Q. Can we DIY our vow renewal catering?

A. DIY’ing your catering is possible if you have family or friends that can help.  It can save you a lot of money and can be a good option for a smaller vow renewal reception.  Keep in mind that you will need a variety of platters, utensils, and buffet servers.  You’ll want to keep the menu simple and not too labor intensive.  For your hors d’oeuvres, opt for miniature tea sandwiches, cheese, fruit, and vegetable trays with a variety of crackers and artisan breads. For the main course, stick to basics that hold well like roast beef or pork, chicken breasts, turkey, ham, rosemary red potatoes, garlic or cheese mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, glazed carrots, green beans, roasted mixed vegetables, mixed greens salad, fruit salad, pasta salad, and so on.

To make your DIY buffet look professional, don’t forget to add garnishes to your trays and place platters on the table at varying heights. Make sure your helpers get to enjoy the reception too!