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The Savvy Wedding
An insiders’ guide to food, booze, gifts, and more
When you are planning your wedding, people will say you need to do many things: serve this appetizer, use this plate, order this cake, and don’t forget to register for china. Brides- and grooms-to-be are inundated by individuals whose chief desire seems to be to extract the most money out of them as possible.
We talked to caterers, pastry chefs, bartenders, retail registry specialists, and other insiders to hear their tips and tricks. And we quizzed couples, recently and not-so-recently married, on what they liked about their weddings, and what they would have done differently. The result is our handbook on how to get the biggest bang for your buck on food, booze, and gifts. We even did a little research on bachelor parties: If your buddies insist on taking you to a strip club, at least make it someplace where you can get a good steak. We wish somebody had done this before we got married.
Lessley Anderson is senior editor at CHOW.
Roxanne Webber is an associate editor at CHOW.
We were looking for something unusual to have as wedding favors - this is what we found Gourmet Marshmallows http://www.marshmerries.com They are so darling and very very yummy!
First, look at locations with "exclusive" lists of caterers. That just means that they can charge you more for your venue, and that you have less say over what sort of food is served. Second, instead of an open bar, do a limited bar. At my wedding, we served three different kinds of margaritas, red and white wine, a local microbrew and corona (the food for the reception was mexican: mole, etc.)....+READ
First, look at locations with "exclusive" lists of caterers. That just means that they can charge you more for your venue, and that you have less say over what sort of food is served. Second, instead of an open bar, do a limited bar. At my wedding, we served three different kinds of margaritas, red and white wine, a local microbrew and corona (the food for the reception was mexican: mole, etc.). Three, just remember that the only things that people will really remember about your wedding (aside from the bride and groom) are the food, music and beverages. They will not remember or even care nearly as much as you will, at some point, in fact, agonize over, about things like centerpieces, formality and small details of decor. Four, forget about those give away presents. My caterer told me that she and her staff end up picking up over half of the give away presents after a wedding because no one wants them. Don't waste your money. Five, don't get caught up in the idea of using fancy purveyors for flowers, supermarket floral departments and even Costco have excellent options at over half of the price, or ask you family for a hand and just go to your local flower market. Six, and most important, eat what you like. Do you really want to eat formal but bland chicken, over-priced, mediocre steak and pallid shrimp? No! If you and your sweetie have one restaurant or type of food you love, build your menu around that. You'll have more fun, and so will everyone else!-COLLAPSE
The taco truck idea is GREAT! And then you could even have a wedding cake shaped like a taco, or ribs, or whatever the food was, just to be crazy. I am serious, it could be funny and awesome if you have family and friends who would appreciate it. I've seen some bbq places on href="http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/caterers.html">http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/caterers.html that do weddings, so it...+READ
The taco truck idea is GREAT! And then you could even have a wedding cake shaped like a taco, or ribs, or whatever the food was, just to be crazy. I am serious, it could be funny and awesome if you have family and friends who would appreciate it. I've seen some bbq places on href="http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/caterers.html">http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/caterers.html that do weddings, so it isn't too farfetched.-COLLAPSE
Well just to make it a little more exciting (as if it was at all possible!) daughter No 2 has now changed her mind & booked her wedding 10 days after Daughter No 1s wedding.....and it in Cypres!
At least they will be completely different, but its quite funny that the new release over here is Bride wars!!
Also, forget the stupid cake. THey charge a fortune for wedding cake and its usually not very tasty. The best weddings I"ve been to involved a nice dessert table and all anyone could say was "Thank goodness we didnt' have to seem them do the cake in face routine"
Don't tell them its a wedding when you are getting quotes. Many vendors have their regular event prices and then they have wedding prices.
Just keep your perspective Its just one day and the tiny details DONT matter. Good food, a nice selection of drinks such as some good beers, wines, and a couple of pre-mixed alcoholic tini things and good music are all you need to add to your loved ones. A...+READ
Don't tell them its a wedding when you are getting quotes. Many vendors have their regular event prices and then they have wedding prices.
Just keep your perspective Its just one day and the tiny details DONT matter. Good food, a nice selection of drinks such as some good beers, wines, and a couple of pre-mixed alcoholic tini things and good music are all you need to add to your loved ones. A general sense of love and happiness doesn't hurt either.
And don't waste money on too many flowers or bridesmaids. Let your friends come as guests, get yourself a nice fresh bouquet and put candles on the table.. Trust me, no one cares about teh flowers.
THey'll be dead in a day and won't add a bit to your happiness.-COLLAPSE
Lazylizard each of your daughters are special to you & even though $$ are tight they EACH deserve their own special day, surely in this day & age the Groom & his family can kick in. If it were me For each daughter I would have a family, relatives & friends ceremony in the backyard followed by backyard party bash, maybe a BBQ or Buffet, Maybe if friends know of your financial predicament they...+READ
Lazylizard each of your daughters are special to you & even though $$ are tight they EACH deserve their own special day, surely in this day & age the Groom & his family can kick in. If it were me For each daughter I would have a family, relatives & friends ceremony in the backyard followed by backyard party bash, maybe a BBQ or Buffet, Maybe if friends know of your financial predicament they could supply their own grog & bring a plate Anyway IT's YOUR DAUGHTERS' DAY SO ASK THEM WHAT THEY WANT Fun will be had either way Best of Luck to you all-COLLAPSE
As a wedding photographer, I always get to eat at weddings. Best meal ever in Vancouver was at the Westwood Plateau Golf club in Coquitlam, BC Canada. Great spot for a wedding if you want good food and don't want to pay a king's ransom. I'll eventually get around to blogging it soon. http://www.dsoleil.com
another good DIY resource....www.cardgirlDIY.com!
This a cool new feature to Chowhound. There are so many ideas for saving money. I thought our wedding was going to be a simple wedding since I had a small budget. But it ended up being the best wedding ever, according to our guests. Find out how we did it http://tuxsetowedding.blogspot.com/
Thank you for the advice dawoodard, there is always a sale on somewhere!!
ladylizzard if you have a year to prepare if you can buy things on when they go on sale that will save you money. Without the details it's hard to tell you what to do. All of the summer stuff is on sale now at draztic prices if you need a tent or summer motif things now is the time to buy. If you are having a bar catch the wine on sale and the hard stuff too. Buy it on sale is the best advise if...+READ
ladylizzard if you have a year to prepare if you can buy things on when they go on sale that will save you money. Without the details it's hard to tell you what to do. All of the summer stuff is on sale now at draztic prices if you need a tent or summer motif things now is the time to buy. If you are having a bar catch the wine on sale and the hard stuff too. Buy it on sale is the best advise if you know what you need.-COLLAPSE
I'm the prospective groom's mother, but excited about the wedding (May 1, 2009). I'm a chowhound registered E-mail listee, and I'm so happy the Savvy Wedding popped up! I especially loved the comments and have fwded them to The Bride just to get another perspective on all the craziness to come! Very, very helpful. I love to cook and wish I could be a wedding caterer (maybe vicariously) so keep...+READ
I'm the prospective groom's mother, but excited about the wedding (May 1, 2009). I'm a chowhound registered E-mail listee, and I'm so happy the Savvy Wedding popped up! I especially loved the comments and have fwded them to The Bride just to get another perspective on all the craziness to come! Very, very helpful. I love to cook and wish I could be a wedding caterer (maybe vicariously) so keep those tips coming! I remain an avid reader.-COLLAPSE
We are planning a wedding for next May 2009. I have no idea where to turn, and am just relying on feedback from friends in the buisness.
From the get go I've wanted a taco truck to factor into the equation, perhaps for the engagement party...
For the actual wedding? Simple, simple, simple. That's my mantra, we'll see if it lasts!
I'm having a wedding August 16 - I'm keeping mum as much as possible when I am booking stuff. Once folks hear wedding, they hear cah-ching!
the extra $$?....it's for dealing with the MOTB. no kidding.
Perhaps if plans are made for a "very special party" instead of a wedding, the stress level will go down for all concerned?
Best wishes....enlist friends and family for help....and have a ball!
Both my daughters are getting married next year. One in June & the other in August. Money is tight (as always) so to have 2 in one year is quite a challenge!
The only advice I have has so far, and is worth its weight in gold....is do not tell anyone when booking anthing, (from venues to DJs) it is for a wedding. They always add extra £'s on just as its a wedding!
Any help & advice is...+READ
Both my daughters are getting married next year. One in June & the other in August. Money is tight (as always) so to have 2 in one year is quite a challenge!
The only advice I have has so far, and is worth its weight in gold....is do not tell anyone when booking anthing, (from venues to DJs) it is for a wedding. They always add extra £'s on just as its a wedding!
Any help & advice is greatufully received!!
Stessed mum of 2 girls in Portsmouth, UK-COLLAPSE
I love the idea of having a taco truck or mobile bbq cater a wedding. I can only think of one wedding in my lifetime where the food was actually good. After a couple of beers, I don't know one guy who wouldn't love to sink his teeth into some hickory-smoked pork.