Small Wedding Reception: Restaurant or Private Chef at a Vacation House?

Many of our small wedding couples still want an intimate dinner celebration - that’s an important part of the overall experience! And though there are tons of different things you can do to make it unique, like speeches, food trucks, creating a DIY photo booth, hand crafted favors, the most common question we get asked:  what is more cost effective?  Going to a restaurant or having a private chef cook a dinner at our vacation house?  The answer is a little more complicated than the simple “option A”.  Here are factors to compare when making the choice whether to dine in a private room or open up the house.  

• Inclusions:  at a restaurant, you’d have to order all your food and beverages through them.  With a chef, you can supply your own wine, beers and spirits.  Colorado has many fun micro breweries and distilleries, so if you are a foodie, that can be a fun experience.  So, the markup at restaurants on food and beverage items that you would normally purchase could be a cost savings if you hire a chef.  However, there is a little more effort you have to put into running to the store to stock the house - make sure to give yourself plenty of time and arrive a day earlier than you normally would.  
• Menu:  obviously, the food selections you make have an impact on the price of the meals, no matter if at a restaurant or with a private chef.  Your filet and scallops are going to be more expensive than a taco or chili bar. 
• Type of food service:  a reception or open-house type of casual offering may mean that the chef doesn’t have to bring extra staff to serve the food.  If having a sit-down dinner type of service, private chefs will often bring servers to assist them, just like a restaurant.  In both situations, you’ll likely pay a gratuity or service fee.  Make sure to factor this into your budget regardless if you are dining in or cozying up at the house.
• Rentals:  if you are staying in a  house that sleeps only #16 but are having a sit-down dinner, you’ll likely want to rent additional tables, chairs, flatware, china and glassware.  This is an area in which you could incur extra costs that you normally wouldn’t at a restaurant. 
• Lodging: here is the kicker - if you were planning on renting a vacation house, then the lodging would not be a factor.  And, vacation houses are fun if you have family and guests members who all get along staying with you.  However, if you are renting a vacation house for the sole purpose of having a private chef dinner there, the lodging will be expensive as many vacation homes will require minimum night stays, cleaning fees and possibly event fees - this is in addition to the regular nightly fees.  So, if you are planning to be as most financially sensitive, it is best to stay in a hotel, have your guests arrange their own lodging, and then treat everyone to a dinner at a restaurant (which can range from $ to $$$$).  

In the end, it can be a total wash.... if you take out the lodging.  So, be clear on your priorities and choose the option that fits best with your personalities, the overall experience you want to provide, your guests relationships among each other, and the comfort level of your guests.  

Contact Wendee to Book Your Small Wedding Package

Thank you Jeanine Thurston for the images of our vacation home with private chef intimate wedding in Breckenridge.  Florist: Pink Posey Designs.  Baker:  Blue Moon.  Chef:  Ian Buchanan.