Chances are you’ll be too excited or preoccupied to eat much on your wedding day, but it would be wrong to assume your guests won’t be looking forward to a delicious feast. This is why focusing your attention on the meal is a crucial aspect of planning your reception. But how do you choose a meal for so many people?
First, find out if your reception venue offers an in-house catering service. An in-house caterer means that your banquet hall or facility will work with you to tailor a meal plan specific to your wants and needs. If your chosen location doesn’t provide this service, you’ll have to hire an outside caterer. If this is the case, talk to friends who have recently tied the knot or ask professional wedding associations for recommendations. In either event, you want to ensure that the caterer you choose is professional, reputable and reliable.
Helpful hints
•Finalize your guest list. The size of your wedding can greatly influence the type of food that will be served and how you plan on serving it.
•Consider your budget. A wedding planner can help you determine how much to allocate to your caterer, determined by how much you’ve budgeted overall for your wedding. It’s very important to stay within your budget, as this is where your costs can get out of hand if you’re not careful.
•Make a deal. It’s very important to get everything in writing and to understand what is included in your contract.
•Trust your caterer! If they say it’s impossible to prepare and serve the meal you had your heart set on, listen to them. Remember, they are experienced professionals who understand their own limits.
Tips to save
•Opting for a buffet-style menu isn’t always the most economical. Depending on how many dishes you serve, you’ll need plenty of staff to bus plates and work the stations. When guests are allowed to serve themselves, you have no control over portions and food can disappear quickly.
•Follow the golden rule: quality before quantity. Given the choice, most people would rather delight in mouth-watering appetizers and sweets, than have to suffer through a four-course meal consisting of a soggy salad, cold soup, rubber chicken and chocolate pudding.
Questions to ask
•Does the caterer specialize in any particular cuisine, and are there meal options available to substitute?
•Does the caterer work with fresh or frozen foods?
•Will they box the top tier of the cake for freezing?
•Are the caterers providing bartenders?
•Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates and silverware?
