Choosing a Caterer
One of your largest expenses when planning a wedding is the food. While florals and dresses might get the most glory, the food is what your guests will talk about. My grandma still talks about our Italian feast at my wedding 10 years ago!
Choosing a caterer can be intense. I’m going to boil it down to a few considerations and signs to look for to find the perfect fit for your event.
Venue
Typically, you start your planning with the venue choice. In many cases, this will dictate the direction you go with the food. More formal, hotel-type spaces will have an on-site caterer, and you will choose from their menu. Prices are high, as the cost of renting the venue is usually rolled into the per plate price.
Other venues will charge a higher price for renting the space, but you have your choice from a list of preferred caterers. At some venues you can go outside the preferred list, but you’ll pay extra. This can be a flat fee or a per guest fee.
In both scenarios, you generally don’t have to worry about the credentials of the caterer. The venue has likely vetted them, checking for health department licenses and proper insurance coverage. These vendors also know the space and how to partner with the venue. This can save you time and stress.
You may have chosen a venue that has no restrictions (like Cana Event Venue). If this is you, choosing your vendors is completely in your court. Let’s dig a little deeper into what you might face.
Vetting Your Caterer
Freedom to choose any caterer can make your reception a more personal experience. Out with the rubbery chicken and forgetful potato side dish, and in with the BBQ! You are only limited by what your venue can accommodate. Let’s get to the steps you should take when hiring your caterer.
1. See what your venue requires. They may need proof of insurance or licensure. If the venue doesn’t require this info, ask the caterer just in case.
2. Make sure the food is delicious! Any caterer should be more than happy to supply you with samples of their food. Be suspicious if they don’t.
3. Be upfront about dietary restrictions. DO NOT spring the need for a vegan option on your caterer right before the wedding. If you do, do not expect them to be accommodating on such short notice.
4. Find any hidden fees. Some catering companies will charge you separately for every single item they use. Thought serving ware was included? It might be extra. Make sure everything is spelled out in your contract so you don’t get any surprises on the bill.
5. If you like the food and the price is right, make an appointment for your caterer to see the venue (if they haven’t already). They might have requirements for a kitchen space. It is also helpful for them to have the lay of the land prior to the big day.
6. Sign a contract. Get of copy of the signed contract. Do not lose the signed contract. It should have the date, time, and any other necessary details of your event.
7. Request multiple avenues to contact your caterer: phone, email, etc. If you need to contact them the day of, you don’t want to be stuck with just an email address that they don’t check often.
8. Give a realistic estimate of guest count to be sure the catering team can accommodate the number. Also, make sure you have enough people to cover the minimum order amounts.
9. If possible, get word-of-mouth reviews. These are usually the most accurate. Keep in mind, that people that are unhappy with the service are much more likely to leave an online review. On the flipside, be wary of reviews on the vendor’s website. In most cases, these can be edited to only include the positive reviews. Trust your gut!
As with any vendor, if you don’t like them, don’t use them. They will be part of the team for one of the largest projects you will ever plan, and they need to click with you. Choose wisely so you can eat, drink, and be married (stress-free)!