I'm new to this and I need your help!!!!
I am new to this site and I need someone's help desperatley!!!! I am getting married on the 21st. We are having the ceremony and the afterwards at our house. We will have about 40 or so people here and have to feed them. I started planning this about a week ago and am stuck on the food. I am trying to feed 40 people on a budget and here is what I have so far:
Chef Salad
Baked Ziti
Green Beans Italiano
and there I get stuck. I feel like I need anther dish to go with this but am stuck as to what to make to compliment the whole thing. I am also not sure if I should keep the Green Beans. Please help me!!!!! Any suggestions you can give me would be most appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!
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Ok, you all have some wonderful suggestions and thank you sooooo very much!! As it turns out I have some wonderful friends and family that will be helping me. My best friend is baking my cake as a wedding gift. We are going with a 3 layer cake, it will be a round cake with a 10", 8" and 6" layers and cupcakes for the kids.
My sister-in-law is going to do the cooking for us as another gift. We have a many varied menu at this point since everyone likes something different. I do like the garlic bread suggestion though and the cesar salad. I have offered to help with the cooking and making salads and such and have been told to hush and just get ready for my day.
I will absolutely pass on the ideas here and thank you all soooo much again!
›3 Replies-
re: mommaangel
alwayscooking
Mar 15, 2009 03:50 PM
I know I'm late to this thread and you probably don't want or need another suggestion! Alas, can't resist - have you considered a Croquembouche for a wedding cake? It's the traditional French wedding cake. It looks grand and tastes great - everyone loves it (unlike cake). If you can make cream puffs, this is a piece of cake (couldn't resist) and looks like a large pastry tree.
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Boccone Dolce
Mar 14, 2009 05:50 PM
I skimmed the replies and I saw it a few times- antipasto..... you can go very $$$$ or keep it simple (but splurge on the cheese!)
Ditch the green beans- if you are doing the baked ziti do up some chicken piccata & call it a night. I noticed at weddings people eat rolls. I'm not sure why I noticed, but I did @ the last two we attended.
One thing they did at the last event that I thought was cute- they had huge platters of skewered fresh fruit- berries, melon, pineapple, grapes.
If this is to be at your home and you like your carpet, shun any manner of flowing liquid chocolate to accompany the fruit.
I hope you get to enjoy your day!›6 Replies-
re: Boccone Dolce
kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 07:14 PM
I love to do skewers of fruit for desert. Add a simple vanilla honey and citrus yogurt sauce for a dip and it is great for kids and adults who don't like cake.
And rather than a cake ... cup cakes, from a cake person very well decorated has been a bit hit lately. 1/2 or more less than a cake, no leftovers, great response to them and much easier. You can still have your little wedding cake on top.
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re: kchurchill5
Caroline1
Mar 14, 2009 10:02 PM
I can't help but jump in here with an opposing opinion. Mommaangel (OP) said she's trying to do this on a "budget." While she doesn't specify how tight that budget is, fruit skewers aren't the first thing that pops to mind for me when I'm trying to keep the finances under control. She also says she'll be doing all of this in her own home. Blackberry stains on the carpet aren't exactly my idea of "wedding memories."
Kim, I most often agree with you on your suggestions, but I can't agree on the wedding cupcakes. I've never seen a really great photo of a bride and groom slicing a cupcake! '-) I also shudder at the thought of where guests might tuck the cupcake cups all gooey with frosting and cake crumbs. Behind the books on the shelf? Under a cushion on the sofa? I would save money on the meal any way I could, but nothing says "WEDDING" more than a real wedding cake. And it is possible to bake your own and save money that way. You can make a wedding cake three or four days in advance and it will be fine.
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re: Caroline1
kchurchill5
Mar 15, 2009 07:50 AM
Fruit always is good I agree, even small skewers of 2 different types of cheese and a olive. You can fun with those.
You can disagree C1 on the cupcakes. It is different, I admit. I was very skeptical the first time I heard my clients were ordering it. but it was gorgeous. I attached a photo of one, this wasn't the one my clients had but gives you an idea. The one my clients had was bigger and much prettier. But until you have actually seen one it is hard to imagine. Also, no cupcake wrapers, they are placed on the stand without the wrapper and then served on plates with forks :) Also at the top of the stand is a small single cake which is what the bride and groom do the famous cut. It really is pretty cool. Take a look at the pic I attached.
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re: kchurchill5
Caroline1
Mar 15, 2009 08:45 AM
I'm unclear on why you assume I've neever seen a cupcake wedding cake but anyway, that is one of the more attractive cupcake wedding cake assemblages, but.... I think they're fine when the wedding reception is being held in a hall (even though there will be no photo of the bride and groom slicing the wedding cake), but for a home wedding? I have had occasions in my home where the buffet was for 40 or more friends, and I HATE finding food wrappers or paper plates three days later by following the trail of ants! And I'm not talking "buffet for the homeless" who may not know any better. These were all university people at the Ph.D. level or above. My point is that people are people, and if they can't get to a waste basket easily, or they're in the middle of a fascinating conversation, they just tuck things out of sight. And the fact she's doing this in her home is the reason I don't think fruit on a stick is a good idea either. And presumably with kids present? If the weather is nice and her backyard is big enough, all of this could be done in the backyard without much problem`, but this is not the time of year the weather can be depended on in most parts of the country.
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re: Caroline1
greygarious
Mar 15, 2009 09:42 AM
OP hasn't weighed in again, and has no other posts so we have no idea of her location, whether it will be indoor, outdoors, or a combination, or if there will be table seating for the meal. Consequently, some of the suggestions will be more appropriate than others.
I agree with you that the cake is not the place to skimp, and a single wedding cake makes a statement that reinforces the significance of the occasion. But if for some reason the choice is a cupcake tower, those presented in stylish sleeves, with elegantly piped frosting, arranged on an attractive tiered pedestal are suitably impressive. So are mini-cakes in single-serving size, as their sides are decorated before they are placed on the pedestal. Spatula-frosted cupcakes in ordinary pleated papers are best reserved for more casual occasions.
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re: greygarious
kchurchill5
Mar 15, 2009 09:58 AM
As I mentioned, there is a small top cake for the happy couple to slice, there are no paper cups and everything is served on nice plates. Each cupcake is not a gooey frosting, nice piping on each, very tasteful are a beautiful tiered pedestal. It is not spatula frosted cupcakes and no paper. It is very tasteful and elegant. I never mentioned paper cups with spatula frosting. Just to clear that up. I wouldn't suggest that for anyone even for a casual event. Of course the cake is important
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yayadave
Mar 14, 2009 11:53 AM
Oh, yeah!! One thing I almost forgot.Everybody laughs when you say it, but the first thing to disappear is deviled eggs. Maybe you could ask a few friends to each do a dozen.
›4 Replies-
re: yayadave
kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 12:03 PM
I agree and I will be the first to grab one. Now I make crab deviled eggs. Also good, you can even used canned crab, not as good or as blue crab but really good. Still one of the first to go. I am in total agreement and upset when I got to a party and they don't have them :)
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re: rememberme
kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 07:11 PM
Why is that, they are not ultra great, just yummy. It is always the first thing I go to. And they go probably quicker than anything. I laugh every time I hear deviled eggs but they are a classic that will never end.
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kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 09:55 AM
One last thought If you wanted green beans easy and quick here is one I made last year for a Crock Pot dinner. I did make my entire crock pot because of the number of people. But this would be so easy for you.
6 cups of fresh green beans or you could use frozen if you want
8 ounces Italian sausage, cut in small rounds and then cut again to a half moon,
browned (this can be a day or two ahead and just kept in the refrig)
About 1 cup of chicken stock and 1/2 teaspoon flour
2 cups of mushrooms just by the fresh presliced for saving time
1 large onion thin sliced
1 ttablespoon minced garlic (preminced if you have it or fresh)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 cup Parmesan cheeseAdd everything to the slow cooker and cook low up to 3 hours no longer.
The flour with the stock makes a light sauce but not thick, just gives it a nice consistency is all.
NOTE: A mix of yellow and green is pretty too but not necessary -
greygarious
Mar 14, 2009 09:48 AM
Will there be tables for everyone, or will they be standing, or eating from their laps while perched on various furniture? If either of the latter two, concentrate on finger foods and avoid anything that might drip on their fancy duds.
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kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 09:32 AM
Great idea for the antipasto salad Channa. Put it together and then let it set. A cheese platter, cubes or not. I like to get a variety, cut some and let others cut their own. Antipasto is great, olives, pickles, some sausages, jars of artichokes.
For a cheese platter, I like to get some bread sticks, some bagle chips and a few different type of crackers or bread. You can even buy some baguette chips pre toasted, not as good as fresh but easy. Get a hummus dip premade or any other dip you like simple and quick. For great presentation. Just cut the top off of a pepper and stuff it with the dip. Disposable dip containers. Also you can get premade toppings for bruschetta. Not the best but it is ok.
Love ziti and it goes along ways.
Caesar by all means, Make your dressing ahead in a jar, then just toss. Add some good croutons, and you can by some inexpensive good croutons these days. I would make a fresh dressing but so easy.
Garlic bread is always a hit.
If you want veggie. roast them, squash, mushrooms, onions, just cut drizzle with olive oil, s/p and a little all purpose seasoning and bake. Make ahead and keep warm wrapped in foil in a large roasting pan on the stove is pressed for space. Last time I did this I added 2 cups of water in the bottom on my roaster, set over both burners on my stove and then put my veggies in a aluminum pan and covered with foil. They stayed nice and warm for almost 2 hours.
Since you have enough to do, make it easy on yourself. Get cheeses that aren't costly, but you can get pretty descent cheese even in blocks or sliced. Same with olives and artichokes are inexpensive. Salami too, on a budget, just get what tastes good to you. Crackers, bagles chips and that are inexpensive and go a long way, a few dips or spreads also. Helps people fill up. I would think with all that, bread, ziti and salad you wouldnd't need veggies but either or.
Sams is great too for larger quantities or Costco and BJ's. Get as much done ahead and best wishes and luck. Try to have some fun too. Everyone is coming to have fun and see you, not just the food so don't worry if the olives aren't the best or the cheese is not top of the line. It will be fine whatever you have.
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Congrats! All good suggestions here-- I think the antipasto tray sounds good too. It's a little fancy and easy to assemble, plus some folks might enjoy a bit of meat. If you can swing it, some toasted pine nuts in your caesar salad would be a classy touch-- they go a long way and you can get them bulk for maybe $10 at Sam's.
I think the most important thing about cooking on a budget is to cut costs where people are less likely to notice-- like on the canned tomatoes and other ingredients for your ziti. And then to spend it where they will notice-- nice greens for the salad (personally, I'd avoid the bagged, pre-cut stuff if you have people who can help you prep), nice croutons, decent cheese for your antipasto tray (I'm not a fan of pre-cut-- you can get big portions of nice cheese cheap at Sam's) and good bread for the garlic bread. I'd get bulk butter from Sam's and buzz it up with salt, herbs and parmesan then spread on good bakery bread. You could make the butter well in advance and prep the bread the night before, wrap loaves in foil and you're ready to heat it up. IMHO, cheap garlic bread isn't very good, but homemade is terrific!
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yayadave
Mar 14, 2009 08:41 AM
I don't know how tight your budget is, so I'm not sure if my sugestions are appropriate. Forwhat it's worth: Places like Costco and Sam's Club have big bags of already prepared wings, nuggets, and other finger foods like that. Heat & Eat, really. But I would think of a ham for sandwiches. Order buns ahead at a good bakery. But even that stuff you can get in good quality and for a good price at Costco. Wedding cake, too. And cole slaw or potato salad.
And congratulations and good luck!!
›2 Replies-
re: yayadave
While I sometimes get panned for this suggestion on this site, I can tell you from past experience that the guests always enjoy the selection.....
For impromptu gatherings, family events and friendly get togethers....I place a order for Fried Chicken from my favorite place....which happens to be Popeye's in my area. No fuss and no muss. I started this by accident a few years ago when a caterer did not show up for a planned event at a friend's for after his son's Baptism. Scrambling for ideas and who could provide food on short notice (on a Sunday), we stumbled on Popeye's who had the biscuits, Chicken and cole slaw ready in less than an hour. The chicken was less than a dollar a piece, so it was very inexpensive.
Even now, although I prepare lots of great homemade prepared items for parties and events at the expense of many hours of time shopping, prepping and preparing....let alone the costs to prepare......I sneak in the Chicken as my own to none the wiser and the chicken is always the first thing to vanish. Believe me, it's worth considering and you can save your time for more important things on your special day.
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re: fourunder
yayadave
Mar 16, 2009 09:37 PM
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. As soon as I saw your post it struck a chord. We have, in fact, done that. I think it was from a Roy Rogers place. But I agree that there must be someplace out there that does this well and only needs an advanced 'phone call.
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jfood
Mar 14, 2009 06:51 AM
Welcome to CH and best of luck on the upcoming marriage.
Keeping with your Italian theme, jfood would recommend Rao's Lemon Chicken
http://www.wchstv.com/gmarecipes/lemo...
He also agrees with converting the Chef Salad to Caesar.
For apps, maybe some slices of bread with chopped tomato and basil and some mozzy and tomato drizzled with some reduced balsamic.
Good luck and enjoy
›1 Reply-
re: jfood
A time-saving alternative to chopping the tomatoes yourself (and good luck finding decent tomatoes this time of year anyway), is to use Traders Joes' Bruschetta topping as follows:
Slice good quality baguettes and toast (you can brush with olive oil & do it under the broiler but just popping in the toaster dry will work too). Spread toasted bread with goat cheese & top with TJ's bruschetta topping.
Enjoy your wedding day!
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I agree with the Caesar salad suggestion. I don't know what Green Beans Italiano is, but I can give you a great green bean salad that can be made the day before. Blanche green beans, toss with lots of minced red pepper and tiny chunks of extra sharp cheddar cheese, dress with a vinaigrette of olive oil and WHITE balsamic vinegar, so that it doesn't stain the beans. Throw mustard and other flavorings (e.g. Good Seasonings dressing mix) into the vinaigrette if you want. Very tasy, can stay overnight in the fridge and then be taken out to warm to room temp. Re: budget, can you stretch your budge to some poached salmon, which can be prepared in small enough chunks that a little bit can go a long way? Doesn't have to be a huge slab of fish, and it can be made the day before.
I also really encourage you to sign up friends/family to help you the night before and especially on the day of, so that you can relax and enjoy your big day! -
I was asked to cater for 100 I cook but not for 100. One of the things I make was
BBQ Chicken Legs with Ancho Chile Dried Cherry BBQ Sauce make to day before and served cold-I love cold chicken and if you have an Aldi store nearby 3lbs of legs are maybe $2.50 a bag. here is the link for the Saucehttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...
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Caroline1
Mar 14, 2009 12:03 AM
Happy wedding! Now, for the food.... Have you thought about doing a Caesar salad instead of the chef's salad? It's MUCH easier, and even with good cheese, it's also probably a lot cheaper. And for the raw eggs, you can use Egg Beaters, which are pasteurized and hold no threat of possible salmonella.
If you're going for a simple but well coordinated meal, I would go with the Caesar salad, baked ziti and garlic bread. For "starters, a bowl of warm bagna cauda with a variety of grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives and cubes of salam, maybe some crackers, and plenty of toothpicks for spearing and dipping. Or you can just use crudites for the bagna cauda.
You can do ALL of this well ahead of time and only have the ziti and garlic bread to bake on your wedding day. I hope someone sweeps in and does it all for you! Have a lovely wedding day and a very very long and extremely happy marriage!
›7 Replies-
re: Caroline1
Channa
Mar 14, 2009 08:57 AM
Caesar salad, ziti, and garlic bread -- that sounds so much better than the usually dull wedding food! I'd skip bagna cauda, though. It can be messy, and many people dislike anchovies. Why not an antipasto platter? Warehouse stores have large jars of marinated artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and olives. Add cheese cubes and maybe salami slices, and you're set.
Don't be nervous about the food. That's not what weddings are about. Try to relax and enjoy your day.
Best wishes for your married life ahead!
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re: Channa
Caesar salad, ziti, and garlic bread -- that sounds so much better than the usually dull wedding food!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Channa,If you have ever been to the Off-Broadway production of "Tony and Tina's Wedding", that the menu they serve you......
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re: Channa
kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 12:51 PM
I you got an email I will send you what I did for a fun can be indoor but ours was outdoor wedding. Lots of finger food, relaxed, good appetizers and pretty low budget. Not trying to get your business, just wanted to pass along some info. Too much to post here. Be glad to pass my menu on to you for some ideas.
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re: Channa
kchurchill5
Mar 14, 2009 05:27 PM
I'll send it over. I did two very different but easy but yet, like you said fun weddings. Great for kids and adults alike but within budget but great food. I liked it because you could sit down and have it served but a buffet works as well. I'll send them over tomorrow for you. At least give you some more ideas. Always good to have some of those.
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I think the beans are fine. Are you plannng on appetizers? If so make it easy on yourself. Go to Costco and buy pre sliced cheese, some sliced salami and ham, plate it the night before. Put out crackers.
Possible vegetables to go with the main meal: marinated aparagus,( depending on what part of the country you live in. Could be expensive outside of CA) ; roasted tomatoes, zuchini, onions, and peppers; blanche some broccoli toss with Italian dressing the night before serve at room temperture.
good luck
