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Good Caterers
Wedding catering has always been one of the
most crucial aspects of planning a wedding. Besides choosing the
food menu items for the palette, you also need to think of other
factors – could there be potential allergies to certain types of
wedding food, will the food arrive on time, and will it taste
great? For all these reasons and more, it is very important that
you take the time to review the details of providing great cuisine
through a responsible and reliable wedding caterer. Ideally, you
will find someone who has experience in catering wedding
receptions, rehearsal dinners, theme weddings and bridal showers.
If the caterer is a custom designer, baker or Chef, they might
also help you plan your stunning wedding cake or cake tops. Here
are some tips we have found that might help make planning your
wedding catering easier than you might think:
Meet the Caterer(s) in person
with questions.
Many local wedding planners and coordinators know the industry
well. Ask them about potential caterers for your event. If you
contact a caterer, ask to meet with him or her in person. You will
want them to provide references in terms of their abilities and
experience. Ask your potential caterer about the largest
number of guests they can handle and when their last wedding
catering took place. Other important details are whether they are
insured, have health permits, and whether they are licensed.
Without a health permit a caterer cannot provide your wedding food
needs.
Check to see if a Caterer is included in
your wedding package.
Many couples choose to have a destination wedding and find that
special place to hold their wedding ceremony and reception. If
this is in your plans make sure you check that catering is not
included in a wedding package if you chose one. If catering is
included, make sure you still ask the appropriate questions.
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Tasting
Ask about food tasting. Many caterers will allow a tasting in
advance of the wedding so that you can choose cuisine that meets
your needs. Some charge a fee for this, while others don’t allow
it at all. Use discretion, and if possible, ask about bringing
others to the tasting. Write up a well-detailed contract
A business contract is always necessary in any business
transactions and catering is no exception. The contract can be
written and signed by you, the contractor and a witness (if
possible your fiancé or friend) and should include even the
smallest of details to ensure there are no misunderstanding as to
what is expected by both yourself and the caterer.
Assume you will need to put down a deposit.
Wedding catering menu ingredients
Ask about the ingredients used in preparing your meal. Are the
ingredients high quality, does the caterer bake in-house or order
out (especially for bakery and dessert items)? All of this will
play a role in pricing out the ultimate professional caterer for
your wedding.
Inquire about the cancellation policy
Always inquire about the cancellation policy. Read the fine lines
in any contract as there may be stiff penalties / taxes involved
if you need to change your event date or cancel altogether.
Another suggestion is to put some thought into a backup plan.
Although it’s rare and highly unlikely a wedding caterer or
catering company would leave you high and dry, stranger things
have happened.
In the end, your choice of wedding cuisine should match you and
your fiancés personal preference and style. By planning your
wedding catering thoroughly and wisely months in advance, one of
the most important aspects of you wedding will be thoroughly
enjoyed by all.
Bon appetite!
Darlene Munn
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