How to Choose a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception

Finding a caterer for your wedding is just one of the tasks that need to be arranged, but it is a fundamental one. Ideally, you want the best, but the "best" is what is considered best for you and your personal needs. So decide beforehand what your expectations are in a caterer and then follow these steps when you choose a caterer for your wedding reception.

Steps

1. Establish a budget before meeting with a caterer and stick to it. Remember also that there are a number of factors that determine the price of meals, such as whether you will be providing a buffet or plated meal, how many options you will be giving your guests, and the quality of the food.
2. Attend a wedding show or exhibition where you can get an opportunity to sample food from various caterers in the area. Take business cards from the ones you are interested in.
3. Get a recommendation from other vendors that you may have decided to work with already. Maybe the site coordinator at the reception location can provide you with a list of approved wedding reception caterers that they have personally worked with. Don't forget to check with friends and colleagues for their feedback.
4. Decide on 5 or 6 potential caterers. Any more than that will just make the process confusing and overwhelming.
5. Save some time by calling your list of potential caterers. Ideally, you want to narrow your list down to 3 that you can visit. Ask some questions over the phone, such as their availability on the day of your wedding and whether they have a menu that meets your budget.
6. Make a list of questions to ask your final 3 potential caterers of wedding receptions. You will be comparing these caterers and hopefully choosing the one that meets all your needs. Questions to ask include the type of menu they would suggest for your budget; whether bartenders are provided; if they accommodate for vegetarian or dietary needs; deposit, refund, and cancellation policies; gratuity expectations; and so on.
7. Request a sampling of menu item choices. Sometimes caterers schedule tasting for wedding parties throughout the year, but if you miss one, request your own. You may have to pay for a private tasting, but the alternative may be worse. Never commission a caterer without sampling the menu that you are planning on offering.
8. Base your final choice on which wedding caterer is willing to give you want you want. Stay away from the company that insists on trying to sell you above and beyond what you had originally planned on. You want a caterer who understands what your personal needs are and who is dedicated to making that happen.
9. Review the contract fully before finalizing your decision. Make sure you are getting everything you want within your budget and that there are no hidden charges.

Warnings

• Give yourself enough time to shop around. The last thing you want is to rush into a decision and be disappointed with the end result.

Sources and Citations

• [http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-reception-planning/articles/17-questions-to-ask-your-wedding-caterer.aspx?MsdVisit=1

The http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-reception-planning/articles/17-questions-to-ask-your-wedding-caterer.aspx?MsdVisit=1
The] Knot offers a list of helpful questions to ask potential caterer.


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