Wedding planning is both exciting and stressful at the same time. On the one hand, you’re about to plan the biggest party of your life in celebration of your love for your fiance. On the other hand, there is so much involved in terms of budgets, planning, securing the best vendors. Wedding planning really can be an overwhelming experience. But as long as you are prepared with research and with what your expectations are, it really can be a breeze!

Here are 5 things we recommend you consider when hiring a wedding caterer:

1) Taste testing
What do you do before you buy your wedding dress? You try on a bunch of dresses!
What do you do before you book a venue? You visit!
What do you do before you hire a photographer? You check out their portfolio before deciding to meet!

So what is the first thing to do when deciding on a caterer? Schedule a taste testing!!

Your caterer will offer you a taste testing to give you the opportunity to decide if you like their style of cooking and if you like the taste and presentation of the food. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential caterers, schedule your taste testing as soon in advance as possible. A caterer may check off all of your must-haves, but if you don’t like their food, then you move on!

2) Relating to the Caterer.
Do you like their personalities? Are they genuine, authentic, and importantly, are they friendly and hospitable? Their food may be amazing, but do you like them as people? When hiring a caterer, you are hiring as much for taste and quality in food as their customer service skills and hospitality.

3. Ask for referrals from past wedding receptions.
Sure you can view a caterer’s reviews on Google, Facebook, or The Knot, but some of those reviews may have been for completely different types of receptions than what you’re planning. Are you planning a laid-back, family-style BBQ – or are you planning an upscale dinner? Ask your caterer if they can connect you with a previous couple that may have chosen similar meals as what you are planning to feature at your wedding.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for something that may not be on the menu.
If you know some of your guests have food allergies, or prefer vegan dishes, feel free to ask your caterer if they could make something that would accommodate your guests’s needs. They may not advertise certain foods on their menus, but a good caterer should be flexible in creating something extra special.

5) Beware of hidden charges that get added on. 
Your caterer should give you detailed information regarding their pricing and what that includes. Before you give them your final confirmation of what they will prepare for your wedding, ask for an invoice. Are you paying extra for silverware, plates, cups, and/or napkins, or is all of that included? If they have different packages, ask them the differences in pricing and extra services.

This leads to a bonus piece of advice: Communication!
When you reach out to your caterer, and when you meet with them for the first time, tell them your vision. Tell them what you want in terms of food, service, presentation, bar tending services, clean-up, day-of-coordinating, just name a few. It might come up that a specific caterer does not offer bar tending, and that could be a deal-breaker for you.

And once you have booked the caterer, email them or call them with questions along the way. Do not hesitate to reach out with concerns or issues that may come up. They should be willing to answer all questions or requests at any point.

If you are planning a wedding, please contact us today!