Using own caterer at reception venue

IamJen

I've having a terrible time finding a venue for our reception next summer, where we can use our own caterer. We have someone that we love, but can only seem to find hotels/houses that require you to use their in-house catering service.

Is anyone using a private caterer at their reception, or does everyone get a package deal?

Ellie279

Hey

We had the same thought, we wanted our own caterer, so we have hired a lovely old village hall and our caterer is coming in to serve a three course meal. It has been lovely being able to choose exactly what we want rather than have to choose from their menu. I say look at local halls etc, I thought they would be a bit grotty until we looked at our one, it is beautiful grade two listed and a lot cheaper than a hotel! Plus you have it to yourself for the day and can plan everything rather than have to abide by the venues rules

Bagpuss1973

I would be surprised if you managed to find a hotel or similar who let you use your own caterers.

Best bet would be a village hall or similar

IamJen

Thanks for the tip. I just tried a search on Confetti that gave me maybe 50 venues near Bournemouth (where the ceremony is), but all except one (the Town Hall) were hotels. I thought that it was a search error, that you could only have the ceremonies in the halls, but now I'll go back for another look!

paddingtondoo

Are you wanting to get married in the same place you have your reception?

I would have thought that due to the cost and regulations involved with getting a wedding licence that few village halls would have one. You might strike lucky though

IamJen

Nah. We're getting married on the beach , we just need somewhere to eat.

smartie12

I'm doing my own food!:eek: :eek: :eek:

As its christmas there's going to be a lot of buffet food around so it's not going to be too stressful.... hopefully!

roxalana

Smartie,

Have you catered for anything before? I did a buffet for 40 people the other week and it wasn't too bad (but do check the supermarkets and iceland for stuff as they all vary a lot on prices for things). Another tip is saving stamps in iceland if you will be spending more than £50 in there as you get £2 free I think (though it is a pain to feed in the £1 coins!).

However, the 2 things that I found most difficult was fitting everything in the fridge, freezer, oven and then having enough trays/tupperwares etc to put everything on! As such, I'd recommend thinking about that when you choose what you are having (rather than just picking everything you want like I did!).

Hope it all goes well!