wedding reception for 300 - 350 people
Carol
05/30/11 		I would love to cater my niece's reception next year. I have a tentative menu beginning with appetizers for cocktail hour, 3 main course items; veggies and salad; rolls and a dessert table in addition to wedding cake. I also would like to provide the bar items ie: vodka, rum; gin; beer; red and white wine and champagne for the toast. Would also need mixers for above alchohols (coke, 7up, ginger ale; tonic water; club soda and OJ)

My question is where is the best place to purchase items in bulk and how do I decide qty of each item?

ellen
05/30/11 		If you have plenty of freezer and refrigerator space available, the meats are often least expensive if purchased on sale at the local supermarkets. Compare to the warehouse shops- Costco and Sam's.

Produce is almost always least expensive at produce wholesalers, find one that will sell a few cases.

Talk to several liquor sellers, find one who will let you return unopened bottles. A good punch, such as margarita punch, sangria, mimosa, will cut way down on the hard liquor drunk and will cut costs.

Don't forget dinner coffee.

The cookies and bars can be made and frozen months before.