If you’re following the wedding scene, you’ve probably heard a little bit about microweddings. Couples are scaling back both on scope and budget, and focusing on what’s most important to them. But lucky for caterers, food still remains the focus for most nuptial events. After all, a microwedding doesn’t have to mean micro experience.
1. Cutting Costs
Even for a guest list of 20, it is almost certain that you will have to feed them at some point. If you’ve chosen to keep things on the small side to match your budget, you can still offer a delicious meal. Remember to share a realistic budget with your caterer and venue. A smaller group does not necessarily equal a smaller bill.
Find vendors who will work with your budget. They may have suggestions for cutting costs, like eliminating a fruit tray or serving chicken appetizers instead of shrimp. Trust your vendors. They’ve done this a million times and they understand how to be creative with budgets.
2. Quality vs. Quantity
If you’ve been to a larger wedding, you’ve probably had some variation of a buffet or family style dinner. The positive side is it’s usually all you can eat (and we’ve seen some hungry guests really put this to the test), but you’ve probably also experienced being at the end of the line and missing out on certain items or ending up with lukewarm food.
With fewer guests come more options. You can now serve multiple courses with beautiful presentation. A perfectly seared filet mignon with a hollandaise sauce or sea scallops atop a bed of homemade, stone ground grits. Crudites, charcuterie, bisques, gourmet salads, and petit fours can be included to create a magical dinner experience that your close friends and family will talk about for months.
3. Fancy Factor
Maybe saving money isn’t your motivation. Instead you want each guest to know how much they mean to you and your future as a couple. Scaling back the guest list allows you to spend more per guest, and provides for more exciting menu options.
Adding custom touches to your menu like monogrammed chocolates can add an elegant element to your meal. Or maybe it’s the presentation of the food that really gives your wedding a luxurious feel. Decadent or rare garnishes can really make a plate stand out. Oysters on the half shell is probably out of the question if you’re serving 200 people, but is completely do-able with a smaller crowd.
Fewer guests allows you and your caterer to create a dining “experience” that will make your guests feel special and loved. And you’ll get to enjoy it too since you won’t be making the rounds trying to say thank you to 200+ guests. Whether you’re trying to cut back on costs, or trying to create a more intimate experience, the options for food are limitless.