By considering and adapting these 10 cheap catering ideas for any event, you can provide delicious and satisfying food for your guests without breaking the bank.
These ideas are versatile and can be adjusted to suit any occasion, whether a casual get-together or a formal event. You can save money and ensure your guests have an enjoyable time with great food.
1. Buffet-style meals: Offer a variety of dishes that guests can serve themselves, such as pasta, salad, and sandwiches.
Buffet-style meals are an excellent option for events, especially if you’re looking for cheap catering ideas to feed many people on a budget. Offer guests the flexibility to serve themselves and choose the dishes they prefer. This type of catering typically includes a variety of dishes such as pasta, salad, and sandwiches.
- Pasta dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, are an excellent option for buffet-style meals as they are easy to prepare in large batches and can feed many people.
- Salads are also a great option as they are inexpensive to prepare and can feed many people. Salads can be creative and super nice when prepared using ingredients such as sultanas, dukkah, nuts, feta cheese, etc. Get creative with the salad; your guests will love it.
- Sandwiches are also an excellent option for buffet-style meals, they are easy to prepare, and guests can choose from various fillings.
2. Family-style meals: Serve large platters of food that guests can share, such as roasted chicken or lasagna.
Family-style meals are a great option for events where you want to create a more intimate and interactive dining experience for your guests. It is also one of the cheap catering ideas that you can prepare.
These meals involve serving large platters of food guests can share, such as roasted chicken, lasagna, or other hearty dishes. This catering style encourages guests to interact and share food, creating a more relaxed and casual atmosphere.
Family-style meals are also a great way to save money on catering as they typically require less service staff, and the dishes can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people. Additionally, family-style meals often use ingredients that are less expensive and easy to find, like roasted chicken, lasagna, and other comfort foods.
Family-style meals provide a great way to feed many people without breaking the bank and create a more intimate and interactive dining experience.
3. Finger foods: Offer a variety of bite-sized snacks, such as sliders, spring rolls, and mini pizzas.
Finger foods are an excellent option for events where guests mingle and move around, such as cocktail parties, networking events, or receptions. It is also one of the cheap catering ideas that you can prepare.
They offer a variety of bite-sized snacks that guests can easily grab and enjoy while mingling. Examples of finger foods include sliders, spring rolls, mini pizzas, and other bite-sized snacks.
Finger foods are also an excellent option for events that span over a long period of time, such as an open house or an all-day conference, as they can be served throughout the event, giving guests something to nibble on during breaks.
Finger foods are easy to prepare and often less expensive than other catering options. They can also be easily customized to suit different dietary restrictions or preferences.
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4. BBQ: Grill-up burgers, hot dogs, and other summer favorites.
BBQ is an excellent option for summer events, such as picnics, reunions, or outdoor parties. It’s a classic, casual way to feed many people, and it’s a great way to enjoy the summer weather. A BBQ menu typically includes grilled items such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and other summer favorites.
BBQs are also a great way to save money on catering, as the ingredients are often less expensive than other dishes and can be prepared in large quantities. Additionally, grilling outdoors can provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the summer weather.
BBQ events can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary restrictions, and preferences. It’s a cost-effective and easy-to-handle option that can make any summer event memorable.
5. Potluck: Ask guests to bring a dish to share to help keep costs down.
Potluck is a great option for events where you want to keep costs down and encourage guests to interact and share their culinary talents. In a potluck, guests are asked to bring a dish to share, which can be a great way to provide a variety of food options for guests while also keeping costs low.
This option can be organized for any occasion, from small family gatherings to large community events. It can also be a good way to include the guests in the planning and organization of the event, as they can bring their favorite dishes. Potluck is also a great way to get to know the guests better and create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
However, it’s important to remember that potluck can be unpredictable in terms of the variety and quantity of the food, so it’s important to have a backup plan in case some dishes don’t turn out as expected.
6. Food trucks: Hire a food truck to serve various street foods, such as tacos, ice cream, and hot dogs.
Food trucks are an excellent option for events where you want to offer your guests a variety of street foods. It can serve various foods, from tacos to ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, and more.
Hiring a food truck for your event can provide your guests a unique and fun experience. It is known for its creative and innovative menu options, which can make your event stand out. Food trucks can also be a cost-effective option as they typically require less service staff than other catering options, and they can serve many people quickly.
Food trucks are also mobile, which means they can be set up at various locations during an event, providing guests with easy access to food.
Read More: Dealing With Catering Disasters
7. Brunch: Offer a variety of breakfast and lunch items, such as eggs, bacon, and sandwiches.
A brunch is a great option for morning or early afternoon events, such as baby showers, graduation parties, or bridal showers. It is also one of the cheap catering ideas you can prepare. It offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items that guests can enjoy together.
Brunch menus typically include eggs, bacon, sandwiches, pastries, and more. A brunch is a great option as it’s typically less expensive than other catering options, and the ingredients are often easy to find.
Brunch can also be a great way to create a relaxed and casual atmosphere, encouraging guests to interact and enjoy each other’s company. It can also be customized to suit different dietary restrictions or preferences. It’s a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and versatile option that can provide a variety of breakfast and lunch items to guests.
8. Desserts: Serve a variety of sweet treats, such as cookies, cakes, and fruit cups.
Desserts are an excellent option for events where you want to end the meal on a sweet note. It comes in various forms: cookies, cakes, pies, fruit cups, and more. They can be served as part of a formal meal or as a standalone option.
Desserts are typically less expensive than other dishes, and they can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people. They can also be customized to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan options.
Additionally, desserts are a great way to end the meal on a sweet note and can be used as a great conversation starter. Desserts are a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and versatile option that can provide a variety of sweet treats to guests.
9. Soups and salads: Offer a variety of soups, stews, and salads that can be served as a main dish or side.
Soups and salads are great for events where you want to provide various healthy options to your guests. They are typically less expensive than other dishes and can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people. It is also one of the cheap catering ideas you can prepare. Soups and salads can be served as a main dish or side. They can also be customized to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan options.
Additionally, soups and salads can be served hot or cold, which makes them a versatile option that can be enjoyed throughout the year. They are also a great way to ensure that guests have a healthy option to choose from.
Soups and salads are cost-effective, easy to handle, and versatile options that can provide various healthy options to guests.
Read More: 30 Best Catering Websites and How To Design One
10. Appetizer spreads (e.g. cheese and crackers, fruit and dip)
Appetizer spreads are an excellent option for events where you want to provide a variety of small bite-sized options to guests before the main course. They are typically less expensive than other dishes and can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people.
Appetizer spreads can include cheese and crackers, fruit and dip, vegetables and dip, and more. They can be served as part of a formal meal or as a standalone option. Appetizer spreads are a great way to start the meal on a light note and can be a great conversation starter. They can also be customized to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan options.
Appetizer spreads are a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and versatile option that can provide guests a variety of small bite-sized options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many affordable catering options are available for any event, from sandwich platters, pasta salad bars, and build-your-own pizza stations to slow cooker meals, salad buffets, and dessert platters. Other options such as buffet-style meals, family-style meals, finger foods, BBQ, Potluck, Food Trucks, Brunch, Desserts, and Soups and salads are also great options for budget-friendly catering.
The key to successful and budget-friendly catering is careful planning and preparation. This is where Flex Catering Software can be extremely helpful. This software can assist with creating menus, managing inventory, tracking costs, and streamlining the ordering and delivery process.
With Flex Catering software, you can easily track your expenses, plan menus, and organize your inventory, making it easy to stay on budget and ensure that your event succeeds. Using these cheap catering ideas and Flex Catering Software, you can provide delicious and satisfying food for your guests without breaking the bank.
5 FAQs
What are some affordable catering options for events?
For cost-effective catering options, consider buffet-style meals, food trucks, or potluck-style gatherings. These alternatives can offer a variety of dishes while keeping the expenses in check.
How can I save money on beverages for an event?
Opt for self-serve drink stations with infused water, lemonade, or iced tea instead of expensive individual beverages. Another budget-friendly option is to serve a signature mocktail or create a DIY beverage bar where guests can mix their drinks.
What are some inexpensive appetizer ideas for event catering?
Finger foods like sliders, mini quiches, or skewers are great options for affordable appetizers. You can also consider vegetable platters with dips or cheese and cracker trays, which are budget-friendly yet crowd-pleasing choices.
Are there any affordable dessert options for event catering?
Cupcakes, cookies, or mini pastries are economical dessert options that can be easily prepared in large quantities. Another idea is to set up a build-your-own dessert station with toppings like fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkles, allowing guests to customize their treats.
How can I keep the overall catering costs low?
To minimize costs, focus on seasonal ingredients, plan a simple menu and negotiate with caterers for better deals. Additionally, consider using disposable or rented dinnerware and cutlery to avoid additional expenses for cleaning and replacement.
