They can also be easily customized to suit different dietary restrictions or preferences. Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the Catering Business.

BBQ is an excellent option for summer events, such as picnics, reunions, or outdoor parties. A BBQ menu typically includes grilled items such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and other summer favorites.

BBQs are also a great way to save money on catering, as the ingredients are often less expensive than other dishes and can be prepared in large quantities.

Additionally, grilling outdoors can provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the summer weather. BBQ events can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary restrictions, and preferences.

Potluck is a great option for events where you want to keep costs down and encourage guests to interact and share their culinary talents.

In a potluck, guests are asked to bring a dish to share, which can be a great way to provide a variety of food options for guests while also keeping costs low. This option can be organized for any occasion, from small family gatherings to large community events.

It can also be a good way to include the guests in the planning and organization of the event, as they can bring their favorite dishes. Potluck is also a great way to get to know the guests better and create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Food trucks are an excellent option for events where you want to offer your guests a variety of street foods.

It can serve various foods, from tacos to ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, and more. Hiring a food truck for your event can provide your guests a unique and fun experience. It is known for its creative and innovative menu options, which can make your event stand out.

Food trucks can also be a cost-effective option as they typically require less service staff than other catering options, and they can serve many people quickly.

Food trucks are also mobile, which means they can be set up at various locations during an event, providing guests with easy access to food.

Read More: Dealing With Catering Disasters. A brunch is a great option for morning or early afternoon events, such as baby showers, graduation parties, or bridal showers. It is also one of the cheap catering ideas you can prepare. It offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items that guests can enjoy together.

Brunch menus typically include eggs, bacon, sandwiches, pastries, and more. It can also be customized to suit different dietary restrictions or preferences. Desserts are an excellent option for events where you want to end the meal on a sweet note.

It comes in various forms: cookies, cakes, pies, fruit cups, and more. They can be served as part of a formal meal or as a standalone option. Desserts are typically less expensive than other dishes, and they can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people.

They can also be customized to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan options. Additionally, desserts are a great way to end the meal on a sweet note and can be used as a great conversation starter. Desserts are a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and versatile option that can provide a variety of sweet treats to guests.

Soups and salads are great for events where you want to provide various healthy options to your guests. They are typically less expensive than other dishes and can be prepared in large batches, which can feed many people. Soups and salads can be served as a main dish or side.

Additionally, soups and salads can be served hot or cold, which makes them a versatile option that can be enjoyed throughout the year. They are also a great way to ensure that guests have a healthy option to choose from.

Soups and salads are cost-effective, easy to handle, and versatile options that can provide various healthy options to guests. Read More: 30 Best Catering Websites and How To Design One. Appetizer spreads are an excellent option for events where you want to provide a variety of small bite-sized options to guests before the main course.

Appetizer spreads can include cheese and crackers, fruit and dip, vegetables and dip, and more. Appetizer spreads are a great way to start the meal on a light note and can be a great conversation starter.

Appetizer spreads are a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and versatile option that can provide guests a variety of small bite-sized options. In conclusion, many affordable catering options are available for any event, from sandwich platters, pasta salad bars, and build-your-own pizza stations to slow cooker meals, salad buffets, and dessert platters.

Other options such as buffet-style meals, family-style meals, finger foods, BBQ, Potluck, Food Trucks, Brunch, Desserts, and Soups and salads are also great options for budget-friendly catering. The key to successful and budget-friendly catering is careful planning and preparation.

This is where Flex Catering Software can be extremely helpful. This software can assist with creating menus, managing inventory, tracking costs, and streamlining the ordering and delivery process.

With Flex Catering software, you can easily track your expenses, plan menus, and organize your inventory, making it easy to stay on budget and ensure that your event succeeds. Using these cheap catering ideas and Flex Catering Software , you can provide delicious and satisfying food for your guests without breaking the bank.

For cost-effective catering options, consider buffet-style meals, food trucks, or potluck-style gatherings. These alternatives can offer a variety of dishes while keeping the expenses in check. Opt for self-serve drink stations with infused water, lemonade, or iced tea instead of expensive individual beverages.

Another budget-friendly option is to serve a signature mocktail or create a DIY beverage bar where guests can mix their drinks. Finger foods like sliders, mini quiches, or skewers are great options for affordable appetizers.

You can also consider vegetable platters with dips or cheese and cracker trays, which are budget-friendly yet crowd-pleasing choices. Cupcakes, cookies, or mini pastries are economical dessert options that can be easily prepared in large quantities. Another idea is to set up a build-your-own dessert station with toppings like fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkles, allowing guests to customize their treats.

To minimize costs, focus on seasonal ingredients, plan a simple menu and negotiate with caterers for better deals. Additionally, consider using disposable or rented dinnerware and cutlery to avoid additional expenses for cleaning and replacement.

Features Features. Seamlessly integrated with third party software such as POS and delivery services. Online Ordering. Enterprise solution for catering companies and multi location restaurants. Book Meeting. Home Blog 10 Cheap Catering Ideas For Any Event.

Your guests can choose from several classic mouthwatering soups, such as:. After that, they can create a salad of their choice from a limited menu. This type of catering is perfect for a business lunch or early morning meeting that is shorter in duration or falls outside of regular meal times.

This build-your-own menu gives guests just what they need to feel full and satisfied without needing a three-course meal. Catering finger foods like sandwiches, pigs in a blanket and buffalo chicken dip is a great way to offer plenty of variety on a budget.

Like the other casual options we mentioned, having a spread of finger foods also makes it easier for guests to mingle at your event without being tied to a table. With finger foods, you promote more socialization and engagement while providing a large selection of delicious options.

Finger foods can be well-suited for large sports gatherings , birthday parties, pool parties or even cocktail hour at your wedding. Other examples of finger foods might include sliders, meatballs, spring rolls, crab cakes and hummus.

Not all events necessarily require a sit-down formal dinner. While charcuterie boards are certainly popular and delicious, having a wide variety of meats may be a bit more expensive. Not to mention, menus heavily relying on charcuterie meat can exclude vegetarian or vegan guests.

With a lighter afternoon tea menu, you can save money on the cured meats. For example, your social event menu could include a pimento cheese tea sandwich, cheese and crackers, or chicken salad croissants. Like finger foods and cheese boards, catering assorted snack items can also be a cost-effective way of feeding your guests.

Some caterers offer sides or snack options that you can pick and choose from to create a simple lunch. If you want more of an afternoon appetizer theme, combining several snack items can give you a flavorful yet cheaper menu.

Some examples of snack items or appetizers you can offer include:. These items would be perfect for a celebratory lunch in the office, a movie night event or a social hour for new employees.

Some will have specific inexpensive catering menus or cost-conscious options for this purpose. Working with a caterer that offers cheaper alternatives means you can worry less and focus on other event priorities. Budget-friendly lunch or dinner menus may offer classic items like chicken marsala, potatoes, grilled veggies and dinner rolls.

To reduce costs even further, ask about making your menu into a buffet-style. Hosting a family reunion, birthday party or holiday event? Catering an event with your closest loved ones is the perfect opportunity to choose a family-style menu.

You can enjoy all the classic foods you love around the holidays, such as a juicy carved turkey or Virginia baked ham, without overspending.

Talk to your caterer about their family-style options and see if they offer additional upgrades. Have other questions about keeping your catering costs low? Depending on the type of event, you might be able to offer various desserts in large quantities that still fit your budget, including:.

To save extra money, consider cutting back on beverages or desserts. You might consider setting up a DIY beverage bar where guests can mix their drinks to their liking without having to pay for individual drinks or an open bar.

To minimize costs, the most effective thing you can do is start with a simple menu. You can also use disposable dinnerware and utensils to save money and time on cleanup.

Finally, consider your portions. If you have a plated dinner, stick to smaller plate sizes to prevent guests from feeling overly full and limit food waste. If you want quality food for your upcoming event without breaking the bank, Catering By Design can help you find a menu that fits your needs.

We provide preparation, delivery, presentation and cleanup options. We also make it easy to customize our made-to-order menu options so you can create something truly unique. Contact us today to plan your next catering event or view our menus online.

General Tips for Catering on a Budget Before we dive into some inexpensive catering menu ideas, here are some budget-related catering tips. Opt for a Buffet Style Catering a plated dinner service is often more expensive than offering a buffet.

Choose Cheaper Alternatives Whether hosting a black-tie wedding or a casual corporate lunch , you can offer guests delicious food without serving top-dollar filet mignon. Control the Duration of the Event Some catering businesses charge by the hour, especially if servers are included.

Consider the Alcohol Serving alcohol — such as via an open bar — can increase your catering price. Consider the Time of Day When catering to large groups , the time of day can also influence your bill. Budget-Friendly Catering Ideas Affordable meals can make just as much of an impression as pricier options.

Breakfast for Dinner Breakfast foods tend to be less expensive than dinner menu items. Boxed Lunches A top concern with catering for any event is food waste. Some common Southern BBQ items include: Macaroni and cheese Beef brisket BBQ chicken Baked ham Green beans Cornbread Bread rolls Salads Corn on the cob Strawberry shortcake You can find many caterers who offer BBQ options and work with them to find the perfect menu that fits your needs.

Build-Your-Own Soup and Salad Bar Similar to a buffet, a soup and salad bar is one of the most budget-friendly catering options out there. Your guests can choose from several classic mouthwatering soups, such as: Chicken tortilla Chicken noodle Broccoli cheddar Tomato bisque Vegetable soup After that, they can create a salad of their choice from a limited menu.

Functional Finger Foods Catering finger foods like sandwiches, pigs in a blanket and buffalo chicken dip is a great way to offer plenty of variety on a budget. Tea Sandwiches and Cheese Boards Not all events necessarily require a sit-down formal dinner. Appetizers Instead of Entrees Like finger foods and cheese boards, catering assorted snack items can also be a cost-effective way of feeding your guests.