How to Choose a Caterer For Your Wedding (Part 1)

Choosing the caterer that’s right for you

You said yes! Now what? Time to pick your date, your decor, your dress, your wedding party, your invitations, your guest list, your caterer... Whew! It can all get a little overwhelming.

But first thing’s first: pick your venue. Not all venues have a caterer on-site, whereas some caterers are tied to a venue or two. Some venues have preferred caterers, and this may limit your choices. There may be extra commissions to pay on food at some venues, as well.

You also need to decide if you’re going to hold your ceremony, reception, or both, at the venue.

When to book and what to ask

You should plan to book the venue and caterer for your wedding at least a year out, as the season has a short window. However, you should but keep in mind some venues will not book this far in advance, so do your research to avoid disappointment. Corporate events, comparatively, can be booked only a few months out, unless they fall during the Christmas party or wedding seasons.

When scoping prospective caterers, a few things you should ask about are food stylings, price point, what they include in their contract and how they handle what isn’t included.

Food Stylings

If you’re looking for a typical plated menu, most caterers offer a variety of chicken, beef, or fish dishes that are bound to satisfy the average palate. Served sit-down meals are still the tradition for wedding receptions. If it’s within your budget, consider offering interesting courses, like an amuse-bouche or palate cleanser, for that special touch.

Buffets are also more than acceptable, and give your guests an opportunity to select from a variety of items. Ethnically-themed buffets raise the bar, delight guests of blended couple—who have travelled to attend—but will also impress the local attendees.

The latest trends in food service, however, are stand-up receptions that push the envelope for style and presentation. Themed hors d’oeuvres menus, chef-attended action stations, and artistic presentation are very fashion forward. They will wow your guests. The secret is to ensure the offerings are high-end and plentiful, as more traditional eaters may have a skeptical approach to this format. Surely, the right quality and quantity will have them convinced by the time they are sated and dancing. You should consider counting 12 to 14 pieces per person to ensure your guests feel like they’ve consumed a dinner-like meal. If you add an action station, your caterer will count the chef-attended items in this count.

Finding a sales reps and chef that are creatively inclined is paramount to establishing a contemporary spread; being open to that creativity will win you a memorable event.

Another idea is to add butlered hot and cold canapés at the start of your event—a cocktail hour. This takes the pressure off guests who arrive a little late. It can also be used between the ceremony and reception when they are held back-to-back, at the same venue or out of town. It’s a nice touch when the ceremony space needs to be flipped to hold your reception, especially when there’s a covered balcony space or lounge in which to hold it.

~Kasia Gorski
Guest Blogger - Great Events Group

I have been writing since I was a teenager, and it cheers me to play with words and turn phrases. Until now, it has been mostly a hobby, but my new position with GreatEvents has incited me to write a few professional pieces, including guest blogs and magazine articles. Writing about an industry I love is a treat, as is the mitigation of party mishaps through the education of the public.