When planning a wedding, every couple wants to maximize their catering budget. From wanting to please everyone by inviting all the people, to dreaming of plated lobster and an open bar with top-shelf spirits, there is a multitude of ways you can end up spending more money than you’ve intended. Here are Dream Events & Catering, our team of wedding specialists is here to guide you through the wedding planning and budgeting process. For starters, you can check out our handy Wedding Calculator to try a few budgets on for size and get a starting point for your menu and beverage services. We’ve also compiled our top tips to help you save money on your catering budget – ensuring your wedding is dreamy, delicious and on budget!

Lower Your Guest Count

Overall, lowering your guest count is going to be the number one way you can save money on your catering budget. We get it. The guest list can seem like a pot of boiling water that is going to overflow at any minute. You have voices from all sides wanting to make sure Aunt Sally and Co-worker Kevin get invited (both of whom you did not know existed until wedding planning began). But only inviting those you truly want to celebrate your huge day with will ultimately allow for a more special event, and your budget will thank you for it. Dream Tip! When determining who you will invite, ask yourself – will these people for sure be in your life in the future? Distant cousins, causal college friends, and co-workers often are shorter-term relationships and, while you definitely appreciate your relationship with them, they should probably get added to a “B” List.

Change the Portion Sizes

At Dream Events & Catering, we adore mini-sized foods. They’re adorable. And not only are they easy on the eyes, but they’re also easy on your budget. You can still serve lamb and lobster (lobster corn dogs, anyone??), but serve it up as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvres, rather than the main course. It will look elegant, taste amazing, and keep a little more green in your pocket.

Limit the Bar

Top shelf bourbon for 200 guests will quickly eat away at your budget. We recommend limiting your bar to beer and wine. This will ultimately give you much more control over the booze budget. A classy touch could be to add a signature cocktail or champagne toast. This adds personality without breaking the bank!

Leave it to the Chef

Let the expert decide a few choices for the menu. Chefs know what’s in season, what guests tend to swoon over, and what can be served up for a little less money (like delicious mini grilled cheese sandwiches).

Photos by Jen and Chris Creed.

Shorter Service Period

Shortening the time of the event means less labor time and possibly less food (less time for second helpings and mindless munching). You could also change the time of the day. For example, a luncheon versus a cocktail hour will allow you to possibly skip the bar altogether.

We’d love to help you create the day of your dreams without breaking the bank. Send us a message to start planning your Nashville wedding at [email protected].