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Over the years, many brides have come to me wanting a particular wedding menu they have seen spread over magnificent table scapes in the various bridal magazines. They have no clue what the exact cost is for that idyllic venue, but have dreamed of this wedding as the sitcom "Friends" character, Monica, had planned since she was a little girl. Being a sensitive and romantic individual, I feel their angst, but as a prudent caterer, the limitation of budget versus desire is a common occurrence brides, et al. experience.
Without your special event is going to be on Wall Street, you will more than likely have a "Main Street" affair during this economic recovery period. You and your fiancé can still have a glamorous and memorable occasion if you wisely choose your caterer.
Here is what you want in a caterer:
1. Listen to your ideas and is available for your chosen date
2. Has a reputation for excellent food and service
3. Is very creative and a keen eye for detail
4. Has great references and is known to be "one of the best in the area"
5. Licensed and Insured
6. Is not a relative
7. Has fabulous menus for every type of party
8. Has capacity of being able to handle multiple vendor needs (florist, entertainment, lighting, rentals, etc.) if your event is complicated
9. Has a great sense of humor and can handle any situation with calmness
10. Has experience in working in many different venues (outdoor, indoors, bed and breakfast hotels, small and large churches, etc.), and has contacts with all vendors needed
As approximately fifty percent (50%) of your total wedding budget will be the caterer and food, the choice is of the utmost importance. If you have a budget, tell her / him immediately. They can give you a choice of foods, which will fall within that guideline. Make sure that the caterer uses only the freshest of foods. You absolutely do not want the "Add Water to the Box or Microwave Cook" for your caterer or one who shops at wholesale clubs in the frozen section.
The largest difference in caterers (other than the excellent cooking skills and ability to perform) is the creative way in how the food is plated or placed upon the buffet table. It will cause your reception to be that "great wedding with the fabulous food", instead of the "same ol'-same ol '" wedding food no matter what you budget is. The comments that I get when catering is, "Your food is the best I have ever eaten", or "Will you cater my wedding / reception / office party / retirement dinner / etc.?", Or "You are so creative .. .I would have never thought to have displayed the food that way ". It is not the only great food, but the way it was presented.
Look for someone who goes that extra mile. An example: instead of serving your food on a flat banquet table (if you choose a buffet for your reception), ask your caterer to make layers of levels which they may have some of the trays placed. If your caterer says they do not do that, nor have the items in which to accomplish this, Run !!! Do not hire them! They are not going to do what you want and you will be disappointed. It is a simple request that anyone can do, but most will not. Ask to see pictures of receptions that they catered … you will see the proof of what you want or not.
A caring caterer can make a small, simple event or a larger event into an impressive, unforgetable memory for everyone. It is worth the extra time you use in your search for that ideal caterer.
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Source by Mary Levee
