Vintage charm with a Southern Twist...

At the Pavilion at Mixon Farms we LOVE unique family centered weddings. It’s what we are all about. One way many couples choose to incorporate family is through FOOD! Aside from traditions, whether to self-cater or not can also weigh heavy on what type of wedding budget you have. So  how do you juggle that on one of the biggest days of your life? Do it well, and more importantly – NOT GO CRAZY!?  Is it even possible?  Here are a few things to consider from our experience, when deciding on catering or self-catering.

First, let’s define SELF-CATERING. According to {www.freedictionary.com} self-catering is described as {accommodation in which the tenant or visitor provides and prepares his own food}. In regards to a wedding, it can be more defined as “YOU” providing everything an outside catering company would, such as: food, serving utensils, beverage station, servers, to warmers and especially cleanup.

Next to music, food is one of the biggest conversations guests talk about at a wedding. No pressure there, huh!? When considering any part of your wedding, remember, stay true to your style, and BUDGET!

So is self catering worth it FINANCIALLY?  Let’s consider the “SHORT” list of equipment needed to pull it off. Buffet style will require renting chafing dishes with Sterno’s to hold your metal containers of food in when guests line along the buffet table. It will also require warmers to keep food hot until it needs to be served; some venues have these on sight. The Pavilion provides a warmer along with prepping areas which can be crucial given the number of people needed to cut, arrange, and prepare the food, however, it is not a cooking kitchen. Also don’t forget the prepping bowls, platters, knives plus serving utensils for the food. Another must have are plates, china or disposables, whichever is your preference, but are costly either way. Check out one of our local rental companies for more price ranges.

 

 

How do you know how much food is needed for your guest count? We found a great article to help with ALL THAT MATH!!! Running out of food due to bad calculations, late guests, guests bringing a plus-one unexpectedly, etc… is a very real factor. Also factoring in the cost per person, including all the equipment & supplies, must be considered when choosing to self-cater instead of hiring a caterer. Not having enough food or having a month’s worth of leftovers can be a huge mistake and cost you in the end.

Do you have HELP and TONS of it??!! Self-catering is a huge undertaking. A large crew of 12-15 people is advisable especially assuming most, if not all, are inexperienced. This could cause a lot of stress, making sure that things are running smoothly on your big day. One thing that seems to always be forgotten, is the dreaded clean up at the end. This is when lots of helping hands is important, and those that are helping, should know they are in for a long haul and are there until the very end. For clean up, plates and cups need to be gathered throughout the night as well as heavy trash bags removed and taken to the dumpster. You don’t want to be doing this in your gorgeous lace and pearl covered wedding dress, so consider this as a turning point deciding factor.

“How can I incorporate family traditions or save money, if I don’t self-cater?”  There are great ways to incorporate family traditions and save on a cake cost. One suggestion is to self-cater the desserts only.  We loved one couple’s idea, they had their whole dessert bar brought by their guests. They simply asked on each invite, for their guests to bring a platter of their family favorite goodie.

Still want to self-cater? Be organized! Organization is key to a successful wedding reception that is self-catered, such as, the design of your menu. Even the best cooks and restaurants struggle to come up with just the right items for their clients. When it comes to food on your wedding day, trying a brand new recipe and using your guests as guinea pigs is probably not the best time to see if the item is a hit or miss. Practice K.I.S.S.  {keep it simple sweetie}, when thinking menu. Have multiple meetings with your help as well as spreadsheets to assign duties. This will save you time.  If this is not your gifting, you may have too much on your plate, (no pun intended), when it comes to self-catering.

Lastly, we all know saving money is important, but in the end, do what is easiest and best for all involved. Many caterers on our preferred list can help custom design a menu that is budget-conscious and delicious. You may just be surprised at how much of an easy, stress-free process it is, and honestly, it truly does save a few sleepless nights. Catering with some of our preferred vendors, such as 3 C’s for example; can truly be the better route to take in the end.  Especially, when you consider all the necessary tasks it takes to complete a meal 10 times the size of Thanksgiving!

All in all, you don’t get the day back. There are no mulligans or do-over’s for a wedding day. Top on the list of importance and the biggest thing to consider is – BE SURE TO ENJOY YOUR DAY! That means do only the things that will ensure that.

Note: The Pavilion has had successful self-catered weddings as well as catered weddings. We welcome whichever you decide. The Pavilion provides a warmer along with prepping areas. This can be crucial given the number of people needed to cut, arrange, and prepare the food. However, it is not a cooking kitchen. 

Want to get advice from other brides on this topic, visit one of favorite sites Wedding Wire! 

We hope that you are enjoying our blog!! Stay connected to us on our social media pages for the next exciting topics!

How do you know how much food is needed for your guest count? We found a great article to help with ALL THAT MATH!!! Running out of food due to bad calculations, late guests, guests bringing a plus one unexpectedly, etc… is a very real factor. Also factoring in the cost per person, including all the equipment supplies, must be considered when choosing to self-cater instead of hiring a caterer. Not having enough food or having a month’s worth of leftovers can be a huge mistake and cost to you in the end.