Wedding Planning Tips: Picking a Caterer- Part One
Having worked in the catering world for 5 years, I’ve seen both good and bad caterers. Picking a caterer that’s right for you is crucial. They will be providing the staff to serve your guests and there is nothing worse than bad service and bland food.
But how do you pick one that’s right for you? Catering is as much about service as it is food. But what type of service do you want at your wedding? A lot of people distinguish only a sit-down dinner or a buffet, but there are other options as well. Family style, where platters of food are brought to the table and then passed around is one option that is fun, interactive, and a great way for guests to break the ice.
Another, more casual option is to have food stations. In this scenario, smaller buffets are setup with three items that are in the same theme. For instance, you could have an Asian station with sushi, to-go boxes with a noodle salad, and dumplings. This type of affair is very non-traditional, but it gets your guests out of their seats and gives your wedding a fun cocktail party vibe.
Once you decide on the type of service you want for your wedding, it’s on to the menu. Many couples simply default to chicken and steak with a Caesar salad and some sautéed veggies. But the menu can be a great place to personalize your wedding.
For starters, each of you should write down your favorite foods. Do certain foods have a special meaning to your relationship (like if you met your fiancé at a donuts place at 2 in the morning—could this become your dessert)? What is your favorite restaurant? Is food presentation important to you? Do you have special dietary restrictions (Kosher, vegetarian, vegan) or allergies (for example, to peanuts or shellfish)? Then compare and contrast between your lists.
Between knowing what type of service you want and knowing what some of your favorite foods are, it’s time to start looking for a caterer. Referrals from recently married couples or friends and family are always a good jumping-off point. If you are planning a destination wedding, call around to various locations and see who is on their preferred vendor list.
Once you have your list it’s time to start making some calls. Tomorrow I will talk about first impressions and how to review a catering proposal.
Images are from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, based in the Bay Area.
