Alternative catering (for budget-minded couple!)

Food is one of the biggest budget areas of a wedding and unless you do it DIY then you will have to pay a premium. If you are hiring a venue they will likely have strict rules on who can serve food and will need to see hygiene certificates and insurance docs, so not sure if your idea would work, but if you are having reception on private land or at a community Centre then you may be able to do it, so is worth an ask. We know someone who had loads of pizzas and sides delivered to the venue for 50 guests, it cost them about £700, but still way cheaper than a caterer. Other than that, the other option is cold buffet that you can order from the supermarkets, you then just put it out, so is DIY to an extent, but the food is all made for you