| In life, we enjoy a number of memorable occasions, | | | | understanding of whether past couples found the |
| one being a wedding. For the bride and groom, this day | | | | caterer's services average or outstanding. |
| is by far the most beautiful time when two people | | | | Once you have identified four caterers that would be |
| make a public and legal proclamation of their love. In | | | | good choices, schedule a sample tasting of the food |
| addition to the happy couple having the experience of | | | | they plan to make. If they refuse, scratch them off the |
| a lifetime, the wedding is also a time of celebration for | | | | list. Most professional caterers would be delighted to |
| family and friends. | | | | show off the menu for you and they expect you to |
| For any couple planning a wedding, a long list of | | | | ask for a sampling. After all, they want your business |
| factors comes into play from invitations, music, and | | | | and realize you could easily turn to someone else. |
| even alcohol consumption at the reception. Of course, | | | | Therefore, once you arrange for a test tasting of the |
| while the wedding should be a time of vibrancy and life, | | | | caterer's work, specifically sample menu items that |
| it is also a time of responsibility, especially when alcohol | | | | would served at your wedding. In addition to taste, the |
| will be served. The key is providing the right amount of | | | | food should be attractive and presented well. |
| alcohol so guests can enjoy a drink or two but without | | | | For budget, remember the caterer needs to know |
| going so far that drinking becomes a potential problem. | | | | how much money you plan to spend on their services. |
| One of the best ways to ensure your reception is | | | | Typically, some compromises would be required but |
| perfect would be working with a reputable caterer. | | | | again, a professional caterer would be able to come |
| You will find that, of all expenses for your upcoming | | | | up with excellent alternatives without exceeding the |
| wedding, catering will be the largest. Now, you could | | | | set budget. For instance, if you had originally planned on |
| host a beautiful reception void of alcohol, which would | | | | a sit-down meal, but find it too expensive, then perhaps |
| save you money but if you plan to serve alcoholic | | | | a buffet style dinner would work better. This way you |
| beverages, you want to remember to increase the | | | | would still be able to afford the same delicious menu |
| budget to accommodate. For instance, food and drink | | | | items, just served in a different way. |
| at a wedding reception can account for as much as | | | | You also want to make sure dishes and silverware will |
| 50% of the overall cost of the wedding! | | | | be provided, and make sure the design enhances the |
| As you begin planning to include the wedding gown, | | | | style or theme of your wedding. Just as you did with |
| cake, photography, music, church, and so on, you want | | | | the menu, never be afraid to ask to see the |
| to pay close attention to the reception, realizing the | | | | dinnerware and silverware used. Make sure the style |
| significant cost. Many times, a bride and groom will cut | | | | is listed in the contract. Next, determine the number of |
| a few corners for the actual ceremony so they can | | | | servers provided by the caterer. Obviously, a sit-down |
| have an all-out party for the reception. If this is the | | | | reception would require more servers than that of a |
| case, you have a number of options to ensure you get | | | | buffet style reception but clean up, coffee service, |
| the most out of your money! | | | | cutting of the meat, and other service aspects should |
| For starters, interview at least four caterers. When it | | | | be considered. |
| comes time to choose a caterer, one of the most | | | | In summary, never feel bullied by the caterer. A good |
| important requests you can make is for references. If | | | | caterer will know when to make suggestions and |
| possible, we recommend you begin your search for a | | | | what type of suggestions to offer. Work with a |
| caterer by asking a family member or friend who has | | | | caterer who is working for you, someone eager and |
| had a positive experience. However, if you need to | | | | willing to go beyond expectations to make your |
| find someone on your own, always ask for references | | | | wedding an absolute success. You should never feel |
| and then follow through by checking each one. | | | | that you have to make major changes because you |
| Unfortunately, many people ask for references, but | | | | have no other option. By choosing your caterer |
| more as a means of seeing if the caterer will supply | | | | carefully, any problems should be avoided. |
| any. Instead, it is vital that you have a good | | | | |