5 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Caterer

Posted on: 16 July 2020

Your wedding is arguably one of the most important days of your life. Being such a momentous day, you need everything to run smoothly to ensure you have a memorable day. Choosing a wedding caterer is therefore critical. If all you needed to consider was the food, you'd probably have this decision done in no time.

Your wedding caterer needs to blend in with the schedule and theme of your big day. Here are 5 tips for choosing the best wedding caterer. 

Get Referrals

One of the best ways to choose a wedding caterer is by getting referrals. If you attended one of your colleague's or friend's wedding and really appreciated the wedding caterers, simply ask for a referral and include them in your shortlist. Another source of wedding caterer referrals is the venue you have chosen.

Ask them if they offer catering as part of the package or have a wedding caterer that they usually work with. Many venues will have requirements that they require caterers to adhere to before serving food in their venue. You'll want to know what these requirements are. 

Determine a Budget

Before you start narrowing down your list, you need to determine the budget you've allocated to food and catering. Conduct preliminary research to know the typical cost of hiring a wedding caterer in your region and use this information to set a budget. When interviewing the wedding caterers, ensure you ask about their fees and all added costs. 

For example, do they charge extra for table linens and menu design? Are these costs included in the total figure? If you're on a tight budget, inform your caterer about your budgetary limitations and see if they can create a custom package for you. 

Decide on a Dining Style

Depending on your budget, you may choose to gravitate towards a specific dining style over another. When it comes to weddings, there are different options to choose from including plated sit-down dinners, tasting menus and buffets among others. Once you have determined your budget and your style, you will have an easier time narrowing down potential caterers.

Schedule a Tasting 

Now that you've done the search, and created a shortlist for caters, the tough part is over and the fun begins. You need to schedule a tasting with your partner or part of your wedding party, to ensure the food lives up to all the hype. The testing will also give you an opportunity to determine if you like their quality and style of their presentation. If you go for the tasting before finalising the contract, you will get an opportunity to work your own ideas into the wedding caterer's menus.

Start Searching Early Enough

Once you've booked the venue and the officiator for your wedding, the last thing you need is a situation where you have to change this date because the caterer is not available. Therefore, as soon as you set the date, start your search for a caterer, and book your preferred one then to ensure availability. 

When selecting a wedding caterer, you're looking for many things including superb cuisine, personable staff, professional service, and the ability to deliver a seamless service for your big day. Look for a wedding caterer near you.

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