|
|
|
Finding a
Caterer |
| |
As far as wedding expenses go, your catering or food bill is
typically your largest expense (45-50% of most wedding
budgets). Therefore, choose your caterer carefully. Spend
plenty of time with your caterer talking about your budget,
the style of reception you'd like (i.e. buffet, food
stations, sit down dinner or cocktail reception) and the
types of food that you'd like to serve.
If you are unfamiliar with the caterer, always schedule a
"tasting" to sample their culinary skills and take note that
the food is attractively presented too.
Check References! Many brides ask for references but never
call them. Make at least TWO reference phone calls. Don’t by
shy, remember -- brides love to talk about their wedding!
When hiring your caterer, be sure to ask about the
dinnerware or china they will be using. Some caterers will
include all the dinnerware in their price - but they may be
chipped, scratched and worn out. So, ask to see samples to
make sure that the place settings nicely compliment the rest
of your wedding decor.
Service is an extremely important element when choosing your
caterer. Be sure to ask about the ratio of servers to
guests. Now, this can vary depending on the type of
reception you have (seated dinner versus buffet). One good
rule of thumb is to have one server for every 8-10 guests.
When determining a final head count for your caterer, you
should include a meal for your entertainer (DJ or Band),
photographer and Wedding Day Coordinator. But, always
confirm with these vendors that they do want a meal before
you include them in your head count. And, make sure to
separate these from your guest head count because your
caterer will usually charge you less for "vendor" meals.
If your caterer is providing meals for your DJ, Band or
photographer, be sure to ask your caterer where the meals
will be served for them and confirm that they will be eating
somewhere "out of sight" from your wedding guests.
Ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" that is a
sampling of all the food at your reception. It's likely that
the bride and groom will not get a chance to eat and enjoy
all of the wonderful food at the reception. Even if you're
leaving the next day on your honeymoon, it makes for a great
late night snack.
Be sure to ask your caterer about "guaranteed numbers". Many
caterers will quote prices based upon a minimum or
"guaranteed" number of guests. Many base their figures on a
minimum of 100 guests. If your final guest count is less
than a hundred, there may be an additional fee.
Find out what decorations (if any) are included in the
caterer’s price. Ask to see pictures of their table
displays. Some caterers that do buffets or food stations
will include floral arrangements and other decorations. As
your wedding plans progress, talk to your caterer about your
color theme so that all decorations and floral arrangements
will coordinate.
A recent trend when doing buffets or food stations is to
have a menu board. This is where the names of the entrees
(and sometimes a brief description) and items served are
scrolled elegantly onto a piece of paper displayed on a
board or in a picture frame.
Be careful on how many hors d'oeuvres you order. Do you
really need eight different varieties? You'd be surprised -
some caterers will suggest this! If you are doing hors
d'oeuvres - four different varieties is usually sufficient.
|
|
|
|
|
