Catering for a wedding is a major decision, which takes quite a chunk off the wedding budget. However, there are cheap wedding foods that can be considered as viable alternatives, which leave the guests thoroughly satiated. Here are twelve ideas of mouthwatering foods that you can choose for your wedding catering:
1. Pasta
Pasta is a cheap wedding food that can be served in several ways, for instance, the mac and cheese flavour. Probably one of the most delicious pasta dishes, mac and cheese can be customized to suit different taste buds. Besides the usual cheddar cheese, you can have mac and cheese at your wedding, made with a variety of cheeses such as gouda, Monterey Jack, Feta or Parmesan. Guests can customize their dish with an assortment of toppings like bacon, ham, pickles, jalapenos or mushrooms.
Pasta Alfredo is another delicious pasta dish that can be served at a wedding. Made with fettuccine pasta and served with a creamy sauce, it’s bound to please guests’ palates. Add chicken for a more filling meal. If you can’t decide on one pasta dish, go with a pasta buffet and serve dishes such as Spaghetti and meatballs, Fettucine Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara and Spaghetti Bolognaise.
2. Tacos
Tacos offer a great variety with an assortment of fillings, including but not limited to beef, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and cheese, allowing great diversity. Tacos are enjoyed with various toppings such as sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, caramelized onions and cilantro.
3. Chicken and Waffles
This delicious classic is bound to wow guests and can be served with different sauces and toppings. Fried crispy chicken and waffles add a perfect balance of savoury and sweet to the menu. It can be topped with bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, chipotle mayo, or some other spicy sauce.
4. Barbeque
How about a barbeque station with all-time favourites such as hot dogs, burgers, sausages, pork chops, sliders and even grilled vegetables to cater for those averse to meat dishes! Beef kebabs with tomatoes and pepper or chicken skewers with cherry tomatoes make great barbeque options. Guests can pick what they love and sit down to enjoy their meal.
5. Pizza
Have you ever thought of a pizza reception? Instead of the usual meals, serve your guests with a pizza buffet spread. Pizza is a cheap wedding food, and depending on your budget, there are tons of types and flavours to choose from. Keep them warm with food warmers and sliced for easy serving.
6. French Fries and Fish
This cheap wedding food will definitely be a hit! Fish can be battered and fried or simply grilled with lemon butter and served on a bed of freshly fried French fries or sweet potato fries. Tartar sauce is a great sauce to serve alongside this meal. Fresh salad greens with a vinaigrette complete the meal.
7. Chicken Wings with Grilled Potatoes or Sweet Potato Fries
Picture this! Juicy, grilled chicken wings, sticky barbeque wings, or Buffalo wings on a bed of lettuce served with a variety of sauces, from mild to extra hot, to cater for the different spicy needs of your guests.
Next, extend this mouthwatering experience by serving with grilled potatoes, sweet potatoes or a potato salad. Wings are versatile and can be served with a sauce or simply grilled. They can also be roasted and tossed in a tomato sauce and served with rice.
8. Lasagna
This tasty dish is inexpensive, filling and easy to serve. Easy to keep warm, it can be sliced into desired servings and plated with some veggies and extra tomato sauce. Lasagna can be made using chicken, beef, pork or lamb for the meat lovers, and it can also be made with a variety of vegetables for the vegetarian guests.
9. Salad Bar
Be creative here and serve a variety of greens such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce and spinach. Have plenty of salad toppings such as shredded carrots, hard-boiled eggs, olives, chickpeas, peas, kidney beans, shredded cheese, and other vegetables. Also, throw in salad dressings such as ranch, French, Thousand Island, honey mustard and mayo. Finally, add meats such as turkey, ham and chicken, and wrap it up with other salads such as pasta, potato, bean, and fruit salads.
10. Soup Bar
Soups are versatile and wallet-friendly. A variety of soups can be made and served along with a choice of bread or croutons. Soups are comforting, delicious and filling.
11. Cupcake Tower
Instead of the usual tiered (and perhaps, tired) wedding cake, you can go for the cupcake tower. You can keep this simple with a couple of cupcake flavours, or splash with a variety of flavours. The beauty of the tower will stand out, and guests will enjoy their individual cupcakes.
12. Dessert Bar
This is another unique way to serve dessert instead of just having cake. Mini pies, doughnuts with different fillings, s’mores, cookies, ice cream cones can be served. Guests get to pick what they love.
A budget wedding menu doesn’t have to be boring or dull. You can integrate the ideas above with your own to create an unforgettable wedding meal your guests are unlikely to forget.