www.creativeladiesministry.com

[Guest]

Hello ladies,
Going to have an early afternoon wedding on a Saturday. Not a huge reception but in the church. There will be a wedding cake and punch. Trying to decide on a menu that wouldn't be too expensive but still be "something". (Hope that makes sense). Probably 100 guests.
Cheese/crackers/veg.tray that sort of thing. any ideas anyone can help me with? I don't have any idea how much of anything or what might work. I haven't been to alot of weddings myself but thought that you as pastors wives have probably been at many. I have waited till the last minute and don't have but a few weeks now. I'm up for any ideas, but I must keep it low cost.
Jen

[jodi]

For my sisters wedding last year my mom got some trays from Chic - fil - a. Chicken salad sandwiches, chicken nuggets. Cheese balls served with crackers are great. Meatballs are easy and not too expensive. You can get a big bag at Sam's, BJ's or Costco, throw them in the crock pot with some kind of sauce and there you go. Then rent/borrow a nice chafing dish and you have a very nice serving. Same concept with wings or the little weiners.
Veggie/Fruit trays are nice. Probably cheaper to make your own (if you have time) than to buy them already made up.
Since you will already have cake you probably don't want to spend anymore time/money on any other "sweet" item. Concentrate on "food" items.
Hope that helps some. I'm sure some of these other creative ladies will come through with more suggestions.
_________________
Jodi
Jer 32:27 Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

[Prov31wannabe]

If you have the money, I strongly recommend checking into your local Super WalMart or quality grocery store for pre-made deli trays (fruit, veggies, meats and cheeses. Often, they will have catering brochures that will include lots of ideas.
They give servings per tray so you can be sure to get enough.
Add a bread/cracker basket and maybe a hot food (like chicken wings or meatballs....meatballs are super easy to prepare and keep warm in a slow cooker).
Might add some sweet stuff for those who aren't big fans of cake but that's not necessary.

It is waaaaaay cheaper to make your own trays. If you choose to go that route, take a look at pre-made trays at your deli and ask how many they serve. That will give you an idea of how large the tray should be for a given number of people.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. Just try not to worry too much about pleasing everyone and get what appeals to you.

My wedding was a very simple event....done at my aunt's home.
Deli meats, cheese, veggies and rolls were served. Bakery fresh danish was offered in place of a cake because the wedding was at 10:30 am (we went with a brunch-y type of thing).
For an informal wedding, anything goes, in my opinion!
_________________
Colossians 1:27 ...."Christ in you, the hope of glory."

[Guest]

Thanks for the help. The wedding is formal, but the reception, well, it will just be what it is mostly because of my budget. It's a big burden on mom and dad and I know they cannot afford it right now so I am trying to be as simple as I can. How do you make the stuff for the meatballs or weiners? I don't know anything about judging how much for 100 people.
That's the hard part. (And paying! ) Is there an easy way to cut cheese or is it best to buy the chunks? We don't have super walmart but we have Gordons Food Service. They have lots. Keep the tips rolling in I need all the help I can get. Thanks Jen

[Guest]

Hello.
God is so good! I don't know why that always surprises me but it does.
I know it to be true but I am always still surprrised by what HE does!
You can tell by my last message that I do not know how to make the meatballs or weiners, today someone asked me if they could make 2 large crockpots of meatballs for the wedding. Then 2 ladies asked me if they could bring vegetable trays. Another offered to bring cheese tray. And someone else to make the punch and one woman wants to make baked beans and potatoe salad. The blessings just keep rolling in! Mom and Dad will be so happy. All I need now is some sliced meat and bread for the sandwhiches. I think Gordens has sliced meat very reasonable.
Is it better, easier, cheaper, to go with sliced bread or buns for the sandwhiches? Mayo and Mustard packets or in a dish? I wish I had went to more weddings in my day. But like I said, you pastors wives have probably seen all this and know this stuff that I don't.
Thanks so much for all your help and keep me in your prayers.
GOD IS SOOOOOOO GOOD!
Jen

[jodi]

Jen

So glad to hear that the Lord has provided the help you needed. Isn't it amazing how the Lord works thing out?

I would recommend the buns rather than sliced bread for sandwiches. It is easier to manage for the guests as they make their own sandwiches. Or, skip the bread and just serve lunch meat rolled up and cheese squares.

God Bless.
_________________
Jodi
Jer 32:27 Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

[Prov31wannabe]

I agree about the buns (bread dries out quickly too) or skip the bread....consider crackers instead.

Don't forget utensils, plates, napkins and drinks!!

GFS is a great place. There was one near us about 2 moves ago. I used it a lot.

What an awesome blessing to have so much help come your way. God is so faithful.
_________________
Colossians 1:27 ...."Christ in you, the hope of glory."

[Guest]

Hello.
I'm going today to GFS for my paper products. I had already ordered napkins with my invitations. Mom got some cups from Krogers already so I think I only need plates and utensils. Someone is making my punch, I figured I need coffee. Should I have any other drinks? Didn't know if soda would be a hassle and not needed??? I love the expertise of this site! I'm so excited!
And yes, yes, yes, God is soooo faithful!

[Prov31wannabe]

My 2 cents on drinks...no soda! You either have too much or not enough and anytime you have to provide choices it's just a hassle.....
Just....no.
"Less" is sometimes better.

Punch (with enough ingredients to replenish it a time or two or three), ice water, hot water (tea and maybe hot cocoa packets) and hot coffee. That's my standard fare for events.
Don't forget the cream, sugar, Splenda (or whatever sugar substitute) and stirrers.
Oh...and make sure you have 'hot" cups.

(FYI: In summer, we leave out the hot coffee urn and just do one urn of hot water and serve coffee singles for those who cannot live without the java---these look like huge tea bags, but are coffee....and we also serve iced tea.)
_________________
Colossians 1:27 ...."Christ in you, the hope of glory."

[Guest]

Hello again.
You ladies will never know the help you have been to me. The countdown is on, just one short week away. God has put things together just like I knew He would!
Thanks so much for your advice on food and drinks AND the reminder of cream and sugar, I had forgotten that!
God is wonderful!
This website is wonderful too!
I will come back and visit even after I am a MRS.
Thanks, Jen

[Guest]

I'm a MRS.!
Everything was wonderful. God put it all together just perfectly.
There was enough food for everyone and it didn't cost a fortune. (Mom and Dad were happy about that.)
Thanks for all your help.

The beverage receipe sounds delicious. Can't wait to try it.

Jen

[Bethany]

Congratulations, MRS. Guest! Welcome to married life! It's so nice to hear that everything went so well - and inexpensively, too.
_________________
Sharing Jesus' love with you,
Bethany

[jodi]

Wanted to add my congratulations to you Jen! So glad to hear that everything went well and I know your parents were pleased with the "inexpensive" aspect of it.
_________________
Jodi
Jer 32:27 Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

[Oma]

Now for my belated two cents

CONGRADULATIONS on your wedding!
I pray that God would place a hedge of protection around you and your new husband. I pray that He would richly bless you. That you and your husband would grow spiritually together and that you would both become strong in His love and grace.

May He bless your marriage and may you and your husband strive together in your life. May He grant you the blessing of children. And may you have a long and wonderful life together!


PS
I wish I had seen your post earlier.......I love planning stuff (was a Chef for 9 years) and could have helped. Oh well. I am so glad it all went well.
_________________
ysiHn&l;
Deb

[Startrek]

HURRAH!!! Congrats you ol' married woman you!! LOL
I'm so happy that you were pleased (& mom & pop too!) w/ how it turned out. I'm sure that made the day more special.
Lord bless you Jen!

Starr
_________________
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3, 4