Cheap Catering Ideas for Events and Parties on a Budget
Hosting an event or party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest expenses is often catering. But don’t worry – you don’t have to break the bank to get great food for your guests! In this blog post, we will share some cheap event catering ideas that will help you save money without sacrificing quality or taste. So, whether you are planning a wedding, birthday party, or corporate event, read on for some affordable and delicious options!
The most inexpensive food to cater is a rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine.
Chinese, Indian, and Thai food is often very cheap to cater as it can be served in bulk. Another great option is to do a potluck-style event where each guest brings a dish to share. This is a great way to get everyone involved and you’re sure to have a variety of delicious food! If you want something more formal, consider hiring a food truck. Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular, and they offer a fun and unique catering option. Plus, they are often more affordable than traditional catering companies. Just be sure to book in advance as they can get booked up quickly! Catering companies can offer a huge range of food, from finger foods to full meals. If you are on a tight budget, ask about their cheaper options or see if they offer any discounts for large groups. You may be surprised at how much you can save!
When looking for catering menu suggestions for large groups, consider the time of day.
For example, breakfast and brunch are usually much cheaper to cater than dinner. And if you are looking for a dessert option, consider a candy or cookie buffet instead of an elaborate cake.
Consider going meat-free.
Meat is often one of the most expensive items on a catering menu. So, if you are looking to save some money, consider going meat-free for your event. There are tons of delicious vegetarian options out there that will please even the most die-hard carnivores! Many dishes can easily be adjusted to be veggie friendly, plus it means that you won’t need to worry about so many dietary requirements.
Consider having a self-serve buffet for main dishes, desserts, and/or coffees.
This is a great way to save money on labour costs. And it allows your guests to serve themselves according to their own appetites. Just be sure to have enough staff on hand to keep things running smoothly and to answer any questions your guests may have.
Rent plates in smaller sizes.
This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your catering budget. By renting smaller plates, you’ll be able to serve more guests with less food. And your guests will probably appreciate the smaller portions!
We hope you found these tips helpful! Catering can be a big expense, but with a little creativity, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By following some of these suggestions, you can save money without sacrificing quality or taste. So get creative and enjoy your next event!
