How unrealistic is this? - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

cru5h · #1 01-01-2006, 11:24 PM

I know this is psychotic of me, but it probably doesn't come as a surprise. I'm wondering how hard it would be for me to be the main one preparing food for my own wedding. I know I won't be able to actually set it up and serve it myself, but let's say buffet. It's not so much about the budget really, but I kinda...really want to do it. We're not having more than 40 people as far as I know of. I'm a really good little cook, especially when it comes to attractive and tasty things.

I'm just thinking out loud..er in writing here. I might choose a favorite restaurant we have nearby and scratch the whole DIY thing. Anyone try to do some of their wedding food themselves and bit off more than they could chew?

Heather · #2 01-01-2006, 11:55 PM

I think you could do it if you chose the menu carefully. You should ask TommytheChef. He's done catering for parties of about 40 people by himself - his sister's bridal shower for example. I'll bet he could suggest dishes that would work really well, and not keep you in the kitchen for days on end.

Marrying_the_Good_Husband · #3 01-02-2006, 12:11 AM

I was thinking of doing the exact same thing! (And also was planning on asking Tommy!) I'm just having a cocktail party at home--I figured as long as I could get everything set up before the guest arrive, it wouldn't be SO bad. Dave just got me this 500-page Martha Stewart hors douerves cookbook--but I think most of THOSE recipes might be too complicted, even. I feel like I'm limited by space restrictions. My house will be jam-packed, so I can't have a full buffet--just things that people could eat with their hands, standing up. But I still want it to be substantial enough for a meal. So I was thinking things like having a ham and biscuits (for little sandwiches) and also filet mignon on garlic toast, and like chicken satay and shrimp and cruditate and TONS of those frozen mini quiches and puff pastries, etc.--and just whatever random finger foods I can come up with. My mom and my aunt both live in town, so I figure maybe I can borrow their ovens and just cook all day on all three stoves and set things up before the guests arrive. I was also having the same "is this crazy" thoughts. Glad I'm not alone!

gymrat · #4 01-02-2006, 12:45 AM

I think it would be doable depending on what you had planned on making and how far in advance you could make a few items.

Marrying_the_Good_Husband · #5 01-02-2006, 03:55 PM

Just dawned on me the BIG difference--mine is just the party a month or more after the wedding, yours will actually be the DAY OF your wedding! But you said you could have people help set up and serve. That could work as long as you can realistically make everything a day or two before and just have people help reheat stuff.

syringa · #6 01-02-2006, 04:33 PM

From experience I can tell you that it will be more work than you realize and, unless you have very dependable help on the wedding day, things may not flow as smoothly as you would like. You won't have time to do anything yourself that day and its not a good idea to have your mother spend the day in the kitchen. Have you considered doing the food for the rehearsal dinner and having a caterer do the wedding day?

For MTGH, setting up several food stations on small tables will work well and will give guests the opportunity to move around without creating conjestion in one place.

ljeagle · #7 01-02-2006, 04:33 PM

I think you could do it but it will be hard and could get stressful trying to do it all.

whiddle · #8 01-02-2006, 05:01 PM

I think it is doable but I am not sure if it is worth it. You would have a lot of added stress on an already stressful day and it would require some of your most key guests (your mom and others close to you) to miss out on most of the day. It will be hard to get volunteers organized and to do things right.

I would look into having a caterer. I couldn't have imagined cooking food on my wedding day. It was stressful enough and someone else cooked and served. I know that banquet halls are expensive but some hotels have ball rooms/private rooms and only charge you the cost of food. I had my reception at the Clarion (now changed to Quality Inn) and it was only 9.95 per person. I think that you would be hard pressed to beat this price DIY once you factor in buying plates, cups, silverware, proper cooking equipment, and linens.

Complicated Woman · #9 01-02-2006, 05:05 PM

Cru5h, I think if anyone can do it, you can, girl.

But even though it seems doable, it also seems like it would be worth it to hire a caterer. You can always add your touch by preparing certain side dishes or desserts that can be made ahead -- I would bet that you could even get caterers to serve them -- and supplement with a catered main course.

It's your wedding day, you and Richy will want to be able to relax and enjoy it together.

cru5h · #10 01-02-2006, 06:16 PM

We're not doing a rehearsal dinner. I already told my mother I didn't want her in the kitchen. So like I said, I'm thinking out loud. I don't even know WHAT I'd want to make let alone how I'm going to pull it off

I don't want the same ol' reception catered by a mediocre person who is contracted by the hall or wherever we go. That's my problem. Food is a big deal to me. It's important that it's as good as the day is.

Marge129 · #11 01-02-2006, 06:24 PM

If your food's a big deal, then I'd say give it a shot. 40 people really isn't that many if you think about it. Plan something that can be made in advance and either served room temp, chilled, or reheats easily. Something that needs to cook all day would work well, too.

You can do it!

Heather · #12 01-02-2006, 06:25 PM

Girl you're lookin' sexy in your new pic!

PlanetClaire · #13 01-02-2006, 06:30 PM

Is there a cooking school or hotel/restaurant school nearby? I was thinking if you put together the menu of horses doovers maybe these students could make them and serve or something like that. Talk to the school manager or dean and see if it can be used towards class credit or something.

cru5h · #14 01-02-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heather

Girl you're lookin' sexy in your new pic!

Why thank you *batting eyelashes*.

Oooooooooh hold the phone - I just thought of someone who could possibly cater that I'd find more than acceptable: my friend's dad. He probably wouldn't gouge me either. I'll have to get in touch with him. He's awesome.