Choosing caterers for your wedding is hands down one of the most important decisions you'll make for the big day. Hiring a catering company is usually the largest wedding planning expense so it's imperative to choose one that is top-notch. Furthermore, a caterer usually has other connections in the industry and thus can help you find all of the services you need to ensure that your event runs smoothly. Choosing a competent catering company makes the difference between a delicious, memorable meal and an utterly disastrous event.
How to Find Caterers
When you are searching for catering services for your wedding, it's best to ask friends and family for recommendations first. If your friends and family do not have any suggestions, you can ask the venue where you are planning your wedding. Many times venues are associated with certain vendors and their reputation is at stake if they don't recommend the best vendors. Wedding planners and consultants also have catering contacts. In addition, you can find out if one of your favorite local restaurants offers event services.
Questions to Ask a Caterer
The first step to take when searching for caterers for your wedding is to call around and ask general questions about price and availability. When you find a few companies that fit the bill, you have to make appointments for an interview. At the interviews, request a sample menu and find out who will be in charge of preparing and serving the food. Moreover, find out if they have experience working in the venue where you are holding the reception.
Cost is also an issue when choosing catering services for wedding receptions. First listen to the caterer's suggestions for what kind of food should be served at your event and how much it would cost per person. You must also find out if the cost per person covers just food or if it also covers the cost of staff, rentals, silverware, etc. Sometimes caterers will charge extra for things such as serving the vendors (i.e. the photographer, DJ, etc.) or special meals for children.
When interviewing caterers for your wedding, one of the most important factors that will help you make a decision is to taste samples of the type of food you are interested in ordering. The interviews will also allow you to get a feel for each company and help you decide whether or not they are a good fit. Hiring a receptive caterer who takes all of your specific requests and needs into consideration is very important. Find a company that you feel comfortable with assisting you in planning your meal from start to finish.
What Kind of Meal to Choose
If you are having your reception in the afternoon, a buffet of hors d'oeuvres may be sufficient while an evening reception would require a complete dinner. One of the most important decisions you'll make when deciding on a catering company for your wedding is to make the choice between a buffet dinner and a sit-down dinner. Buffet dinners are a popular choice because they are economical and provide even picky eaters with plenty of options. However, a sit-down dinner is more versatile because heavier meats, soups, and other foods that are either messy or difficult to eat standing up can be served easily. A sit-down dinner is a more elegant option albeit a more expensive one since more staff is needed to prepare and serve the food in a timely manner.
These are some important points to consider when interviewing caterers for your wedding. Selecting a caterer for your wedding is a highly important decision because of the culinary skill, organization, and responsibility it takes to set up, prepare, serve a meal, and clean up without any hassle. Ensure that your wedding meal is a smooth-running, memorable affair by carefully selecting a caterer for the occasion.
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