How to Select Wedding Caterers

The food served at a wedding can really set the tone for the entire event. A good caterer can take your vision for your big day and make it a reality. They can also make sure your wedding reception runs smoothly and that everyone enjoys their meal. Whether you want a buffet, plated dinner, or food stations, your wedding caterer can accommodate all of your needs and offer a variety of options for your guests with dietary restrictions or allergies.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a caterer is to choose one that can deliver what you want within your budget. A few extra choices or add-ons may seem tempting but you should always be mindful of how they impact your final invoice. Some add-ons that commonly appear on wedding invoices include a premium menu, cocktail hour snacks, late night food stations, and/or a bar package.

It’s best to choose a wedding caterer that specializes in the type of food and service style you prefer. Some venues require their in-house or preferred catering provider to work with their property, which can limit your options and can lead to some frustrating situations.

A great place to start when selecting a caterer is with online reviews and testimonials. You can also ask friends and family if they have worked with a specific caterer or what their experiences were like. Once you’ve found a few potential options, reach out to them to get a quote and schedule a tasting.

A tasting is an opportunity for you and your fiance to try out the proposed menu items. This is a chance for you to narrow down dishes if needed, ask questions, and let the caterer know if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies you have that they should be aware of. You should expect a tasting to last a few hours and will typically be limited to two people.

You can also expect your wedding catering package to include staff to oversee beverage services. This can include both hard and soft drinks depending on your preference. Often, your catering company will subcontract out bartenders for hard beverages and will serve the soft drinks themselves on a separate table.

Another aspect of your menu that is essential to consider are the main course options. Whether you are choosing a selection of delectable meats, fish, or different types of pasta, the main course should leave your guests satisfied and full. A great example of this was the Juan Carlo menu that Ara Mina and Dave Almarinez used for their recent wedding that went viral (see pictures here). They kept everything frugal but included an incredible selection of dishes that were both beautiful and tasty!