Choosing Your Wedding Caterer

The first step, after deciding on the reception site is to select a caterer. Catering is a 2.9 billion-dollar industry and the largest portion of your wedding budget typically goes toward the food and beverages youre serving. Some of the factors, which determine what format and type of menu you choose are: your reception site and style, your budget, and the tastes of you and your guests.

There are several different types of caterers. Hotels and country clubs usually provide their own catering services. If your reception is being held at an outdoor location or in a home or other type building, you will need to arrange for off-site catering. You might consider holding your reception at an elegant restaurant, some specialize in wedding parties.

Before you start thinking about sampling all the delectable dishes you will consider for your wedding, you should do some basic homework so youll be sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Experts say the most reliable way to find a good caterer is through referrals. Talk to friends, relatives and especially recently married couples about companies they have used and ASK QUESTIONS!

Besides admiring how beautiful the bride looked one of the most common topics of conversation between your guests will be about the FOOD!
Once youve narrowed your choices down to a select few caterers, its time to set-up appointments to interview and sample some of their dishes.
You should book your caterer eight to twelve months before the wedding.
There are many crucial points to discuss and important questions to ask. Its helpful to have a checklist with you at the interview. Ask them to show you their health permits, proof of liability insurance and the contract you will be signing. A deposit of 50 to 75% of the total cost is not unusual. Work out time-schedules for payments ahead of time.
Will you be paying a flat-fee or per-person?
Divide the approximate number of guests into your estimated catering budget to determine how much you can afford per-person.
Some caterers require you to meet minimum guest requirements so find out when you need to provide a final guest count.
Ask if there is a price escalation clause in the contract or if there will be charges for any last minute changes.
Inquire about equipment fees when considering an off-site caterer. It is usually more cost-effective if the caterer owns all their own equipment rather than having to rent it. Ask to see samples of the linens, china, and flatware that will be used at the reception.
Tour the kitchen when visiting different caterers. Look for cleanliness and organization. Make sure the ingredients you see look fresh and appetizing.
When tasting different dishes, the food should be presented exactly as it would on the actual day.
When planning the food for your reception, there are many ideas you may want to consider as budget savers:
Eliminate very expensive ingredients and cut down on the number of courses.
Use seasonal foods that are available locally.
Consider selecting a similar menu to one that your caterer is preparing for another event close to the time of your reception.
Food stations and buffets can be decorated with bowls or platters of fruits and vegetables which are less expensive when purchased in large quantities.
Consider Asian-inspired menus, they are tasty, trendy, healthy, and affordable!
Keep it simple by selecting dishes that are not too labor intensive. Saving time in the kitchen saves money in the budget!
There are many other details to work out with your caterer in addition to the actual menu.

You will need to set-up bar arrangements and choose what beverages you will be serving. Agree ahead of time on the waiter-to-guest ratio and the number of bartenders you will need. Decide how you want the tables set-up and where the head table will be. Ask if meals will be provided for the other wedding professionals, such as the photographer, videographer, and musicians. Do these people need to be included in the final head count? If you like, some caterers will also provide the wedding cake.

You may want to have the caterer prepare you and your groom a picnic basket to take away from the wedding. You both may be so caught up in the day and greeting all your guests that you wont have time to enjoy and savor the meal youve spent so much time selecting.
You must have a written contract with your caterer that spells out EVERY DETAIL. All the basic charges should be itemized. Make sure the date, time, and location are listed. The specific menu items, courses, service and presentation style must also be included. Beverage selections and bar arrangements should be covered as well. Any extra charges that might be added-on should be disclosed in the contract. Find out if taxes and gratuities are included or if they will be added to the total. Ask about the caterers cancellation and refund policy and make sure it is written in the contract.

Be sure to have an alternate plan in the event something is not available the day of your wedding. You and the caterer must both sign the contract for it to be valid and enforceable.
Dont leave anything to chance. Taking care of all the fine points surrounding your menu now will ensure that you and your groom enjoy the food and beverages at your reception as much as your guests do!