We're doing a buffet...having our chinese food catered but everything else (sides, beverages, chicken, meatballs, etc) will be made by family members.  Jason parents have a crap load of stuff growing in their garden too so we're all set =)

I want to have a DIY dessert and hors d'oeuvres reception.

We're doing a dessert reception with coffee bar. We have this local coffee shop that is amazing and they have an express bar (makes frappes, tea, lattes, etc.) and we'll just do that. We're going to have a lot of people, but I'm just hoping they won't mind! We aren't having alcohol either.

Q:  If you hired a catering company in a location w/o a kitchen on site( dance studio)?  Would it be possible to keep food fresh and edible? 

We are just getting started on this process.  But I have a friend in Ohio (where the wedding will be, I am currently in Maryland) that will be doing a large part of the cooking for the wedding.  It will be buffet style - so far we have chicken rigatoni, mashed potatoes, veggie platters, shrimp (either served cold or steamed).  This is just what we definately know -- as for the cake and desserts.  I saw on the DIY list, the little cake and brownies on sticks that I am going to see about making.  I also have a friend that is sending me the name of the lady who made her cake for a really great price.  Trouble is she is in PA, but if she can make it and I can put it together that should work too.

We are having about 50 people at the wedding, and trying to keep the food budget from killing us. 

The FutureMrs- Sounds like you guys are doing good! Mmm Chinese food would be great!

TxBride.MrsB-the coffee bar is a great idea! I'm sure they won't mind..dessert and coffee sounds good to me!

hautemama3- Hmm good question.. maybe you should post that on the main thread of the forum but I'll try to help ya. At my venue we have refrigerator but no stove...but our caterer prob won't show up until 7pm (during the cereomony..there's a back door to the reception area so it wouldn't interrupt anything!) so they would prob set everything up then. I figure depending on what type(s) of food you have you would be fine if the caterer supplied chafing dishes..if you're diy'ing the food than you can rent chafing dishes from most local rental places or even buy disposable ones from sams club, costco, etc.

deekitten- Your buffet selection sounds great so far! You're so lucky to have your friend helping you out!

LauraSweet- Your kids menu sounds GREAT!

TomboyBride- That's awesome that you stayed in your budget with your food! I would have spent that much money if I could... unfortunately I never thought about catering until recently! lol. I'm just now getting organized, it's terrible!

cd5562- Mmmmm your cake sounds FABULOUS!

Thanks ronica!  I'm kinda excited about it.  I was just going over the final design with the baker yesterday.  This is one bride who definatley WILL have a piece of her own cake ;)

I am looking for a caterer, just to get ideas on pricing-- but my end up DIY caterering with Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, rolls. Pink lemonade, regular lemonade, and water.  No alcohol, too many guests coming from out of town.

Me and FI were haveing issues picking this. I want

Fried Chicken from giant eagle

Potato Salad

Baked Beans

Coleslaw

Fruits-Watermelon Wedges, Cantaloupe

Fresh Rolls and Butter

Cookies and cake

Iced Tea and Lemonade, Soda