Tips and Tricks for Finding the Perfect Caterer

Photo Source: www.weddingtonway.com

Although many reception venues require that you use a certain caterer or in-house dining service, many locations do not and you’re left to find the caterer on your own. Choosing a caterer may seem daunting, but look at it with a positive attitude: hopefully you get to taste some delicious food along the way! The first step? Read our tips for selecting a caterer below.

• Start by asking around. Consult your friends! Chances are someone knows someone who had a great catering experience, so get talking. Or think back to a wedding where you loved the prime rib and mashed potatoes, contact that friend or family member and find out who did their food. Perhaps you can get the same person to do your menu!

• Ask what they do best. Each caterer will have a specialty dish, say whole leg of lamb, or menu like French bistro fare, so look for one that will fit with your personality and food preferences.

• Find out what is included. Do they provide linens and china or will you have to rent these items separately? What about glassware and serving utensils. Knowing these facts will affect the overall food budget.

• Consider the way you serve the meal. A plated dinner will require more waitstaff than a buffet, thus it will naturally be more expensive to serve a sit down dinner. Serving the food family style is an option that is in between buffet and sit down dinner. It requires waitstaff, but not as much as the sit down option.