When planning your wedding, getting to know your vendors is a must. This way, they understand you and your understand them. You want your vendor to be a perfect match for you and your wedding so they can create your wedding day vision. This includes everyone, even the caterer. The food is so important on this day because everything should taste splendidly and go with the theme of your wedding. Plus, this is the one thing that will stick out in your guest's mind, which is how great the food tasted. So, Wedding and Party Network has compiled a great list of questions to ask a caterer to make sure they make your wedding day truly special.
Do you specialize in the type of food I want served at my wedding? For example, if you are wanting a Mexican styled wedding reception, you need to ask your caterer if they can create authentic Mexican food. They may not specialize in every type of food cuisine.- Can we arrange a tasting prior to the wedding? You want to taste the food beforehand right? Of course! Trying out what will be served at your wedding ensures that everything tastes just the way you want it too.
- What is the price range? Next up, ask about their pricing. They all charge different prices. Therefore, find the one that fits within your wedding budget. Of course, food is important. However, it may not be that important to you compared to your wedding dress.
- How involved are you during your wedding? Ask your caterer how involved they actually get within your wedding reception. Do they act as a banquet manager? Do they cue everyone when to eat, let the band know when you're cutting the cake and adjusting the schedule? If not, you will need to find someone who can do this, like a wedding planner or maybe your wedding venue has someone who acts as this.
- Do you provide tables, table linens, chairs, flatware, silverware and drinkware? These are things you need to find out. If they don't, you will need to find a wedding rental service that provides these items.
- Who is the main contact? You want to find this out so you know exactly who to ask for when you have questions. This person will know all the little details and ins and outs of your weddings. You don't want to talk to someone who doesn't know the details of your wedding and be transferred back and forth.
- Are you working any other weddings during this weekend? If they are working more than two, you may want to consider another caterer so you know they devote enough time to your wedding.
- What about your wait staff? Do they offer a wait staff? Again, this is important. You want people who can serve your guests and refill their drinks. If they don't, look on hiring a wait staff for your wedding.
- Will you be able to work from a recipe that we provide? Some brides may have a traditional family recipe that they want included in their wedding reception. Ask if caterers will do this. Some may and some won't, it just depends on their catering policies.
- Do you work with fresh and not frozen food? This is a given. Don't you want your food freshly prepared at your wedding?
- Do you have a license? Make sure they are a professional caterer who has actually catered weddings before and can handle a wedding of your scale.
- Where do you prepare your food? Do they have a certified kitchen where they prepare food at or is it in their kitchen? If you know someone who prepares out of their home and can cater, that's great. However, if you don't know them, that can be an issue.
- Do you prepare wedding cakes? It's always a bonus if they have a pastry chef on hand to prepare your wedding cake as well.
- Can we speak to previous clients for references? Check before you purchase. Don't you review items before you buy them? Well, this method applies to any wedding vendor, including your caterer. So, ask for references.
When it comes to hiring a caterer for your wedding, you always want to make sure they can capture your wedding through their food.
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Not in St Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!
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