There are few things more stressful than planning a wedding, and choosing the right food is a big part of that. We’re here to relieve some of your stress by filling you in on how to choose the perfect wedding caterer for your big day.
Settle in, take a deep breath, and keep reading to find out what factors you need to consider, how to decide what food to serve at your wedding, and what questions to ask a potential catering service.
The Purpose of Wedding Catering
There are enough things to worry about on the day of your wedding without having to coordinate the serving of the food. That’s why most people opt for a wedding caterer who makes sure that the guests are fed and watered on schedule so that you can focus on enjoying one of the most important days of your life!
The Order of Food at a Wedding Dinner
Depending on how long your ceremony is and whether there’s a reception immediately following the main event, you need to consider different meals and refreshments to ensure you’ve got all your bases covered.
When deciding what to serve at your wedding, think about how food and drinks will fit into the overall schedule. Some possible components to think about include:
Many weddings have a cocktail hour between the main ceremony and the reception so that guests have nice drinks and snacks to enjoy while waiting for the newlywed couple to make their first appearance. This is an opportunity to choose unique and delicious finger foods or hors d’oeuvres that can be easily enjoyed with a drink in one hand.
This is the main dinner event that will be most memorable (hopefully in a good way!) for your guests. You’ll have a choice between a buffet-style spread or a sit-down dinner during which all guests are served at the same time.
When everyone is having a great time on the dancefloor and has had a few drinks, there’s nothing more exciting than some pre-planned late-night snacks to fuel the party. This is the perfect part of the evening to have a food truck creating more casual and popular treats such as pizza, tacos, poutine, or crepes.
Why is a Wedding Catering Service Important?
There are countless things to think about when planning a wedding, but food just might top the list! Think back to the weddings you’ve attended…chances are the things you remember most are how happening the dance floor was and whether the food was tasty. The food is certainly a central focus of receptions, even more so if you opt for a sit-down dinner. So, how do you choose the perfect wedding caterer for your big day to ensure an unforgettable event?
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Caterer for Your Big Day: 9 Tips
Choosing the right wedding catering service can ensure that you have a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day. Here are 9 things to consider when choosing the perfect wedding caterer for your big day.
1. Figure Out Your Budget for Wedding Catering
It’s easy to get quickly overwhelmed by the options that exist when you don’t have at least a vague idea of how much you’re willing to spend on wedding catering. Choose a range, including the minimum and maximum budget you have for food.
2. Do Your Research
There are countless options for wedding catering, so you should do your research and narrow down the list before you start contacting potential caterers. Ask friends and family for recommendations as well as looking online. Otherwise, you might end up spending far too much time speaking with caterers that are not the right fit.
3. Look at the Wedding Catering Provider’s Past Experiences
The best predictor of the perfect wedding caterer is their past performance. Read online reviews and ask your shortlist of wedding caterers for references so that you can talk to former clients about their experience.
4. Make Sure You Know What’s Included and What Isn’t
Every wedding caterer offers different services, so make sure you know what you’re getting for the cost. For example, one caterer may have a fine dining menu but not provide linens and glassware, which is an additional cost you’ll have to bear. Meanwhile, others may include these extras in their price.
5. Consider How Many Catering Staff You’ll Need on the Wedding Day
The perfect wedding caterer for your big day will not only offer the most delicious food but will also have the staff needed to ensure smooth service. Depending on the size of your wedding, you may require a caterer with the capacity to handle larger events.
6. Choose a Wedding Caterer Who is Flexible and Willing to Bring Your Vision to Life
Your guest may have certain dietary restrictions and allergies that you need to accommodate. After all, your wedding guests are some of the nearest and dearest to you and you want to ensure they have an amazing time at your big event! Check how willing wedding caterers are to adapt their recipes to meet these needs.
7. Schedule a Tasting in Advance
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding caterers, be sure to sample the wedding menu so know what to expect. Most wedding caterers should offer a tasting, but make sure you request one if they don’t.
8. Have an Idea of What Type of Cuisine You’d Like to Serve at Your Wedding
Your wedding day is all about you and your partner celebrating your love, so it makes sense to choose the food that you love the most! It’s better to start your search for a wedding caterer with a type of food in mind so you can seek out caterers who excel in that type of food.
9. Make Sure Your Dates Line Up
It seems obvious, but don’t forget to confirm whether your preferred catering service is available on your wedding day. In fact, you may want to start with this before you get your heart set on a provider who is not available when you need them!
How to Properly Plan a Wedding
Food is a big part of the wedding. Many guests will only remember how tasty the food was and how good the music was, so finding the perfect wedding caterer is a super important piece of the puzzle! Here are some frequently asked questions about how to choose the perfect wedding caterer for your big day.
What are the Factors to Consider When Selecting a Wedding Caterer?
As mentioned above, the things you should consider when selecting a wedding caterer include their availability, the size of your wedding, your dietary preferences, what is included in the package, and references.
You may wonder what questions to ask a catering service. Here is a start:
- Are linens, glassware, or any other extras included with the food?
- Are you able to provide a tasting menu in advance?
- Are you available on the wedding date?
- Are you willing to accommodate dietary restrictions?
- How many staff do you have?
How do I Decide What to Serve at my Wedding?
What you serve at your wedding depends on your food preferences, the dietary restrictions of your guests, and how many guests you will have. A larger wedding may necessitate a buffet-style meal, while a sit-down dinner in family style can work for a more intimate wedding.
How Much Food Should I Cater for a Wedding?
How much food you will need depends on how many guests you will have. This will depend on your budget but remember that it’s better to overestimate than underestimate to make sure your guests are happy!
Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Caterer
Now that you know how to choose the perfect wedding caterer for your big day, we invite you to consider Tayybeh’s wedding catering service for a unique and flavourful Middle Eastern food option. Our dynamic team is dedicated to making your big day stress-free, rewarding, and above all, delicious!
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