Inexpensive Foods for a Wedding Reception
Many couples believe that it is necessary to hire a caterer to make food for their wedding receptions. In reality, it is less expensive to cater the wedding yourself. Guests are usually more satisfied eating home-cooked foods than they are catered foods that they have probably never had before. A potluck wedding reception is an inexpensive way to cater a wedding. The bride, groom and the rest of the wedding party can each bring a favorite dish. Relatives and friends of the couple may also want to bring something to eat. The following are some ideas for inexpensive foods for a wedding reception.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are usually a big hit at baby showers and birthday parties. A platter offinger sandwicheswill also look nice on the food table at a wedding reception. Egg, tuna, chicken, and ham salad sandwiches taste good and are easy to make. Any type of bread can be used when making these sandwiches. It is best to have sandwiches made using white bread and some made with wheat bread.
A platter of meats, cheeses, and sandwich vegetables is another good idea. Ham, roast beef, and turkey are popular sandwich meat choices. Suitable cheeses include; American, cheddar, and Swiss. Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles are good vegetables to put on a sandwich. Place a basket of white sandwich rolls on one side of the platter, and a basket of wheat rolls on the other side of the platter. Squeeze bottles of mustard and mayo should also be within reach.
Pasta
Dishes made with pasta are inexpensive to make.Macaroni and cheeseandAmerican chop sueyare good pasta dishes for a wedding reception. Both dishes are easy to make and don’t take a lot of time.Spaghetti casseroleis another inexpensive option for a hot pasta dish.
Pasta saladsare also big winners at wedding receptions. These are also economical and easy to make. Popular pasta salads includemacaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, andspaghetti salad.
Meats
Crock pot meatballsare another inexpensive food idea for a wedding reception. Swedish, Italian, or sweet and sour meatballs usually go well on the food table. There are also many other types of meatball recipes.
Teriyaki chicken wings can be made at a very cheap price as well. To make teriyaki chicken all you have to do is marinate the chicken wings in teriyaki sauce overnight. Stir the chicken occasionally to make sure each piece soaks up the sauce. The next morning cook the wings at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Snacks
Chips and dip are a favorite snack at any occasion. Be sure to have a few types of dip because not everyone will like the same kind. Onion, ranch, and clam dip usually work well. Tortilla chips with a heated salsa con queso dip will also go well on the table. Place a bowl of plain salsa and/or guacamole near the chips.
A vegetable platter is a good snack idea as well. Carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and cauliflower pieces presented neatly on a platter, with ranch or vegetable dip in the center, will look nice.
Desserts
Although there is cake at weddings, many guests will enjoy other treats as well. Acookieandbrownieplatter will go well at the reception. They can be made from scratch or bought at the grocery store. More than one kind of each treat is always a good idea.
Beverages
Make punch by mixing fruit punch and ginger ale in a large bowl. Add a few scoops of orange sherbet for added flavor.
Three-liter bottles of soda can be purchased at dollar stores. Soda flavors include fruit punch, orange, lemon/lime, cola, root beer and grape. Have a few stacks of plastic cups nearby to pour the soda in. People that don’t like soda or punch may appreciate a pitcher full of ice water.
