Catering Ideas for your wedding
The simplest or most elaborate reception can be wonderful if you plan carefully, use good taste and common sense. Below are some ideas that can help you plan for the catering at your reception.
1 - If your reception is being held in a wedding venue which does the catering, be sure to meet with the person in charge to review the menu selections and services provided.
2 - Make sure the establishment has catered other weddings. If possible, taste the food before committing to the location.
3 - 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.
4 - All 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.
5 - Good caterers are reserved months in advance. Be prepared to make a deposit in order to reserve your date and time.
6 - 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.
7 - They may provide the cake or recommend a baker and may also be helpful with arranging for photographers and music coordinators.
8 - 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.
9 - 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.
10 - Most caterers require 50% or more at the time of ordering and total payment and total guest count a week before the wedding.
11 - Choose a caterer that you get along well with and one that gives a lot of personal attention.
12 - Make sure the caterer is licensed and insured and you have a copy of the contract.
