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[W264]Wedding Food On A Budget

by Valorie Jay, Val

Chances are, food will be a considerable part of your wedding budget. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you get your moneys worth.

If a reception hall specializes in hosting weddings, often times they will have a cook on staff who will handle the necessary details for you. However, if they don't, then it will be up to you to find a caterer. Whichever route you go, there are some general questions that you should ask.

One of the first questions you will need to ask is what is the cost per head? Also, be sure to ask if there are any discounts available for children. You will need to know if gratuity is included in the cost you were quoted or will that be an additional charge.

You will need to know how many entrée selections are available to choose from. Typically, you are allowed a beef, fish, and chicken dish. If you want alcohol at your reception, you need to know if they have a liquor license. If not, you will be required to get your own. Also be sure to ask if the reception hall supplies the glasses, silverware and linens that will be needed.

Buffet style is a great alternative to a sit down dinner. Often times, it is considerably cheaper. It also allows your guests to choose what they want to eat.

If you decide to go with a sit down dinner, the evening will more than likely start off with a cocktail hour. This will give the guest the opportunity to mingle while fruit, fried calamari, assorted cheeses and hor'deurves are served.

After the cocktail hour comes to an end, guests will make their way to their seats, so that the bride and groom can make the grand entrance. Afterwards, the first dances will take place, followed by the best man (and possibly the maid of honor) toasts.

After the toast is made, soup and/or salad are served. Afterwards, Intermezzo, or a serving of sorbet, will be served, to prepare the guests for the main course.

Following the main course, the wedding cake is cut and served with coffee. Some couples may choose to have a Venetian Hour. A Venetian Hour is a line of desserts that include various pastries, cakes and fresh fruit.

Dinner is an important part of any wedding reception. It is important to sit down and plan out a budget before committing to the food. Make sure to keep in mind the style and mood of the wedding when planning your wedding food.

Did you know that by creating a family food budget you can cut down your shopping costs dramatically? Whether you have just one child or five, coming up with meals plans that everyone likes is difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible. Then there are the costs associated with cooking something different each night to please everyone.
Unfortunately most households simply cook up whatever they can think of on the spur of the moment instead of planning ahead. But by planning your meals ahead, your family food budget can be estimated and adjusted - and you can be sure that you will have something ready to suit even the most fussiest of eaters.
With today's busy lifestyles, more and more consumers depend on convenience foods. Food labels can sometimes be misleading and lead us into thinking they are healthy. Although something says "low fat" on the label might seem like a good choice it could be loaded with sugar, salt and preservatives. Unfortunately, most people simply don't read food labels and the manufacturers know this. Rather than picking up fast convenience foods, plan your family's meals around unprocessed foods and create a family food budget that will allow you to serve your family healthy meals without breaking the bank.
Your family food budget should include a variety of foods for the following:
1. Breakfasts 2. Lunches 3. Snacks 4. Dinners 5. Desserts
ALL types of food and meals should be in your budget, not just dinners. Desserts can even included as an occasional treat. One mistake that many consumers make is not planning for all meals. It is all well and good to prepare 7 nights of dinner but if you have not thought about the other times of the day that you must eat you will often resort to unhealthy eating habits. If you wish to have last night's leftovers for lunch, then plan to cook more than is needed and buy some microwave safe containers for storing food in.
Desserts and snacks can be prepared in advance. Stock up on treats such as ice cream when on sale. It is also much cheaper to prepare desserts and snacks such as pudding, cookies and cakes at home. Not only are you going to save money but you also know that your homemade goods are not full of unhealthy preservatives. Experiment a little. Whole wheat flour is great for baking. We especially like using it for homemade oatmeal cookies!
These are just a few tips for keeping your family food budget in check. It may take a bit of time to get used to but planning ahead is much healthier and cheaper in the long run.

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Both Valorie Jay & Judy Turner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Valorie Jay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Environment, Marriage and Prenuptial Agreements. . Valorie Jay's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.

Judy Turner has sinced written about articles on various topics from belly fat, Food And Drink and Travel and Leisure. Family meal planning can really stretch your budget. Visit for simple tips to save at the grocery store as well as your overall. Judy Turner's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.