So me and my boyfriend are planning to get married next year. And we are trying to decide if we want to have something catered in or have family cook. If you were too cook for a wedding what would you cook? It's a beach wedding and we will have to haul food to the destination.
Congrats in advance.
Personally, I would go with a caterer - Less stress, worrying about freezer space, food safety (holding & transporting food at safe temps.). If guests bring food, they can't keep it in their cars until after the ceremony.
Or, I would try to pick some dishes that can be served cold - Gazpacho in small cups, poached salmon in sour cream & dill sauce, appetizers like stuffed cucumbers, caesar salad.
Or, go with a chinese restaurant that will cook large trays in advance (to reheat). For the beach, I might go with ribs, fried rice with fresh pineapple, chicken skewers w/ peanut dipping sauce, pork/chicken veg potstickers. Mangos, kiwi, fresh fruit skewers.
Or, if it's close to this time of year, stock up on turkeys & hams. Make all the sides (think Thajnksgiving) the day before.
Or, go Italian - antipasti, lasagna, italian bread, mini tiramisus
Or, budget friendly - 2 pasta dishes to choose from - one alfredo and one bolognese.
Or, simple - chicken marsala w/ mushrooms & risotto or pasta & Caesar salad.
Or, Low country boil. Everything can be made in one pot.
Or, Beouf Bourguignon - one pot dish.
Individual beef wellingtons or salmon wellington (salmon in puff pastry).
ETA: I would check if any guests have food allergies or restrictions.