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One of the most important things you'll need to remember when you plan your special day is the caterer. This is because the food you serve will be one of the most memorable parts of the reception for your guests. Caterers can be booked up to a year in advance, so it is wise to search one out early. A simple time line for finding a caterer is to start looking for one at 10 months before the wedding, make sure you have booked the caterer by 8 months, and decide on a menu by 6 months.

A good caterer does more than one might think. They are well trained in food selection and preparation, reception staging, serving and clean up. Some go as far as to decorate for you, hire bartenders, and provide the wedding cake. Others may only prepare and serve the food and then clean up.

When looking for a caterer, keep in mind these things:

• Find a caterer with a good reputation which food you can sample before signing a contract.
• Make appointments and interview many different caterers to find the right one for you. Some caterers may even give you phone numbers of past customers who were pleased with the caterer's work.
• Many reception sites have their own catering services, so when you're looking for a hall, decide if it has what you want in both catering and atmosphere.
• Check to see what services the caterers will provide other than just the meal (electricity, lighting, tents, tables, linens, chairs, etc).

If you feel like you have found the right caterer, wait to sign a contract until the caterer understands your expectations and you understand the terms of agreement. Keep in mind questions such as: will the cost be a flat rate or a per-person fee? Are gratuities automatically added? Are you going to have a sit-down dinner or a buffet? Will drinks be included in the price?

Catering is one of the most expensive parts of the wedding, so when it comes to cost, it is up to you whether you want to spend any amount or keep costs down. There are different ways serve food at your wedding that will vary the price. Some tips to keep in mind are:

• Most caterers will charge per-person, which means the cost will depend on the number of guests that you expect to come.
• American food will cost much less to serve than an exotic or international dish such as French, Mediterranean, Thai or Indian.
• Cost will increase if you decide to have the caterer take care of the wine and the wedding cake instead of doing that yourself.
• Buffet-style catering will cost less than if waiters serve your guests, yet it is also less elegant.
• Most caterers include set up and clean up in per-person cost; if they do not, that will increase the cost.
• Most caterers have special rates for children, so be sure to ask about that.
• Overtime costs, gratuities or taxes will all affect the final cost of your caterer.

Many people forget about the cost of drinks when planning for a caterer. This can really rack up the price depending on what you want to serve for beverages:

• The least expensive option is to not serve any alcohol, and instead have a cash bar where guests can buy their own drinks. If you decide to do this, inform your guests so they know to bring their own money.
• A nicer option, but more expensive, is to serve only beer and wine. You can buy the beer and wine yourself or have the caterer to provide them (this will be a little more expensive than buying it yourself).
• The most expensive option will be to have an open bar with free drinks. Your guests will love this and you will not have to worry about providing drinks yourself. Remember to include champagne for the wedding toast.

Because the food and drink at your wedding will be one of the most memorable parts for the guests and for you, be sure you are happy with your choice of a caterer. Remember these tips when selecting a caterer, and make sure they have what you want.

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Source by Caprice Pettit