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If the food is
right....the reception will be a success. This is one of the simplest truths about
planning a wedding. Choosing a quality caterer to handle your reception is
essential. A professional caterer will not only help with your menu and appetizer
selections, they will also assist in the 'aesthetics' or presentation of your selections
to add to the atmosphere of your reception. Be sure to choose a caterer based on
recommendations and your own personal interviews with them. This is an area where
spending a little bit more for quality will definitely pay off for the success of your
reception. Remember that getting a great value, is always better than finding the
cheapest person to do the job.
Below are some important things to consider when selecting a caterer. Be
sure to ask yourself these questions before meeting with your potential caterer, they will
help you decide what you want for your reception.
- Are they available for your wedding date? (very
important) Some caterers can handle more than one wedding a day, but be sure to
discuss this at length with them if they are doing 2 or more on your wedding date.
- Do you want a sit-down dinner or buffet-style dinner
- What services are provided by the caterer
Food prep and service
Equipment provided and what rentals are available
Set-up and Clean-up
Bar Staff (your hall may provide this)
Liquor (do they, your hall provide this or can you bring your own?)
Decorations and other items
- What types of foods do you want and can your caterer do
these. Do they have any specialties? (examples: gourmet, standard fare,
ethnic, specialty, health smart, etc.)
- Can they help you select a menu to fit the theme and elegance
of your reception
- Be sure that all contracts contain all the details you've
agreed upon. Get it all in writing. This will help avoid any
"surprises" along the way.
- Are there any additional fees/costs involved. Things
such as bar staff, gratuities, taxes, permits, etc.
- What deposit is required. Most caterers will require a
deposit to confirm the date and start working out the details. Be sure to ask about
refundability should you need to cancel or change later on.
- When are the balance payments due and how much will be due.
Be sure to keep a portion of the total bill to be paid after the reception.
This ensures that everything you have agreed to is done before the caterer receives all
their payment. If something is not provided, most caterers will give an
"allowance" off the final bill.
- When will the "final count" of guests be due, and
if needed, can it be increased or decreased at the last minute (within a week), by how
much, and at what cost.
- Can you sample the food the caterer will prepare in advance.
- Is the caterer licensed. Most halls will not allow a
caterer who is un-licensed.
- Can the caterer prepare "health smart" cuisine, if
needed
- What other services can the caterer provide (ex. cakes,
pastries, decorations, etc.)
Be reasonable with your expectations from your caterer.
A professional caterer will deliver a quality experience and will work with you to
make your reception perfect. However, little "hiccups" can come up and a
quality caterer needs to be a magician at times.
These are just some of the things to consider. Be sure
to get references, and choose a caterer that "fits" with your plans, and will
work with your ideas, along with their experience
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