In a perfect world, everyone could have their dream wedding and spare no expense. But in reality, wedding costs can add up fast, which is why many engaged couples today are striving to find ways to save money while they plan to tie the knot.

Of course, you don't want to spend too little money, either. After all, it's still your big day, and you want it to be as special as possible! So how can you plan a beautiful wedding reception without breaking the bank?

One way is to lower your wedding catering costs. Again, you don't want to skimp, especially not on the food, but there are other ways you can save on wedding catering and still have an amazing menu that you and all your guests will enjoy. To help you stay within your budget, here are three tips you can use to save money on wedding catering.

Simplify the menu

There's no law that says you need twenty dinner options and a hundred hors d'oeuvres at your wedding. One of the best ways to save money on catering is to simplify your menu. Choose two or three main course options, preferably dishes that are easy to make and that most of your guests will enjoy. Limit your appetizers and beverages as well, and avoid notoriously expensive foods like lobster and truffles. There's nothing wrong with a simple chicken dinner plus a soup or salad!

Serve a buffet dinner

Another good way to save on wedding catering is by having a buffet at your reception instead of a sit-down dinner. With a smaller number of ingredients, your wedding caterer can prepare a handful of dishes that will still be enough to feed a room full of people. You also won't need to hire waiting staff to serve your guests. Most people would prefer to serve themselves anyway, so it's really a win-win!

Choose foods with local and in-season ingredients

One of the biggest hidden costs of wedding catering is expensive ingredients. Many popular wedding dishes are made with foods that have to be imported or that cost more because they're out of season. Educate yourself on food costs and work with your caterer to create a menu using local ingredients that will be in season close to your wedding. As a bonus, you can feel good about supporting local businesses as you plan for your big day!

In short, the best way to save on wedding catering is to invest in quality food and cut other unnecessary expenses. By following these tips, you can plan a wedding menu that won't drive your catering costs too high and that you and your guests will still love!

In need of a quality Rochester NY catering service for your wedding? Contact Chef's Catering and ask about our wedding catering services or request a booking today!