Catering
Tips and Questions
Food plays an important role in the wedding festivities,
so you'll want to take plenty of time and care when choosing your
caterer. Here are some great questions to ask your caterer to ensure
that you have an amazing "wedding feast" without any surprises!
Menu Options and Reception Styles
There are so many food varieties to choose from when
it comes to menu selection. You can have a traditional sit down
dinner, buffet, food stations or a cocktail reception. It all depends
on your personal preference and budget.
Budget
Let your caterer know your budget up front. Don’t
assume that a buffet or food station is less expensive than a sit
down dinner. It all depends on the type of food served, not how
it's served.
Food Preparation
Does the caterer use all fresh food and produce? Will
any of the food for the reception be frozen or canned?
Taste Testing
Ask if your caterer will do a "tasting"
and when. This is where the bride and groom can go sample and taste
some of the caterer’s dishes. Yum Yum...
Leftovers
Ask what is done with the leftover food. Particularly,
if you are having a buffet or food station, there can be food leftover.
Some brides choose to have the leftover food given to a homeless
shelter or packed up and brought home. Some caterers don't offer
this option because they can’t guarantee its freshness and
they don’t want anyone to get sick if the food is not stored
properly.
Ethnic Recipes
Ask if dishes can be prepared that are not included
on the regular menu. Some brides have a special "family"
dish they'd like or a particular type of ethnic food prepared. This
is a great way to really personalize your dinner and reception.
Guaranteed Numbers
Many caterers will quote prices based upon a certain
number or minimum number of guests. For instance, your caterer may
have a minimum of 100 guests and if only 80 show up there may be
an additional fee.
Wedding Cakes
Do they offer wedding cakes in their package? Can
they make you a wedding cake? Will the caterer cut up the cake for
you and will they do this for free or charge a fee? Some caterers
charge a per slice fee, so be aware!!
Taxes and Gratuities
Are they included in the price or will they be added
later? Find out what the final price is.
Ratio of Servers to Guests
Now, this will vary depending on the type of reception
you have.
Dress Code for Wait Staff
How will the staff be dressed?
Decorations
Ask to see pictures of their table displays. Some
caterers that do buffets or food stations will include floral arrangements
and other decorations. As your wedding plans progress, talk to your
caterer about your colour theme so that all decorations and floral
arrangements will coordinate.
Also, find out what type of decorating they might
do for you. Will they swag your head and cake tables? Will they
set out your favours and seating cards?
Tableware and Linens
Does the price include table linens, napkins, dishes,
and glassware? Ask to see samples. Remember, if you don’t
like the tableware or linens they offer, most everything can be
rented, but usually at an additional price!
Licenses
Your caterer should be licensed by the province. Most
display their license in their office, but if you're not sure, ask!
Liquor
Do you need to get a Special Occasions Permit
from the liquor board? If you are supplying the alcohol and they
are bringing the mix, what is the price per person? If you are providing
the alcohol, will the caterer charge you a corkage fee?
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