Say "I Do" To Good Food: How To Choose The Right Wedding Caterer

Picture your wedding day…what kind of vibe do you imagine? Style doesn't just apply to wedding day duds anymore, as food has become an increasingly important focal point. If you are finding that to be an intimidating concept, take advantage of the following tips.

Manage your options.

Out of the gate you can whittle away at your options by eliminating anyone who is not available on your chosen date. If you think that goes without saying, think again. In a world consumed by celebrity chefs and trendy cuisine, food has become a major topic of conversation, and will be an important facet of the wedding day planning. You will want dibs on the caterer who suits your needs.

Find someone who wants this as much as you do.

It’s important to settle before-hand on the type of food you want served. You don’t necessarily need an Italian chef to satisfy your meatball craving, but if you have a clear vision, you can once again manage your options. A caterer worth their weight in egg whites won’t hesitate to tell you if their high end canapés will be out of place at your beachfront shindig. Conversely, a casual caterer may be off-putting at your black tie affair. Are you a vegan? Gluten free? Make certain as a couple you can reach an agreement on the type of fare that will make both of you happy and satisfy your guests. And just as important, make sure your caterer has the capacity to pull off your specialized diet requests.

Manage your expectations…and your budget.

Speaking of the “B” word, finances are going to play significant role in choosing the right caterer for your wedding. Aside from the obvious lump sum or per person totals, be wary of fine print that come with hefty fees. Will they serve alcohol? Cut and serve your cake? Set-up, clean-up? No matter your budget or expectations, you’ll want a purveyor who is going be up front about those things you can expect them to handle. You’ll want to take the time of day, type of service, and some menu ideas into account as you search. Knowing these details ahead of time will cut down on wedding-planning frustration. In addition, always check to ensure your venue allows outside caterers before signing with either vendor.

Do they work well with others?

Even the most well-staffed, professional caterers are going to have to work within the confines of your space, kitchen availability, and your wedding timeline. Keep that in mind when deciding if you want a caterer who requires a small army or extensive prep time. Make sure they work well under stress and will be respectful to even the most difficult of your guests. Take a look at another event they cater, if possible. Are empty water glasses refilled quickly? Are their staff professionally outfitted in aprons by SKG and food-safe gloves? Is the food properly covered, when not being served? All these are important things to take into account when considering a caterer.

Weddings are a multi-million dollar industry and catering is one of the major expenses you’ll encounter. Within reason, it could be worth your time to check out an up-and-coming caterer. Even a small portfolio of legitimate events can signal a good find, and you’ll pay less before they make a name for themselves. Regardless of your approach, don’t forget to savor the experience...and the food.