?

Answer 5

Serve the simple and traditional foods.

For appetizers serve veggies, dip, cheese and crackers.

For a main dish serve something with chicken and something with pasta. Maybe a pasta bar with different sauces - alfredo, marinara, vodka, etc.

Throw in some rolls with a salad and maybe potatoes (rosemary, baby red, or mashed) or rice.

For dessert, have your cake or do something untraditional like cupcakes.

Answer 6

How many people will be attending? Sounds like you might need to spend more on this dinner than $300 or $400.

Answer 7

Try appetizers, then simple dinner items. You know 1 main meat like roast beef or turkey, but have a lot of different side ideas. Think of your and your fiance's favorite food and incorporate it. Try family recipes or your parents favorites. Include family in your thoughts.

Answer 8

I would try fried shrimp!!!! My taste is try 2 make the dinner light! It makes it more romantic and then ur tummy doesn't bulge or anything!!!

Answer 9

Wow...that's all you can spend? Better get some crudite, finger foods, and a keg or two of beer. Yikes...

Answer 10

Go with speghetti, garlic bread and salad. Cheap and easy.