Potluck vs. Buffet caterer

I had the same problems but the other way around. I wanted to have his family bring pot luck dishes as a lot of them do private catering, but he wanted to cater as it would be less work for our guests, and he figured we would have to be the ones taking them shopping, or at the very least offering our cooking space etc.

I found some low cost option. We live in the Lower Mainland of BC, one great place is Memphis Blue's that does southern BBQ style. They are a restaurant that makes large platters for restaurant goers to share. We were going to just buy 10 platters for 10 people, (we have a hundred guests), but found out that they actually have even lower cost catering options.

Another option is a low cost catering company that helps refugee women. They give women who might have a hard time to get employment due to their language and other barriers, but damn, can they cook a good meal. There are many options, Indian, Middle Eastern/Greek, Latin American, Caribbean, African etc. depending on the cuisine, you can see that they can do vegetarian, and other options.

There is also another option here in Vancouver, that helps First Nations women and youth to gain cooking skills and helps them to get trained as chefs and supports them in opening up their own businesses later. The good thing is that this company uses all locally sourced food, is very gourmet looking, so it classes up the experience, and you know that your money is going to a good cause.

Lastly, I would suggest that you think about your favourite ma/pa restaurant and ask them if they would cater for your event. You would be surprised how many, even if they don't regularly do catering, would be willing to do it and usually at a very low cost.

I know it's not the best help because we are in a totally different city, but I hope it gives you some ideas.

Good luck!

Your FH needs to consider all the obstacles with having a potluck and suck it up and do the catered buffet! It will be so much easier in the end and it won't be imposing on your guests.

All of what she said! Never mind the liability part if someone gets really sick!

With that guest count, I would go with a caterer!

That's a great idea but it's too late for that. Someone had mentioned that to us, earlier in the game, then maybe.

In this situation I really don't see how potluck is even an option tbh...

Plus - as much as you are saving on the food by doing a potluck, if I was a guest - I just would give a smaller wedding gift/ presentation amount and it would end up evening out more-less...

Try listing a pro's and con's list with the FH?