If you are getting married this year or next, you will already be thinking about what you are going to do about an evening wedding reception. For some people they will take the traditional approach that has been in vogue for the last twenty years or so, by booking a venue and having drinks and canap on arrival, followed by a lavish sit down meal and then and evening buffet for those not invited to the day do.

With money being in shorter supply now, many others are seeing if they get married on a smaller budget. This can easily be done if a few simple rules are followed.

Firstly don't book a venue which obliges you to take their food package. You will pay a fortune often for elements that you don't need. If you also consider that the venue has huge staff overheads to pay for during your day, you can understand why their charges are so high. So get a venue which allows you to bring in your own food. Working men's clubs and church halls, can be hired for very little money and decorated according to your tastes.

When you are planning your food, consider if you really need a hot served meal. You can save hundreds of pounds by taking a finger buffet. This has the advantage of allowing people to take what they need rather than set potions. It also allows the guest to eat what they like not what is presented to them.

The buffet can be left out so people can graze at will.

You can also order a different buffet for an evening if you so wish. So you decide to have sandwiches and pick ups during the day and at the evening go for a selection of deserts and puddings.

Here at Leicester Catering Company we are always happy to advise on your wedding requirements.