So a friend of mine was getting married, and the wedding was on a tight budget. Knowing that in order for weddings to be pulled off on a tight budget, it requires help from friends and family. I told her if there was anything I could do, just let me know. Not much longer after that, her mom called one day and asked if I would help with the food. I agreed, thinking I’m sure it will be pretty simple. The bride didn’t have much of an opinion about the food, however, she did suggest a dessert bar. If the timing of the wedding were different, then I’m sure a dessert bar would be ok. Considering the wedding was at 6:30, most people probably haven’t eaten dinner and would appreciate something substantial to eat. So we compromised with a little of both. By default, my mom shared the responsibility of the food with me. Unfortunately and fortunately, neither of us like to do things half way, so we both agreed to make it as best as possible.

Our menu:

Vegetable crudite with a vegetable ranch dip

Fresh Strawberries and Grapes

Stuffed Mushrooms

Bruschetta

Spinach Artichoke dip served hot with whole grain crackers

An assortment of cheeses with an assortment of crackers

Lemon Bars

Brownie Bites

Creme Puffs

Key Lime Bites

A chocolate fountain served with pound cake, bananas, strawberries, pretzels, and marshmallows for dipping

Fruit tea and coffee

Unfortunately, Savannah woke up the day of the wedding with a fever and rash. After a quick trip to the doctor, it was back to the kitchen for the food prep.

What I learned:

People prefer heavy appetizers (the hot apps were gone, and we were left with tons of sweets)!

It’s better to designate someone to cut the cake. As the couple was cutting the cake, I was informed that we the “caterers” were to cut and serve it. Given the amount of food prep still to be done and the mountain of cleaning, it was the last thing I wanted to do. Especially because it was a fondant cake, which are especially difficult to cut. Thankfully about 1/2 way through, someone volunteered to help, so I was able to go back to the kitchen and get more stuff done.

Caterers earn every penny they get-it was a lot of work! The multiple trips to Costco, the grocery store, and the party store, then the food preparation, and don’t forget set-up and clean-up. All in all, I realized that the job would have probably been easier for a caterer. A caterer would know how much food to prepare for 75, and would have the tools/serving pieces needed to do so.

My family is AMAZING! I am so thankful for my entire family, everyone pitched in and helped. We joked that if we started a catering business, we should call it “A Family Affair”. At the reception, my entire family was working. Dad manned the drinks, Jacob and Tara manned the chocolate fountain, mom manned the main food table, and I was in the kitchen preparing whatever foods were needed. Kyle was at home with Savannah, which was a huge relief to know she was well taken care of.

I had a couple of comments “Oh, you’ll have to do my wedding”. I’m glad that we were able to bless the new couple, however, I don’t foresee “A Family Affair” as a business anytime soon. As always though, it was a learning experience that has made me more appreciative of caterers, but it has also made me more appreciative of my family, because what started out as me volunteering to take care of the food, truly did become a family affair.