How to Thursday: How to Select Your Caterer

Here are a few tips for those planning brides who need just a little bit of help in selecting a caterer for their wedding reception! Food can literally MAKE or BREAK your event it is the EASIEST things for your guests to complain about so your goal should be to get it as close to perfect as possible! That will only come from having a reliable, skilled, insured caterer! Keep reading for more information!

There are many methods on how you can start looking for a wedding catering company, however many people starts with asking for friends and family’s referral that they had good experiences with. Other methods like local advertising and internet research are also good methods to broaden your choices. The most popular way to find the suitable caterer is thru the location of wedding couple’s reception site. It’s much less headache and trouble for the wedding couple to simply go along with the reception site’s catering service. They usually provide the inclusive services including venue, catering, decoration, and even more. After making the choice of wherever the reception will be held at, it is time to see which catering company is best to suit your price range and needs.

If you are holding your reception in a hall, privateresidence or where meals will not be supplied, you should contact caterers in your neighborhood who specialise in on-site catering.
After narrowing down a few of catering company for your wedding, it is time to spend some time to gather as much information as you can about these companies so you can make a good decision on hiring which one for your big day.

Once you first contact your prospects, the very first thing you should confirm is whether or not that caterer is available on your wedding day.
If they are available, it is time to start asking them some of the most popular questions on hiring catering company. It is recommended to write it down and organize all the information, because after a while it will be difficult to remember which company gave you what information.

Some of the questions you may want to ask your catering company are:

Menu Style

There is so many food varieties to choose from when it comes to menu selection. Ask if your caterer will do a “tasting” and when. This is where the bride and groom can go sample and taste some of the caterer’s dishes. You can have a traditional sit down dinner, buffet, food stations or a cocktail reception. It all depends on your personal preference and budget.

Decorations

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. Also, find out what type of decorating they might do for you. Will they swag your head and cake tables? Will they set out your favors and seating cards?

Tableware and Linens

Does the price include table linens, napkins, dishes, and glassware? Ask to see samples. If you don’t like the tableware or linens they offer, most everything can be rented at an additional price. Also, ask if there are extra charges for china and linen service.

Wedding Cakes

Do they offer wedding cakes in their package? Can they make you a wedding cake? Will the caterer cut up the cake for you and will they do this for free or charge a fee? Some caterers charge a per slice fee, so be aware!! Will the wedding cake be served and/or boxed?  Is there an extra charge? Will cookies be displayed?  Is there an extra charge?

Liquor

Do you need to get a Special Occasions Permit from the liquor board? Is there bar service and bartenders included? What about Cups and supplies?

Licenses and Payments

Find out if your caterer is licensed by the province. Most display their license in their office, but if you’re not sure, ask and find out.
Let your caterer know your budget up front. Don’t assume that a buffet or food station is less expensive than a sit down dinner. It all depends on the type of food served, not how it’s served. Is there a deposit required to hold wedding date? Are they included in the price or will they be added later? Find out how soon in advance does caterer need menu and final count of guests what the final price is and when is full payment required.
Do not choose your caterer primarily based solely on their price per person, but consider what is included in the per person price before making your last decision.  You do not want to be shocked on your wedding day when your expectations of exceptional service aren’t met. After you’ve gotten above questions answered, you should have the ability to make a good decision as to which caterer will fill your needs. The presentation of that food is a part of their image and yours. Be sure the wedding caterer you are thinking about hiring is one who will work with you and not tell you what you want.

Information taken from LaRock Photography Blog

Stay Beautiful My Loves, 
Memi  

Pin It Now!