Finding a Top-Notch Wedding Caterer

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How To Hire and Book a Wedding Caterer

For many couples the search for a wedding caterer ends when they book a receptions site. These sites have their very own in-house caterer that will be creating the meal for you and your guests. However, not all sites have a dedicated chef, which means that it will be up to you to find one.

Finding a professional wedding caterer isn't the hardest thing to do, in fact, I'm going to show you a few practical ways of approaching this task that will have you selecting one in no time at all. Ready? Let's begin.

Meat and Spinach Lasagna Entree If you don't know or have a wedding caterer on speed dial, you can ask your friends for the names of some contenders that they recommend. You should also, pay close attention to the food at weddings and parties you attend. You may come about someone whose food is so delicious at someone else's event, that you could end-up wanting to hire them yourself. So keep a pen and notepad with you, at all times!

It's a known fact that most chef's specialize in a certain type of cooking, be it French, pan-Asian, Cajun, Italian, etc. So try to acquaint yourself with their strengths and specialties, so that you can both co-create a spectacular menu that you and your guests will enjoy. However, if you have your heart set on certain dishes or would like the wedding caterer to prepare a family recipe, you should bring it to their attention as soon as possible, to ensure that you're both on the same page from the start.

Greek Salad Ideally, it is best when the caterer has previously worked on the reception location you've chosen. Although this isn't a deal breaker by any means, it is to their advantage when they are familiar with the kitchen and aware of any issues they may have to face. Some of these issues would include yachts and historic homes, where the kitchen space is limited or there might be restrictions that could affect the menu you had in mind. If this becomes a problem, your caterer will most likely opt for preparing the food off-premises instead.

As you speak to your potential caterer, take notice if they are open to suggestions and if they offer alternative solutions for guests that may have food allergies or if they are vegetarians. By establishing an amicable business relationship with them, you'll be more likely to be satisfied with their services. Also, be sure to ask them for references, so that you can speak with their former clients and ask them about their experiences with this wedding caterer before making the decision to hire them.

Salmon Appetizer Once you've found the person for the job and have decided the ins and outs of the menu, it's time to find out what the wedding caterer's price includes? Is it just for the food and service, or does the quote cover dishes, table linens and glassware? Does he/she offer wedding cakes and bar service? When can you arrange to have a tasting, so you can get a sense and a feel of how the menu you've selected will taste and look on your wedding day?

Remember your wedding is a precious milestone in your life and you want every detail of it to be just right. By taking time to ask questions, have a food tasting and focusing on having a good relationship with them, you can be assured that your reception party will be a big hit. Everyone enjoys a good meal, there are no exceptions to this rule!

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