Catering is one of the main items on the to-do list for wedding preparations. While it is not a part of the main aspect of what every bride dreams of, the success of a wedding reception depends largely on the quality of the food and the extent to which the guests enjoy the food and wine.
The wedding catering tips below help you in ensuring the best wedding catering that you can without having to make a large hole in your pocket.
Check at the Venue
The first thing that you need to do is to speak to the venue manager of the wedding reception venue that you have decided. Ask them about the arrangements that can be made from their end. This is a good time to check with them whether they allow outside alcohol to be brought in. Being able bring your own alcohol can save you a lot of money. In addition to that you are not limited to what the venue supplies and you can choose your own mix of spirits to be served.
Shortlisting Caterers
The quality of food at various caterers changes frequently. This means that a caterer that was considered good may not be so after a few years. This is why it is important to check with friends and family who may have used catering in the recent past to make your initial shortlist of wedding caterers. Along with this, you can also get onto the Internet and search for good wedding caterers locally. Understand that this is only the first cut shortlist and that you need to pick wedding caterers on the basis of the kind of menu that they offer, the number of years of experience that they have and the budget that you have. You also need to know the right questions to ask the wedding caterers when you are picking them.
Tasting Sessions
It is a good idea to select the top 3 or 4 wedding caterers and ask them to supply you with a menu that you deem fit for your wedding. The comprehensiveness of the menu provided will also give you an idea of the experience of the caterers in planning wedding menus. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and it is not uncustomary to ask for tasting sessions where you can get an idea of the kind of cooking. These are especially important if you are choosing a small time caterer as compared to a large. Ask for dishes from the supplied menu to be prepared to judge the quality.
Assessing Wedding Caterers
Other than the food, there are other elements of wedding caterers that you need to evaluate too. Ask them about the number of people that they shall get to the venue for serving. Make a note of whether they shall be cooking everything at the venue or part of the preparation shall be done at the caterer’s venue. Make sure that you make a note of all these aspects against the wedding caterer that you are evaluating.
Finalizing the Wedding Caterer
If you like what you have seen so far in the evaluation in terms of the menu, the budget, the manpower and the reliability of the caterer, proceed to the finalization stage. This is the stage where you put down everything on paper and sign a contract with the one that you have chosen. This could be a simple estimate of the amount that will be charged along with the details of what has been promised.
The Food and Wine
There are many menu ideas that you can find on the Internet that are apt for different seasons. You can choose one that is right for the seasons and your budget easily. Choose a non-meal time if you want to keep the costs low and opt for finger foods that are easy to pick and consume. Don’t forget the wine if you are getting your own to the venue. Purchase your cases in advance and store them at the venue. Make sure that you have a mix of wine, whisky and other spirits based on what you know about the guests. The specific bottles that you purchase need to be decided based on your budget and the guest list.
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