How To Choose The Right Wedding Caterer
Every bride-to-be dreams of her wedding day her dress
, the walk down the aisle, the honeymoon and somewhere down the list, the caterer. Choosing a catering service that best fits this special event requires thought, planning and due diligence.
It should be noted that many wedding venues provide in-house catering services. Many if not most of these venues bar outside caterers. Therefore, select and book the venue first, even before choosing a pastry chef for the wedding cake. If the venue does not offer catering services they undoubtedly can recommend a caterer to work your event.
First, there are a number of questions the host or hostess must answer. For example, will the reception be a lunch, dinner or between-meals event? Will it be a buffet or a served meal? What kitchen facilities are available? And, of course, how many guests will be served?
Once these details are determined, its time to shop for a caterer. Friends and family can provide recommendations. Consult the Yellow Pages of the local telephone directory or the internet for other leads.
When interviewing candidates, the client should ask for references and how many weddings the caterer has worked in the past. Most wedding caterers will have a portfolio of photos portraying food presentation; ask to see them. Unless the caterer has been used before the client will likely want to sample food. Any decent caterer should be happy to comply with such a request if not, keep shopping. A food sample will probably not be from the actual wedding menu but will give a decent idea of the food quality. Some caterers will allow prospective clients to take samples home for the family to taste.
Remember that a budget needs to be established and followed. Prices will depend on the caterers reputation, the menu chosen and the number of guests to be served. With this in mind, ask for the cost per person and any discounted rates for children or seniors. Discuss any special dietary needs, such as vegan, food allergy or kosher requirements. Cross-contamination happens more often in the kitchen than one might think.
Beyond the kitchen, there are other factors to consider. What are the floral and lighting arrangements? Will the caterer take care of table set-ups? Do you want the caterer to book a band or a classical music ensemble? Will the staff working the event need an extra gratuity beyond their wage? Does the caterer supply linens, glassware, silverware, etc.? Dont forget the alcoholic beverages is the caterer licensed to serve or will the host be obliged to provide a liquor license? No detail can be overlooked, even the number of parking spaces for the guests cars.
An experienced caterer will be aware of all these facets of your milestone event. This is why it is necessary to interview a variety of candidates to determine the best fit for the clients needs. A top-notch professional caterer can cover a host (so to speak) of responsibilities, freeing the wedded couple to better enjoy their most special day.
Want more tips on making sure your wedding catering goes off without a hitch? Check out the
Quality Caterers website.
by: Richard Atchison
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