Vendor Tips - Caterers
 

 

 

 
 

# 1 - Quick Tips and Pointers

Not all weddings are held in a hotel or country club with a full restaurant staff. In fact, more weddings are held at public parks, historic sites, vineyards, community halls/chapels and private homes. If that’s the case for you, then you will need to find a caterer that fits your wedding style.

Finding a great catering company can actually be a lot of fun. For starters, do you have a favorite restaurant? Chances are they offer catering services. What about your cousin’s wedding—wasn’t that great food at the reception? Ask for the name of the catering company. Do you remember the delicious spread from an office party or seminar you attended? Find out who it was. Another place to find great caterers specializing in weddings is at local bridal shows – some offer samplings of their tasty entrées.

A tip about catering companies: many offer “value-added” wedding packages (such as flowers, cakes, photography, etc).

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# 2 - About
Take time with your fiancé and create a list of items to discuss before meeting with catering companies. For example, do you want a cocktail party with alcoholic refreshments and hors d’oeuvres? Do you want a formal sit-down dining experience or a more casual buffet style? How about a BBQ or theme stations? Okay, now it’s time to make appointments and get your appetite ready to sample great food! When you call the caterer, mention that you are considering hiring them for your wedding event.

If you aren’t sure about the menu -- no problem. Experienced caterers know all the ins and outs about serving weddings. They know what guests really like, what works well with large parties, and what to serve the children. They also have a good idea about which entrees complement others, including the type of wine to serve. The caterers are also aware of budgetary constraints, but it is a good idea to do some research. Some caterers advertise their average “per plate” rate (for example, $8-$25 per plate, or for larger budgets, $20-$75 per plate, or for a lavish wedding, as high as $60-$200 per plate).
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# 3 - Contracts
    Details will be very important. Read the Contract several times before you sign and return it. This vendor is probably the most expensive part of your wedding.

  • Description of the services (food servers, bartenders, cake service, napkins, tablecloths, silverware, plates, glasses)
  • Furniture included (tables, chairs, lighting)
  • Date and times to start each type of service; latest time to serve guests.
  • Deposit and requirements for payment.
  • Provision for discrepancies evident on the wedding day; unsatisfactory professionalism.
  • Guaranteed number of plates to serve.
  • Minimum and maximum plates to prepare.
  • Catering management service and emergency telephone number.

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# 4 - Questions to Ask
  • Ask if the caterer is available on your wedding date.Ask how long he or she has been servicing weddings.
  • Ask how many weddings he/she services in a month and on the day of your event.
  • Ask about the deposit and exactly what you get for the deposit.
  • If possible, ask for a sample order to see every little detail involved in serving a wedding. Make sure you take home a price sheet with details.
  • Ask specific questions about the refund policy in case you are dissatisfied before or during the wedding.
  • Ask about a fee for overtime for servers.
  • Ask if he or she has an assistant that you can contact as a backup.

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