5 Budget-Friendly Wedding Food Ideas That Don't Sacrifice on Quality

There's no denying that weddings are expensive. Between the cost of venues, florals, and more, it's easy to understand how easy it is for couples to blow past their original budget. If you're looking for ways to save money on your wedding, consider ways to cut back on bigger ticket items. One of the largest expenses for most celebrations is catering. To keep your guests energized and happy, you should provide them with food at your cocktail hour, reception, and after-party, but the catering itself doesn't have to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity, you can keep your guests well-fed without spending too much money.

Want to curate a delicious menu that won't break the bank? Read ahead to find five unique wedding food ideas on a budget.

Cater the Wedding Yourself

If you and your family members have a talent for cooking, consider catering the wedding yourself. While this can be a huge undertaking (especially if you have a large guest list), it can seriously cut down on your expenses. If you decide to cook the wedding meal on your own, be sure to factor in the costs of food, timing necessary to prepare, and supplies needed to keep everything warm and fresh. While your venue may be able to support outside catering, you should ask to see if they may require you to bring in equipment. You can also cut down costs by making just one portion of the day's food yourself. Some couples ask a relative to make a treasured family recipe for the main course or else decide to bake their cake themselves. Not only does this lower your budget, but it's also a personal touch that could make your wedding even more meaningful.

Serve a Vegetarian or Vegan Menu

The cost of meat can definitely increase the price of your catering meal. If you want to reduce your overall spend, see if your catering company offers a vegetarian or vegan menu. The price will likely be lower and the meal can appease more guests who have dietary restrictions. However, make sure that the menu is hearty so it can sustain everyone throughout the night.

Purchase an Appetizer Spread at a Grocery Store

Many grocery stores offer pre-prepared appetizer spreads with cheese, charcuterie, and vegetables, or at least have all the fixings to make one yourself. If you don't want to pay too much for a caterer's arrangement, make your way to the store to prepare your cocktail hour bites. With the right styling, your budget-friendly appetizers can look beautiful, too.

Order Delivery

Many restaurants offer catering menus that you can easily order for delivery either directly or through apps like DoorDash and UberEats. If you want to reduce your overall food spend, this can be a way less expensive option than having a catering company come to your wedding venue. While the costs may be lower, you should be prepared to set up the food once it arrives, keep it fresh, and plate each meal if you aren't doing a buffet. To ensure that the restaurant can support your larger order, reach out to the restaurant and make your order in advance. It also can be a fun idea to order delivery from your favorite fast-food restaurant to serve as a late-night treat at an after-party.

Have a Food Truck

Having a food truck come to your wedding can be a cost-effective catering option that's also a unique treat for guests. While you will need to pay for the truck rental, the overall cost per head can be greatly reduced from a traditional caterer's costs. Be sure to coordinate with the rental company any permits that may be necessary and see if there is a certain infrastructure required at the venue to support the truck's kitchen.