The
simplest or most elaborate reception can be
wonderful if you plan carefully, use good taste
and common sense. Here are some tips for catering
your reception:
If your reception is being held in a hotel, club
or restaurant which does the catering, be sure to
meet with the person in charge to review the menu
selections and services provided.
Make sure the establishment has catered other
weddings. If possible, taste the food before
committing to the location.
When your reception is being held in a home,
garden or hall which allows you to provide the
caterer of your choice, the options are numerous.
Caterer’s services and fees vary. Determine what
your needs and desires are. Then interview several
until you find one you feel confident can give you
what you want.
Good caterers are reserved months in advance. Be
prepared to make a deposit in order to reserve
your date and time.
When interviewing caterers, find out what services
they provide. Some companies specialize and merely
handle food preparation, delivery and service.
Some provide every service and take care of the
details and coordination of |
your
wedding, including food preparation and serving,
all rental equipment, setup and clean-up, liquor,
beverages, bartenders, floral and other
decorations.
They may provide the cake or recommend a baker and
may also be helpful with arranging for
photographers and music coordinators.
Most caterers have pictures of weddings they have
done. Look at these, check their references and
taste their food before signing a contract. Read
the contract carefully to be sure it includes
everything you agreed on and states the total
price and check the cancellation policies.
The catering fee is usually a flat fee based on
the number of guests, or a fee per person,
depending on the type and amount of food provided.
A service charge plus sales tax is usually added
to the total.
Most caterers require 50% or more at the time of
ordering and total payment and total guest count a
week before the wedding.
Choose a caterer that you get along well with and
one that gives a lot of personal attention.
Make sure the caterer is licensed and insured and
you
have a copy of the contract. |
