Budget-Friendly Catering Ideas for Your Next Family Reunion
Planning a family reunion sounds fun—until you start calculating costs. Between food, decorations, and logistics, things can add up fast. If you’re hosting one in Tennessee, you also have to think about the weather—hot, humid days or surprise rain showers can shift plans fast.
Catering might seem out of reach, but the good news? It doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and the right choices, you can feed your entire crew without going over budget. Let’s walk through some easy and affordable ways to get it done.
1. Keep It Local and Simple
One of the easiest ways to cut costs and keep things stress-free is to choose a local spot that does it all—food, sides, and even utensils. A great example in East Ridge and Hixson is Buddy’s bar-b-q. They’ve been around since 1972 and know how to feed a crowd. Their Family Packs come with everything you need: your choice of meat, classic Southern sides, hush puppies, and even the plates and silverware.
Instead of trying to cook everything yourself or hiring a full-service catering company, you can place a simple order and pick it up when you’re ready. For those planning in the area, Tennessee BBQ from Buddy’s bar-b-q is a popular go-to for fresh, slow-smoked meats that feel like home without the stress of cooking.
2. Go Buffet Style
When you’re serving a big family, buffet style is your best friend. It’s casual, self-serve, and helps everyone get exactly what they want. No need to hire servers or worry about portioning out every plate. Set everything up on a table or countertop and let people dig in.
Buffets also help reduce waste. Since guests serve themselves, they’re more likely to take just what they’ll eat. That means fewer leftovers and more room in your budget. Plus, it’s faster—no waiting in line for someone to dish out food. For reunions with kids, it’s an easy way for parents to help their little ones without slowing things down.
3. Choose Cost-Effective Sides
Sides don’t need to be complicated to be crowd-pleasers. Stick to simple, affordable classics that are easy to make in big batches. Think baked beans, potato salad, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. These dishes are not only filling but also stretch your meal further.
Many BBQ spots include sides with their catering options, which means you don’t have to make them yourself or buy separate ingredients. That’s a win for your budget and your time. If you’re picking up a meal pack that already includes two or three sides, you’ve already saved time and money without sacrificing variety.
4. Skip the Fancy Stuff
It might be tempting to rent decorative platters or go over the top with themes, but there’s no need. Family reunions are about spending time together, not putting on a show. Stick to the basics: disposable trays, paper plates, and plastic utensils. They’re cheaper, easier to clean up, and work just fine for BBQ.
If the food is good—and served warm—your guests won’t care what it’s sitting in. You’re better off putting your budget toward quality food than fancy extras. Keep it casual and save the extra money for drinks, desserts, or a fun family game.
5. Plan for Leftovers
Catering doesn’t have to be a one-day event. One of the perks of ordering in bulk is that you’ll likely have leftovers. That’s a good thing! It means you’ve got lunch or dinner covered for the next day. Pulled pork sandwiches, leftover ribs, or smoked chicken make quick meals without any added expense.
To make the most of it, bring some gallon zip-top bags or containers to the reunion so guests can take home a little extra. That way, you’re not left with everything, and nothing goes to waste. Leftovers also help stretch the cost across multiple meals, giving you more bang for your buck.
6. Ask for Pickup Options
Delivery fees can add up, especially for large orders. If you have someone with a decent-sized vehicle, a pickup is often the better (and cheaper) choice. Some restaurants even offer curbside pickup or drive-thru options that make it super easy to grab your order without leaving your car.
Ordering online helps too. You can plan ahead, check the menu, and avoid surprises when it’s time to pay. Plus, if you order early, you might even score a special deal. It’s worth checking a few days before your event to make sure everything lines up with your schedule.
7. Match the Menu to the Crowd
When feeding a large group, it helps to think about who’s coming. Do you have a lot of kids? Teenagers with big appetites? Grandparents who prefer something lighter? Make sure there’s a little something for everyone.
Ordering a mix of meats—like pulled pork, smoked chicken, or ribs—keeps things balanced. Add in mild sides and a few extras like hush puppies or buns, and you’ve got a meal that works for all ages. You don’t have to overcomplicate things. A good variety will keep people happy without going overboard.
8. Don’t Overorder
It’s easy to panic and order more food than you really need, especially when feeding a big family. But with a few quick calculations, you can avoid the overbuy. A general rule of thumb: plan on ½ pound of meat per adult and a bit less for kids. That should be plenty, especially if you’re serving filling sides.
You can always ask the restaurant for help estimating portions. They’ve likely handled events of all sizes and can offer solid advice. Getting it right means less waste and more savings, which is the whole goal here.
Food is often the heart of a family reunion—but it doesn’t have to drain your budget. With the right planning, you can feed everyone without feeling overwhelmed. Keep things simple, stick to affordable sides, and don’t feel like you have to overdo it. Focus on the time spent together, not the presentation. When the food is good and the setup is easy, you’ll be able to enjoy the day just as much as your guests.
