Food and Drinks

Useful tips on how to save money and make an impression while forming your Costa Rica wedding planning list.

Food and drinks are an important part of the event, both for the rehearsal dinner and the main reception, and an important part of any destination wedding planning guide. Listed in this article are 18 helpful tips on how to better plan, save money and have an unforgettable wedding.

FOOD

1 - A lunch or afternoon tea reception rather than a full course dinner may be right for you, as you will save money on drinks, since people tend to drink less in the daytime.

2 - For those that opt to hold the reception in the evening, but still want to adhere to a budget, a desserts-only reception is a good choice. Just keep in mind that you should let the guests know a head of time that you will be serving desserts only, so they do not expect a full on meal. You can offer all types and forms of scrumptious desserts: pastries, mousses, pies, highly adorned cupcakes with the colors of your wedding, and much more. Champagne and simple yet elegant appetizers & h'orderves such as specialty cheeses, and prosciutto served on fancy crackers are a great way to go, as well as gourmet coffee.

3 - Many opt for a wine-tasting reception. Food stations can be set-up stocked with a wide variety of delicious specialty dishes complimented by a savory wine. You can send out a mini menu to give guests an idea of the set-up.

4 - Stick to a three course dinner – a salad, a main dish, and dessert. Anything more than a three course dinner is unnecessary.

5 - Remember, that a buffet option may be just as costly or more than the sit down option, as more food has to be supplied, and people often serve themselves up to forty percent more, than if they are served. Compare pricing before you opt for the buffet.

6 - The champagne is non-essential; guests can make a toast with with sparkling wine or what ever they have in hand like sparkling water, beer or what have you.

7 - A vegetarian option is unique and generally saves money.

8 - Remember, that less is not necessarily more. A well planned meal in terms of presentation and attention to deal, where colors and textures of the foods are taken into consideration can go a long ways into providing an impressive tropical culinary experience.

9 - Non guest participants such as the photographer the band or others can eat from a separate more cost effect menu – saving more than 50 percent per person on food cost.

10 - Remember to negotiate a deal with the caterer when it comes to kids meals, such as a 50 percent discount for those 10 and under.

DRINKS

11 - A full bar is an expensive and unnecessary option. Signature wines or imported beer is a more cost effective option. And do not forget serve a few cocktails with personalized names.

12 - Be sure to have inexpensive non-alcoholic drinks on tap, such as lemonade in tall elegant glasses or sparkling apple cider with apple wedges, lime or lemon.

13 - If you elect to have an open bar, do not stick to the most expensive brands; mid-shelf liquors are fine.

14 - Avoid shots or drinks that make use of several liquors – things tend to get pricey and unnecessary.

15 - If you decide to stock your bar; negotiate corkage fees as part of the contract.

16 - Best not to keep the bar open for the entire reception. That is close at least an hour and a half or more early and offer coffee and some light pastries; less expensive than liquor.

17 - Provide your caterer or wedding planner a budget for drinks and number of people attending to make sure your expectations in terms of costs are realistic, and if not adjust accordingly.

18 - Often you can get a further discount on drinks if they are incorporated into a larger package. So do not forget to negotiate.

Remember, Food and Drinks are one of the most important things to consider when planning your reception. So do not forget to plan ahead when going over your check list for your Costa Rica destination wedding planning guide. Also, once you have selected a menu and agreed on pricing, it is recommended if possible, to request a sample dinner. This will ensure that you will have what you requested.

If you would like assistance in planning your Costa Rica wedding, please feel free to contact Hernan Cordero, destination expert and wedding planner. [email protected]