How Much to Cook When You Cook for a Crowd

Information in the table below indicates 17 1/2 pounds of frozen green beans can be used for 100 1/2-cup servings in this recipe.

Carrots: A 1-pound bag makes 4 to 5 servings. Cranberry sauce: A 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries makes about 2¼ cups of sauce; a 16-ounce can has 6 servings. Gravy: Plan for ⅓ cup of gravy per person. Green beans: 1½ pounds of beans make 6 to 8 servings.

How much is food catering for a wedding? It depends on the cost per plate, but most receptions for 100 people cost around $5,000 to $10,000, with average cost being around $7,000. The average cost to cater a reception can vary, as the type of catering offered and the cuisine can both affect the cost per plate.

Here are eight cheap corporate catering ideas that won’t compromise on taste—or your budget.

1. Serve breakfast, any time.
2. Arrange buffets over boxed lunches.
3. Opt for less expensive cuts of meat.
4. Choose cost-efficient cuisines.
5. Remember, time is money.
6. Behave at the bar.
7. Go casual and forgo staff.
8. Understand proper portions.

The cheapest food to cater is any rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine. Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes are delicious and affordable. Or, if you’re hosting an event during the day, serve brunch and breakfast items.

Most people would automatically respond that catering is much more expensive, but that’s actually a common misconception. Doing the cooking yourself for a large event at home requires more money than most people think. A caterer will provide everything you need with only one cost to worry about.

7 Inexpensive Affordable Wedding Food Ideas

1. #1: Order a wedding meal from a local restaurant.
2. #3: Set up do-it-yourself (DIY) food stations for guests.
3. #4: Go big on ‘cheese & charcuterie.
4. #5: Have a potluck wedding.
5. #6: Hire a food truck.
6. #7: Go for pre-made or frozen appetizers.
7. Every Love Story is Beautiful!

Steps to Plan a Wedding on a $1,000 Budget

1. Make Sure to Create a Check List.
2. Buy Cheap and Elegant Wedding Dress.
3. Find Cheap Wedding Venues.
4. Make it a Family Affair.
5. Getting Wedding Flowers.
6. Cheap Wedding Decorations.
7. Think About Preparing Dessert and Food Items by Yourself.
8. Don’t Hire a Photographer.

Most of the time, a wedding reception buffet is indeed less expensive than a plated dinner. While you’ll pay less in staffing and rentals for a buffet-style meal, you’ll need more food since guests are serving themselves.

People sometimes ask if a buffet dinner is tacky for a wedding reception. It’s not a question of tacky or not. It all depends on overall style and theme of your event. On the other hand, if you’re having an informal fun party at a nightclub, a cocktail reception might be your best option.

Disadvantages of buffets • Wastage, both in plates and in chaffing dishes increasing food cost • Temperature and appearance of food difficult to maintain in the buffet line • Delay in replenishment affects service quality • Possibility of pilferage and unutilised leftovers • Service is not very personalised • Not …

The website costofwedding.com pegs the national average at $25,764, while The Knot reports an average of $33,391. The Knot also says the typical wedding includes 100 to 150 guests. Source: The Knot.