Party Food

In a lot of cases catering is the biggest expense of a wedding since the cost of your wedding reception includes the food, kitchen, staff, waiters, rentals, decorations, beverages and the cost of the venue.

How about trying www.fingerfoods.com.au for a finger food buffet.

Remember that your reception doesn’t always have to be held at dinner time. Choosing a different time of day for your reception in some cases will result in a significant saving. Here are some suggestions and ideas for alternative receptions.

• Tea receptions are normally held between 2-4 pm. You can serve canapes, tea, scones, finger sandwiches, pastries and a variety of cheeses. For ideas try mycaterer.com.au
• A hors d’oeuvres reception takes place between 11am-5pm or after an evening wedding. As the name suggests light finger food are served such as chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, and crackers. Meat, cheese trays, shrimp cocktails, oysters, egg rolls, sausages, chicken wings, and tea sandwiches can be included too. See mycaterer.com.au for inexpensive options.
• In a cocktail reception passed trays of food as well as small stations with finger food will be offered. Outline in your invitation that the reception will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres only. The reception’s finale will be the cake-cutting ceremony and coffee service, which can be supplemented by after-dinner drinks and petits fours.
• Decadent Dessert Receptions are held between 1-4pm or after an evening wedding. How about serving an extensive assortment of rich desserts such as cheese cakes, tarts, tortes, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, cobblers,ice cream, biscotti, sundaes, and candies.
• A Simple Cake and Punch Reception is perfect if your reception is mid morning or mid afternoon. Include “Cake and Punch Reception Following Ceremony” on your invitations and this inform guests ahead of time not to expect a full meal.
• One way of cutting costs is by using paper and plastic goods instead of glassware, china plates, cloth napkins, and silverware.

First of all… congratulations on your engagement! Here is a wedding check-list to help you plan your perfect day…

ASAP (As soon as possible)

• Announce your engagement to your friends and family. You may wish to place an announcement in your local paper.
• Set a date for your wedding.
• Decide on your style of wedding.
• Set a budget.
• Open a separate bank account for your wedding fund.
• Work out the number of guests you want to invite.
• Book the service or registrar – do this early to ensure you get your preferred date.
• Choose a venue, check availability and book if necessary.
• Decide on a Best Man, bridesmaids, ushers and page boys.
• Go dress shopping.
• Organise wedding insurance.

4-9 Months to go

• Book the photographer and videographer.
• Book transport for the day.
• Decide and book the caterers if needed.
• Choose and book your entertainment – don’t forget the kids.
• Choose a style of wedding cake and order.
• Order invitations and other stationery.
• Discuss your flower requirements and ideas with your florist.
• Arrange meeting with your minister or registrar to discuss service and wedding bands.
• Buy lingerie and shoes.
• Order suits for groom, best man, etc.
• Arrange a dress fitting (try on with lingerie).

3 Months to go

• Confirm registry office booking, if not a church wedding.
• Send out invitations, keeping a list of who you’ve sent to.
• Book a hotel for your wedding night.
• Put together a gift list.
• Reserve accommodation for guests.
• Choose stylists and discuss hair and make-up options.
• Discuss menus with caterers/venue.
• Check hen and stag parties are in hand.

2 Months to go

• Arrange table decorations and wedding favours.
• Choose thank you gifts for your wedding party.
• Buy a guest book.
• Organise the printing of the Order of Service sheets.
• Buy marriage licence from registrar.
• Order flowers, including buttonholes, headdresses, bouquets and corsages.

1 Month to go

• Finalise the number of guests.
• Confirm numbers for the caterers.
• Arrange a final dress fitting.
• Create a seating plan.
• If going abroad for your homeymoon, order your currency..

2 Weeks to go

• Confirm arrangements with any suppliers.
• Check that speeches are prepared.

1 Week to go

• Check travel documents for the honeymoon.
• Re-confirm final numbers with caterers
• Pack for honeymoon.

24 Hours to go

• Have a manicure, pedicure and any other beauty treatments.

Want a reliable wedding caterer? We recommend Mr Fingerfood Catering