When planning a wedding, family reunion, birthday party, or corporate event, one big question always comes up: Should you hire a caterer, or handle the food yourself?
Both catering and self-catering have their benefits—and the choice often comes down to your budget, guest count, and vision for the day. Fortunately, The Legacy Center, a top choice for Edmonton event rental, makes this decision easier by offering a fully equipped kitchen that supports both families and professional caterers alike.
In this blog, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of catering vs. self-catering, and show how The Legacy Center offers the flexibility you need—no matter which route you choose.
The Legacy Center: Edmonton’s Flexible Event Space with a Full Kitchen
The Legacy Center is a unique venue that offers indoor event spaces and outdoor space rental in Edmonton, and more importantly—a modern kitchen available for use by families or caterers.
Whether you’re bringing in a chef or preparing homemade dishes with love, the on-site kitchen makes it easy to serve fresh, hot meals to your guests without logistical headaches.
Option 1: Hiring a Caterer
Pros:
✅ Less Stress: Caterers handle the planning, prep, cooking, serving, and clean-up.
✅ Professional Quality: Enjoy restaurant-level food and presentation.
✅ Time-Saving: You’ll have more time to focus on guests and other event details.
✅ Menu Variety: Caterers can offer a wide selection and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Cons:
❌ Cost: Catering is often more expensive, especially for large groups.
❌ Less Control: You may have fewer choices when it comes to ingredients or cooking methods.
❌ Scheduling Needs: Caterers may have strict time windows for setup and service.
How The Legacy Center Helps:
The Legacy Center’s kitchen makes it easy for catering teams to prep and serve on-site, keeping meals hot and fresh while allowing your event to run smoothly.
Option 2: Self-Catering
Pros:
✅ Cost Savings: Save on labor and service fees by preparing your own food.
✅ Personal Touch: Share family recipes or dishes that are meaningful to your group.
✅ Flexible Menus: Create exactly what you want, when you want it.
Cons:
❌ Labor Intensive: You’ll need help with prepping, serving, and cleaning.
❌ Timing Challenges: Keeping food hot and serving on schedule can be tricky.
❌ Stress: Cooking for a large group can take away from your ability to enjoy the event.
How The Legacy Center Helps:
With ample counter space, modern appliances, refrigeration, and prep areas, The Legacy Center’s kitchen gives families everything they need to self-cater successfully. Plus, the layout allows for smooth transitions between food prep and serving.
A Venue That Supports Both Options
No matter which option you choose, The Legacy Center in Edmonton is built to support you:
- Spacious Kitchen: Equipped for caterers and DIY hosts alike
- Flexible Rentals: Bring your own caterer or cook your own meals—your choice
- Indoor & Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy a seamless experience with on-site food access
- Friendly Support Team: Get help coordinating your kitchen and service needs
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to hire a caterer for convenience or self-cater for that homemade charm, The Legacy Center offers the best of both worlds. Their flexible kitchen setup gives you the tools, space, and freedom to serve your guests your way.
👉 Ready to plan your Edmonton event with flexibility and ease?
Visit The Legacy Center Edmonton to learn more about venue rentals and kitchen amenities.