I understand your concern. A wedding service provider writing an article on how to choose a wedding caterer. Sounds self-serving, does it? Well, let me assure you that I do not intend to use this platform to rope you in choosing our services. Instead, I will share some of my personal advice that I would give to my own family on the right wedding caterer selection tips.
There is nothing better than seeing guests enjoy the food at your wedding. But at the same time, I have seen people turn their caterer into a nightmare due to poor planning on their part. Choosing the right caterer for your wedding requires much more than just asking them how much they charge per plate.
Wedding Caterer Selection Tips: Go For Experience and Reliability
A wedding caterer selection tips should always begin with experience. When looking for the right caterer for your wedding, enquire how many weddings they have catered and if they have experience working at the place you have chosen for your wedding.
Ask them about their experience with large-scale functions. If you are throwing a seated dinner for 150 people, it should be different than a buffet for 150 people. They need to have the skill set, information, and experience of putting on your function. It is surprising how many caterers charge an arm and a leg for their services but do not have the expertise and experience to handle your function. Always be aware of their experience, communication skills and ability to get the job done.
Wedding Catering Checklist: Ensure You Cover All Your Bases
You should always make a wedding catering checklist that covers all your requirements before finalizing any contracts with your caterer. You will avoid a lot of disappointments by covering all your bases. So, before finalizing any contracts, ensure that you ask them:
- What is included in the menu and can you do a tasting?
- How many staff members will they provide?
- Will they supply all the equipment needed for the function?
- How exactly do you want your function to be serviced?
- Who is responsible for setting up and clearing up after the function?
- What happens if your wedding catering guest counts change?
- Can you bring outside food?
- Will they provide crockery and glassware?
- Do they take away the leftover food?
Always remember that verbal agreements hold no weightage. It is essential to put everything you discuss in writing. That way, you and your caterer both cannot back out of any of the terms you have decided on.
Wedding Caterer for Wedding: Ensure To Taste Before You Buy
When looking for a wedding caterer for wedding you should ensure you taste before you buy. A responsible caterer knows that it is essential for you to try their food before entering into any formal agreements with them. So, ensure you taste their food before you make any financial commitments. You can also get a tasting session with the service provider where they will prepare a small section of dishes for you to try.
But, in the tasting session, you should also ensure that the food is tasty besides looking good. While tasting check flavor, season, freshness, plating and presentation before nodding for the final approval. It is important to check all dishes that you want to keep in the menu, especially if you are opting for Indian menu, or mix of cuisine.
During the tasting session, you will always feel free to give honest feedback on what you like or what you dislike. This way, you would come to know if they are responsive enough to alter a dish according to your choice.
Wedding Caterer Comparison: Avoid Going after the Cheapest Quotes
When researching about a proper wedding caterer comparison it is essential to compare at least two or three caterers. Always remember that it is not just about who charges the lowest rates. It is essential you compare the services they provide and what is included in their packages. Always ask them how much menu items, staff, equipment, transportation, set up, clean up, tasting, taxes, and other additional charges cost.
Wedding Catering Services: Always Know What You Are Paying For
Some caterers, for example, could have offered a lower quote than their competitor but it could be the reduced cost of additional prices. It is also required to have a realistic budget for the wedding catering. Know how much is the catering cost in Kolkata or wherever your wedding is going to take place can aid in setting a realistic budget before starting contacting the caterers.
When it comes to wedding catering services always know what you are paying for. A responsible caterer will be transparent about everything that they need to provide. So, when in doubt, always ask them the following questions:
- Are they going to handle the set up of the function?
- Are they going to clear up the function after it is over?
- Will they handle the buffet counter?
- Who is in charge?
- Who is going to clean up?
Wedding Catering Packages: Always Read the Fine Print
While researching about the wedding catering packages, you should always ensure to get the final estimation. Always ask if the final estimation includes all the additional charges that you might need. For example, are the side dishes, desserts, presentations, crockery, disposal of waste food everything included? Do they set up the buffet counters? Will they keep serving for the entire duration of the function?
Wedding Catering Cost: Always Ask For Itemized Bills
When it comes to wedding catering cost it is best to have an itemized bill. So, if a caterer asks you for your final guest count make sure that the cost is going to be according to your final guest count or is there an additional cost for extra guests?
Always ask for itemized bills that show you how much you are going to be charged for food, staff, equipment, transportation, taxes, and additional costs. You also need to ask them if the final amount will be based on your confirmed guest count, guaranteed minimum, or actual guest count.
If you still have other events to cater for, such as a corporate event or a reception, you can always ask the caterer how catering for a corporate event differs from catering for a wedding. Comparing corporate event catering will allow you to get the necessary insight to finalize your decision.
Wedding Catering Menu Ideas: Always Create the Best Menu For Your Guests
When it comes to wedding catering menu ideas it is essential to create the menu that your guests are going to enjoy. A good caterer will assist you in developing the perfect menu that contains the best mix of cuisine, spices, flavors, and courses. You also need to consider the number of dishes on your menu. While it may be tempting to put as many courses as you can afford always keep in mind that a smaller plate with the best flavors can satisfy your guest’s cravings more than a plate that is just mediocre.
You might also want to add a few dishes that you and your partner both love along with other dishes. You must not alienate the guests with some completely unfamiliar menu or cuisine. So, if you are having a Bengali wedding, you can consider Chinese, Mughal or continental dishes alongside Bengali dishes.
Wedding Catering Guest Count: Always Keep Track Of Your Guests
When it comes to wedding catering guest count it is essential to keep track of your guests. So, make sure that you inform your caterer of your final guest count. The guest count will determine how much food you will be ordered and how much your total catering bill is going to be. You may also want to have a guest list so that you can keep track of your guests and inform your caterer of the final count on time.
In addition, if you are providing drinks or alcoholic beverages at your wedding you also need to think about how much you will be serving since consumption rates for beverages are not consistent.
The guest count is essential but also remember to keep in mind that you are not catering for your guests, you are catering for your guests. So, a responsible caterer will not just ask you the number of your guests, they will also ask additional questions to figure out what your guests need.
Ask the Questions Other Couples Forget
Before you finalize your decision, ask the questions that other couples forget to ask. Here are some questions that you should always ask:
- Who will be my point of contact?
- Who is going to be the person in charge?
- How will emergency situations be handled?
- How will the food be kept warm and ready for the function?
- How will the food be stored?
- What will be done if the chef or a crucial member of the staff is not available?
- What are their food safety and storage regulations?
- Other questions that come to your mind.
You can always make a questions-to-ask-before-hiring-wedding-catering document to ensure that you do not forget any significant questions when interacting with your caterer.
Remember that when you ask these questions it is essential you listen to the answers they give. Always remember that a professional caterer should be able to answer your questions without hesitation. A responsible caterer should also be able to handle your questions regarding what they are going to do if something goes wrong on your wedding day.
Avoid caterers that seem reluctant to answer your questions or try to push you to sign the contract immediately. In addition, you should also avoid caterers who are not willing to put their terms in writing.
Why Choose Our Catering Services from EventsMonial?
At EventsMonial we always believed that catering for weddings should be as exciting as your big day. We always put together exciting menus, provide you with dependable catering services, and ensure that you are working with an experienced team.
We would love the opportunity to help you choose the best catering options for your special day. Contact EventsMonial to learn more about our catering services and discuss your catering requirements.
