How Do I Choose a Wedding Caterer?

Do you remember a wedding where the food was really delicious? Maybe the food was subpar, ruining an otherwise fantastic day. How do you decide which caterer to hire?

Do I Need a Caterer?

The phrase "We're doing the catering ourselves" strikes fear into the hearts of many engaged couples embarking on a do-it-yourself wedding.

Don't discount the value of a professional caterer just because auntie Joan whips up a mean flan or dad scores a case of beer at the local bar.

Whenever you expect more than 40 people to attend, hiring a caterer is a must.

You won't have fun if you have to constantly check on things like unclean dishes and food supplies.

Whether you decide to handle the catering on your own, you should at least get help with the serving and cleanup.

It's money well spent, and you can count on the crew being there in the morning even after they've been out partying for 12 hours straight.

What Type of Catering Do I Need?

Where and what kind of reception you're planning will have a major impact on who you choose to provide food and drink. You can find in-house support or a curated list of external resources for many different types of platforms.

It's possible they'll demand you utilise a specific one. However, if you want to have the event under a marquee in the backyard, there are many of cafes, bakeries, and caterers in the area who would be happy to provide quotes.

Once you've located the perfect location for your event, you should schedule a meeting to discuss specifics like the number of guests, the time of day, and the cost of the meal, which is typically the largest expenditure.

In order to present you with ideas and prices, your caterer will want the following information: date, time of reception, number of guests, quality of hospitality desired, and budgetary cap per head.

Prices are typically given on a "per head" basis (guest). Staffing, dishware, and bedding are all essential components. If anything is important to you, make sure you get it in writing (with quotes and confirmations) and save copies in a safe place.

Depending on what you plan to serve, more catering supplies or helpers may be required.

In order to avoid any unexpected expenses, it is crucial that you clarify this as soon as possible.

It's important to keep in mind that caterers are often booked months in advance.

Where to Start Finding a Caterer

Seek the advice of newlyweds for vendor recommendations.

Hotels, country clubs, and other large venues for special events may employ their own caterers or, at the very least, have a list of favoured professionals from whom to choose.

Therefore, if you go to one of these places, you won't have any responsibility for finding a partner on your own.

Inquire about catering services from your prefered eatery. Some venues may refer you to a reliable eatery in the area that does host weddings if they don't.

It's possible that the photographers, florists, videographers, and planners you're chatting with maintain a list of reliable caterers they've either heard of through the grapevine or have worked with in the past.

Find Your Style

It's important to have a clear goal in mind before beginning your search so that you can focus your efforts. The most effective method is to develop your own unique style. When you remember your wedding day and the meal, what adjectives would you like to use? Visit Pinterest and put together a mood board if you're struggling for inspiration.

Check Your Venue

Caterers are an important part of any event, and many venues have prefered or even required lists of vendors to choose from. Even if you aren't planning to have your wedding on a platform, you may find some ideas for caterers to use on their approved caterer's list. The process of selecting a venue for a wedding reception may be simplified if this is provided. If you don't like the options they provide, you'll need to find out if you may bring in your own caterer. You'll find that many locations are accommodating to such requests because their ultimate goal is to ensure that your big day goes just as planned. It's important to keep in mind, though, that some venues tack on a percentage fee to caterers that work with them, which might add an unwanted expense.

Ask Friends and Family

The two of you, please note: your wedding is not all about you. The people you invite to join in the festivities are what make the event special. What We mean is that your friends and family will be there for you as you prepare your wedding and the crucial marriage that comes after it, even if it means making concessions to their preferences for the food. Comments like "my sister hired this caterer, but they're too x's, y's, or 'I'm for you'" can help narrow down your search for the ideal caterer and guide you towards the right aesthetic. As we  discuss more, it's worth noting that some truly excellent caterers may not even have a website, so recommendations from friends and family are your best bet for locating them.

Use Google Search, Well

we are not going to advise you to use Google search, even though that's the obvious thing to do; rather, it's about how you use it. Google search bots might not be the best way to find the best caterers, though. When it comes to Google rankings, not all caterers have the same level of success. Whether it's because they're too occupied with catering and events to update their website or because it's customized for terms you're not looking for, you won't find them. To rank highly on Google for competitive terms like "outside caterer" requires significant investment of time and resources, and even then, your ideal caterer may not be among the first to appear.

• Make do with the venue you've chosen for the nuptials. Start small, like your village, then expand from there.
• Make use of keywords that relate directly to your goals for using their site. "Unconventional," "Country,"
• Replace both the lead and the follow-up words with variants of the same term. Key phrases: Outdoors, Exclusive, and Wedding. Food, Catering, and Caterer are related search phrases.

Once you have many excellent caterers for your wedding in mind, it is time to make a final decision.

Tips for Making Appointments

To get the most out of your interviews, attempt to arrange a taste as part of your scheduled appointment time; after all, you will be judging them mostly on the quality of their food.

Don't just collect business cards from caterers; before you leave, have them draught an estimate for you that includes things like per-person pricing, menu options, what's included in the price (beverages, equipment, staff), how the food will be served and presented, and any cheaper alternatives.

Prior to making any reservations, be sure to get answers to these important questions.

To get the most out of your search, it's a good idea to check references and learn a few things:

The number of guests, location, and selections requested by the client.

The aroma, flavour, and overall quality of the meal.

1. The professionalism and skill of the waitstaff.
2. How well the meal and the bill matched your anticipations.

Before hiring a catering service, it's a good idea to do some research on them at the Better Business Bureau.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Wedding Caterer

Some easy dos and don'ts to remember for your first catering meetings are provided below.

Don't: Jump the Gun.

Don't contact caterers until you have a firm grasp on how many guests you'll be expecting for the wedding.

Your total catering budget relies heavily on the number of visitors, making any discussions without this information largely speculative.

Do: Know What Your Priorities Are.

Give me the lowdown on your priorities.

We need to know the answer whether your goal is to have an exquisite dining experience or to invite as many of your closest friends as possible.

A bride who is in the midst of wedding preparations would tell you that it is impossible to achieve a work-life balance. It would be much easier to compare catering services if you already know where you can reduce back.

Don't: Try to Skimp on Service.

When discussing menus, the quality of the food offered is obviously paramount, right? Wrong.

The quality of the caterer's service, the quality of the cuisine, and the quality of the presentation are all important, but in that order.

Nothing else matters if the service is poor since that's what customers will remember.

Do: Ask to Attend an Event They're Catering.

It can seem like a good idea to send out 200 emails and collect as many menus as you can, but in reality, this is unlikely to be productive.

Instead, we suggest that engaged couples go to an event catered by their potential caterer.

With this information at your disposal, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision. Many claim they are only interested in a sampling, yet that is only scratching the surface.

Take note of the employees' demeanour, level of guest care, and response to problems.

We can't possibly be at all 12 tables on the big day, so rest easy knowing that your guests will be well taken care of in advance.

Don't: Get Too Caught up in Food Fads.

Guests will enjoy it if you put a unique spin on the traditional wedding fare, but you need not stress over creating trendy versions of your favourite dishes merely to impress.

Too much importance is placed on having either extremely costly or really gimmicky cuisine, and this can detract from the whole dining experience.

Do: Trust Your Gut.

In addition to the quality of the ingredients, the cost, the attractiveness of the presentation, and the competence of the service staff, there is another important consideration: your own personal taste.

Pick a caterer you are comfortable with, one who gets your ideas and cares about your needs. So, you want this person to share in your special day.

Unless you can verify that they deserve this recognition, it would be great.

What to Look for in a Caterer?

Your caterer will want to get to know you and your preferences during the course of an initial session that is relaxed and pressure-free.

This can happen over the phone or in person at a predetermined time. Then, a proposal including menu options and prices can be drafted for your preliminary meeting.

Weddings are always one-of-a-kind events. Pick a catering service that can meet your needs and capture the feel you want for your special day.

Any meals or menu options ordered from a catering service should be modified to accommodate the tastes and limits of the client.

It's also a big boost if the company offers legal alcoholic beverage service. It eliminates the need to find help elsewhere.

How Much Should I Expect My Catering to Cost?

It's like trying to pin down the length of a string.

There are caterers who specialise in low prices and large volume, then there are those who charge considerably more yet work fewer events per year.

In order to get the best caterer for your event, it's important to understand the factors that contribute to price differences.

Nothing negative should happen to the happy couple on the day of the wedding.

A caterer, working with a wedding coordinator, should use their best judgement to solve any problems that arise and ensure that the event goes off without a hitch.

For a caterer to do their job well, they need to know how to stay out of the way. Celebrate your new marriage by spending quality time with your friends and family.

The catering personnel for your wedding should be well-versed in their duties and able to carry them out without causing any disruptions to the happy couple.

Will the Time of Year Make a Difference to the Menu We Want?

When do you plan to tie the knot? The menu for your big day could be themed around the date.

They might want to offer something totally different in the spring or summer than you would in the autumn.

Keep in mind that some foods are seasonal, so if you have your heart set on a game menu, a summer wedding may not be the best option.

Do We Need to Try the Menu Before the Day?

Absolutely! You can't choose a caterer for your wedding without first tasting their food, and this is the best part of the process.

The proof of an excellent caterer is in the pudding, even though many caterers will have impressive marketing, photos, and review.

Getting a taste of the menu items before committing to a full order is the best way to narrow down your options and make the best decision.

It's helpful to have a tasting of the menu items and observe how the service is handled in your wedding setting before the big day.

Top tips for menu tasting

• Be sure to include a range of fish, meat, and vegetarian options (unless you opt for all veggie, vegan menus). 
• Think about the fact that your visitors will almost certainly have a drink in one hand while they enjoy your canapés! 
• Stay on topic. 
• Instead of making an effort to please everyone of your 120 guests, focus on what you would like eating.

Do I Need Evening Food?

Many people have asked us this. To put it simply, yes.

Unless the reception is later in the evening.

Whether or not you've invited extra people over for the evening, it's always a good idea to have some snacks ready for your visitors in case they get hungry while drinking and dancing the night away.

Prepare something heartier if you plan on entertaining guests that night.

Some may argue, "they should have eaten before they came," but I say, "if you don't like them enough to give them a bacon roll or a cone of chips, why are they at your wedding?"

After spending a small amount on activities for your day guests, it's only fitting to treat your evening guests to some fine cheese boards, a snack table, or perhaps bowl food.

That will satisfy their appetites before they dig into the wedding cake.

How Much Evening Food Should I Provide?

The exact percentage can be difficult to determine, but a common rule of thumb is 75%.

Don't let the fact that you'll likely be left with food after a party or other gathering ruin your mood; after all, you don't want to starve.

In other words, your feast was so delicious that none of your guests felt the need to take the kebab shop route home.

Of course you want to know the ins and outs of hiring a caterer for your wedding, and you can see from the above that this is a very serious topic!

Finding the perfect caterer for my clients is a crucial aspect of my job as a planner, but it's not always easy!

If food is a top priority for your wedding, it may be worthwhile to contact a wedding planner to discuss your options and alleviate some of the stress associated with choosing the best caterers.

If you don't want to hire a wedding planner, I recommend doing some reading. Look to Instagram or your circle of friends and family for ideas.

Once you have a firmer grasp of the catering industry's lingo, you may begin compiling a set of questions to ask during your meeting. Wishing you the best of luck and delicious meals!

Questions for Your Wedding Caterer:

Availability & Venue

• Is the day we want to get married still open?
• Can you confirm that you won't be needed elsewhere on that day?
• Can you tell me if you've ever done catering at our location?
• Can you realize our goals and perform to our standards?
• How much room do you anticipate needing at our facility?
• Do you need anything else for the kitchen?

Food & Menus

• So, what exactly do you get?
• Can We change items on your order?
• Is there something suitable for vegetarians?
• Can they serve those with specific diets?
• What about the kiddos, can they stay there?
• Can you have a tasting of the meal soon?
• Can they be innovative while staying inside your price range?

Staffing

• What's the history of working with them as a wedding caterer?
• Who will be there to help manage the reception?
• When do you need firm commitments and pre-orders by?
• How about the employees?
• Is the cost inclusive of the wait staff?
• How many employees do you have for how many customers?

Bar & Drinks

• Can We ask whether you own a bar?
• What about the employees, do you supply them?
• Is there a corkage fee for bringing our own alcohol?
• Do you have glasses available?
• They promised to wash the glasses, right?
• Do you need us to deliver the booze?

Logistics & Details

• Do you need to bring your own towels, sheets, plates, glasses, etc.?
• Do you sell serving utensils and placemats?
• Do members of your team manage the menus and place cards?
• Are you able to arrange for the rental of tables and chairs?
• How long will the preparation take?
• When do you plan on beginning setup?

Booking and Payments

• Is there a mandatory service fee, or are tips accepted? Do you have a policy about broken items?
• When will the event be rescheduled if necessary?
• Can you tell me how long in advance I can make a reservation?
• How much does the deposit need to be to hold the date, and when is it due?
• Do you charge sales tax?
• Does your insurance cover everything?
• Have you signed any legal documents?

Conclusion

Hiring a caterer is a must if you're planning a wedding reception or big event where you expect more than 40 people to attend. Where and what kind of reception you plan to have will have a major impact on who you choose to provide food and drink. You can find in-house support or a curated list of external resources for many different types of platforms. Caterers are an important part of any event, and many venues have prefered or even required lists of vendors to choose from. Even if you aren't planning to have your wedding on a platform, you may find some ideas for caterers to use on their approved caterer's list.

Some venues tack on a percentage fee to  work with them, which might add an unwanted expense. Some truly excellent caterers may not even have a website, so friends and family are your best bet for locating them. Make use of keywords that relate directly to your goals for using their site. To rank highly on Google for competitive terms like "outside caterer" requires significant investment of time and resources. Some easy dos and don'ts to remember for your first catering meetings.

Don't contact caterers until you have a firm grasp on how many guests you'll be expecting. Take note of the employees' demeanour, level of guest care, and response to problems. Quality of the food offered is obviously paramount, right? If you're looking for a caterer to cater for your wedding, there are many factors to consider. What follows is a guide on how to find the best caterers for your event.

If you're looking for a caterer to cater your wedding, it's important to have a taste of their menu before committing to a full order. Be sure to include a range of fish, meat, and vegetarian options, and think about the fact that your visitors will almost certainly have a drink in one hand while they enjoy your canapés! If you're looking to hire a caterer for your wedding, and food is a top priority, it may be worthwhile to contact a wedding planner to discuss your options. Here are some questions to ask the professional to help you decide on the best caterers for your event. What's the history of working with them as a wedding caterer?

Who will be there to help manage the reception? When do you need firm commitments and pre-orders by? How about the employees? Is the cost inclusive of the wait staff? How many employees do you have for how many customers?

Content Summary:

• Do you remember a wedding where the food was really delicious?
• Maybe the food was subpar, ruining an otherwise fantastic day.
• How do you decide which caterer to hire?
• The phrase "We're doing the catering ourselves" strikes fear into the hearts of many engaged couples embarking on a do-it-yourself wedding.
• Don't discount the value of a professional caterer just because auntie Joan whips up a mean flan or dad scores a case of beer at the local bar.
• Whenever you expect more than 40 people to attend, hiring a caterer is a must.
• Whether you decide to handle the catering on your own, you should at least get help with the serving and cleanup.
• Where and what kind of reception you're planning will have a major impact on who you choose to provide food and drink.
• However, if you want to have the event under a marquee in the backyard, there are many cafes, bakeries, and caterers in the area who would be happy to provide quotes.
• Once you've located the perfect location for your event, you should schedule a meeting to discuss specifics like the number of guests, the time of day, and the cost of the meal, which is typically the largest expenditure.
• In order to present you with ideas and prices, your caterer will want the following information: date, time of reception, number of guests, quality of hospitality desired, and budgetary cap per head.
• If anything is important to you, make sure you get it in writing (with quotes and confirmations) and save copies in a safe place.
• Seek the advice of newlyweds for vendor recommendations.
• Hotels, country clubs, and other large venues for special events may employ their own caterers or, at the very least, have a list of favoured professionals from whom to choose.
• Therefore, if you go to one of these places, you won't have any responsibility for finding a partner on your own.
• Inquire about catering services from your prefered eatery.
• Some venues may refer you to a reliable eatery in the area that does host weddings if they don't.
• It's important to have a clear goal in mind before beginning your search so that you can focus your efforts.
• The most effective method is to develop your own unique style.
• When you remember your wedding day and the meal, what adjectives would you like to use?
• Visit Pinterest and put together a mood board if you're struggling for inspiration.
• Caterers are an important part of any event, and many venues have prefered or even required lists of vendors to choose from.
• Even if you aren't planning to have your wedding on a platform, you may find some ideas for caterers to use on their approved caterer's list.
• The process of selecting a venue for a wedding reception may be simplified if this is provided.
• If you don't like the options they provide, you'll need to find out if you may bring in your own caterer.
• The people you invite to join in the festivities are what make the event special.
• Comments like "my sister hired this caterer, but they're too x's, y's, or 'I'm for you'" can help narrow down your search for the ideal caterer and guide you towards the right aesthetic.
• As we  discuss more, it's worth noting that some truly excellent caterers may not even have a website, so recommendations from friends and family are your best bet for locating them.
• We are not going to advise you to use Google search, even though that's the obvious thing to do; rather, it's about how you use it.
• Google search bots might not be the best way to find the best caterers, though.
• When it comes to Google rankings, not all caterers have the same level of success.
• Whether it's because they're too occupied with catering and events to update their website or because it's customized for terms you're not looking for, you won't find them.
• To rank highly on Google for competitive terms like "outside caterer" requires significant investment of time and resources, and even then, your ideal caterer may not be among the first to appear.
• Make do with the venue you've chosen for the nuptials.
• Make use of keywords that relate directly to your goals for using their site. "
• Food, Catering, and Caterer are related search phrases.
• Once you have many excellent caterers for your wedding in mind, it is time to make a final decision.
• To get the most out of your interviews, attempt to arrange a taste as part of your scheduled appointment time; after all, you will be judging them mostly on the quality of their food.
• Don't just collect business cards from caterers; before you leave, have them draught an estimate for you that includes things like per-person pricing, menu options, what's included in the price (beverages, equipment, staff), how the food will be served and presented, and any cheaper alternatives.
• How well the meal and the bill matched your anticipations.
• Before hiring a catering service, it's a good idea to do some research on them at the Better Business Bureau.
• Some easy dos and don'ts to remember for your first catering meetings are provided below.
• Don't contact caterers until you have a firm grasp on how many guests you'll be expecting for the wedding.
• Your total catering budget relies heavily on the number of visitors, making any discussions without this information largely speculative.
• Give me the lowdown on your priorities.
• We need to know the answer whether your goal is to have an exquisite dining experience or to invite as many of your closest friends as possible.
• A bride who is in the midst of wedding preparations would tell you that it is impossible to achieve a work-life balance.
• It would be much easier to compare catering services if you already know where you can reduce back.
• When discussing menus, the quality of the food offered is obviously paramount, right?
• Wrong.
• The quality of the caterer's service, the quality of the cuisine, and the quality of the presentation are all important, but in that order.
• Nothing else matters if the service is poor since that's what customers will remember.
• Instead, we suggest that engaged couples go to an event catered by their potential caterer.
• With this information at your disposal, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision.
• Take note of the employees' demeanour, level of guest care, and response to problems.
• In addition to the quality of the ingredients, the cost, the attractiveness of the presentation, and the competence of the service staff, there is another important consideration: your own personal taste.
• Pick a caterer you are comfortable with, one who gets your ideas and cares about your needs.
• So, you want this person to share in your special day.
• Your caterer will want to get to know you and your preferences during the course of an initial session that is relaxed and pressure-free.
• Then, a proposal including menu options and prices can be drafted for your preliminary meeting.
• Pick a catering service that can meet your needs and capture the feel you want for your special day.
• Any meals or menu options ordered from a catering service should be modified to accommodate the tastes and limits of the client.
• In order to get the best caterer for your event, it's important to understand the factors that contribute to price differences.
• Nothing negative should happen to the happy couple on the day of the wedding.
• For a caterer to do their job well, they need to know how to stay out of the way.
• Celebrate your new marriage by spending quality time with your friends and family.
• The catering personnel for your wedding should be well-versed in their duties and able to carry them out without causing any disruptions to the happy couple.
• Keep in mind that some foods are seasonal, so if you have your heart set on a game menu, a summer wedding may not be the best option.
• You can't choose a caterer for your wedding without first tasting their food, and this is the best part of the process.
• Getting a taste of the menu items before committing to a full order is the best way to narrow down your options and make the best decision.
• It's helpful to have a tasting of the menu items and observe how the service is handled in your wedding setting before the big day.
• Instead of making an effort to please everyone of your 120 guests, focus on what you would like eating.
• Unless the reception is later in the evening.
• Whether or not you've invited extra people over for the evening, it's always a good idea to have some snacks ready for your visitors in case they get hungry while drinking and dancing the night away.
• Prepare something heartier if you plan on entertaining guests that night.
• After spending a small amount on activities for your day guests, it's only fitting to treat your evening guests to some fine cheese boards, a snack table, or perhaps bowl food.
• That will satisfy their appetites before they dig into the wedding cake.
• Of course you want to know the ins and outs of hiring a caterer for your wedding, and you can see from the above that this is a very serious topic!
• Finding the perfect caterer for my clients is a crucial aspect of my job as a planner, but it's not always easy!
• If food is a top priority for your wedding, it may be worthwhile to contact a wedding planner to discuss your options and alleviate some of the stress associated with choosing the best caterers.
• Once you have a firmer grasp of the catering industry's lingo, you may begin compiling a set of questions to ask during your meeting.
• Wishing you the best of luck and delicious meals!