Choosing A Caterer

What to serve

Once you’ve heard of a caterer you are interested in, call them to set up an appointment and request as much information by mail or fax that you can, such as background, brochures and menus.

Check if they have a website and search online through their menus and information. Review biographical information on the chef and his area of specialties to get a feel for the type of food he can create and if it matches the cuisines you enjoy.

Before the appointment, think about some of the basic information you will need to provide to the caterer, such as the date, time of day, your approximate budget, and number of guests. Give a good amount of thought to the type of reception you envision as well as any special needs or requests—don’t forget any food allergies!

Try to meet with the caterer at the reception site you have chosen. Ask lots of questions, including topics such as availability, menu options, service requirements, set-up and clean-up, equipment, gratuities, and of course, pricing and exactly what they include. Many caterers go well beyond the cuisine and handle everything from china and glassware rentals to floral arrangements and a string quartet. After you have met and decide to continue the process and choose a tentative menu, it is wise to schedule a tasting of the food you are considering before making your final menu selections. Make sure you feel comfortable with the menu you have chosen and the quality of the food provided.

If your caterer is handling just the food for your event, make sure they are coordinating with all of the other wedding vendors they may need to interact with, which may include the florist, pastry shop, liquor store, rental company, entertainment, and on-site venue coordinator. Direct, clear communication is a very important responsibility between your caterer and all the other elements of your wedding reception. Most times, the caterer is the key to making that all happen. Provide the caterer with your other vendor names and numbers and vice versa and emphasize how important it is for them to coordinate on your behalf.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CUISINE

The sky’s the limit with the high quality of culinary talent at today’s catering companies. When it comes to choosing a cuisine or theme for your wedding or wedding-related event, many catering chefs have areas of culinary expertise that lend themselves naturally to fabulous dining experiences.

Ethnic cuisine is all the rage and you can choose a cuisine that reflects your heritage, interests or taste. For a couple choosing to honeymoon in Hawaii, an engagement luau sets the tone for the romantic times to come.

Many caterers specialize in both traditional and modern luau cuisine that is fun and delicious. A patriotic picnic menu provides lots of choices for great American favorites like barbequed ribs and chicken for a Fourth of July holiday rehearsal dinner or even a red, white and blue wedding reception.

A Spanish Tapas reception not only features great cuisine, but the sharing of these “little dishes” can help break the ice by inviting new family and friends to interact while dining.

Cuisine themes can run from the more traditional Italian, French and continental to Asian, Mediterranean, Latin and modern eclectic.

Creative caterers can design interactive theme showers including cooking demonstrations, wine and food pairings, wine and cheese parties, and afternoon teas to name just a few. The possibilities you can “cook up” are really up to you…and your caterer!