Do-It-Yourself Reception

Many brides balk at the high prices for caterers. However, with a little creativity, helpful wedding party members, and good planning you can do your entire reception yourself. HelenAngel, with the help of her bridal party, did her entire reception without much outside assistance.

Check With Your Reception Venue

First, you need to check to make sure that DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is even an option with your reception venue. Some venues require you use professionals, some require you to use their vendors, and some do not care. Be sure to read over your contract carefully and make sure that this is an option for you.

Decide On The Reception Type

While it is possible, sit-down receptions are generally not the easiest to do by yourself. Buffet-style receptions and Appetizer receptions are the easiest to do on your own. Pot-luck receptions are becoming more and more popular, especially amongst brides who get married in their hometowns.

Once you've decided on your reception type, it's time to choose your menu.

Choosing The Menu

Do you or your wedding party have special dietary needs? If you'd prefer to have vegetarian or vegan foods, check out the Vegetarian Reception page.

When choosing foods, keep in mind that it will be easiest if they are foods that are easily self-served by your guests. Also keep in mind that éntrees that do not need to be continuously heated often work the best. For heating sources, make sure you have chafing dishes available and lots of canned heat (i.e. Sterno). You can purchase disposable chafing dishes at most party supply stores. The last thing you want is for your guests to get sick from food that's not kept at the proper temperature.

For beverages, consider getting single-serving drinks such as canned and bottled beverages. If it is within your budget, you may also want to consider getting a beverage fountain though this can become a headache if you are not familiar with how to use one.

Choosing Table Attendants

After your choose the food, select people to serve as table attendants. Table attendants are assigned a part of the food or beverage table and will keep an eye on it, making sure there is enough food/drinks out, that they are at the right temperature, etc. Be sure to choose dependable people. Some couples prefer to use wedding attendants and members of the wedding party, while others use close friends who they would have liked to have included in the wedding party. Some couples will hire non-profit groups to attend to their tables and make a donation to the group in exhange.

Supplies

In addition to chafing dishes, you may also need crock pots or warming plates- depending on what you are serving. Do not forget an ample amount of condiments, toppings, and sauces. Large styrofoam containers are ideal for storing ice and items that need to be kept cool.

Disposable plates, cups, and utensils are the best way to go when dealing with do-it-yourself receptions. If these items are rented, they can become broken or lost without a bussing staff. Price-conscious brides often choose smaller plates (like salad plates) and buy them wholesale. You can often find plates, cups, and utensils in colors to coordinate your wedding & reception color-scheme.

Be sure there are plenty of serving utensils of all kinds- including cake-cutting utensils! You'll want at least 2 utensils for every dish.

Decorations

If your venue does not offer tables, chairs, tablecloths or centerpieces you'll need to acquire these things as well. Most venues will have tables and chairs or the ability to rent them. If they do not, but they do host weddings regularly, they may have suggestions of where to go.

To decorate the table, it's not necessary to go overboard buying heavy cloths and expensive centerpieces. Most party supply stores will carry tablecloths, and some venues that supply tables and chairs will also have available table coverings (although sometimes at an added price).

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