Catering a wedding reception is by far the greatest cost-component of an overall wedding plan. Therefore, when trying to keep your budget manageable, catering is an obvious area on which to focus. Remember that budget doesn't have to mean tacky.
One great way to cut costs is to control the size of your guest list. You may want to consider making the reception by invitation only. This will allow you to plan accurately based upon a known total list, since your guests will R.S.V.P. You don't want to order more food than necessary, and likewise you don't want guests to go hungry.
Scheduling your wedding for an off-peak time can help enormously. It will cost less to plan your wedding for the fall or winter than it will for spring or summer.
Also, schedule the reception for a time of day when guests will not be expecting a full meal.
Choose an alternative to an open bar. Buy your own alcohol and hire your own bartender. This is the least expensive way to have an open bar at a wedding. Otherwise, consider a cash bar or serve only champagne, with the cake.
Keep appetizers simple, and offer a maximum of three types. Hors d'oeuvres need not be extravagant in order to be elegant. The presentation is important, and this is where an excellent caterer will shine. Consider serving a less expensive entree, such as chicken in lieu of filet mignon. Limit the number of choices to two entrees; limit side items to two or three choices.
Consider catering service other than a traditional sit-down arrangement. You can save up to 50% simply by choosing a buffet. Think about skipping a main meal and offer substantial appetizers instead. You can save another 25% over serving a buffet dinner.
Wedding cakes are typically quite expensive when purchased from a wedding caterer. You can save hundreds of dollars by purchasing your cake from a grocery store. With advance notice, you'd be surprised at what grocery store bakeries are able to produce.
There are a lot of choices to be made when working with a wedding caterer. By following even just a few of the tips here, your choices will save you hundreds and more likely thousands of dollars. Pay attention to detail upfront, and you will be rewarded with a terrific wedding reception at a reasonable cost.