There are many things that your guests will talk about during and after your wedding. Apart from your dress, the romantic ceremony, and the gorgeous flower arrangements, they will also discuss the food. It’s not surprising that not all caterers serve weddings. There’s a great deal of pressure and responsibility involved. So, when planning your wedding food, you will need to ask potential caterers some very specific questions.
What’s included in the service?
When paying for a professional catering service, it’s your right to know what to expect. It should go without saying that the food will be provided, but there are other aspects that can often be seen as optional. You should ask about such provisions as cutlery, crockery, and additional services like setting up the place settings and cleaning up afterward. If any of these are not included on your caterer’s list, you will need to accommodate for them yourself.
Can you pay extra for additional services?
Additional services might be available if you are willing to pay a bit extra. In many cases, it’s worthwhile since you won’t need to rent things like tablecloths, glasses, plates, and so on. Having somebody clean up at the end of the reception will also relieve you and your loved ones of that exhausting task which is another bonus. So, always ask about anything extra that they would be willing to offer.
Where are the ingredients from?
Locally sourced ingredients have a number of benefits. Caterers that source local ingredients might charge somewhat more but, if this is important to you, then it could very well justify the cost. At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference and your budget.
How many staff members will be present?
Caterers use a guest to staff ratio in order to make sure that the needs of all guests are always met. If there are too many staff members, catering will be overpriced, and they might end up standing around more than working the event. If there aren’t enough staff members, your guests could end up feeling neglected. An acceptable ratio for buffet style meals is approximately 1 server for every 25 guests. Plated meals require more staff at a ratio of about 1 server per 15 guests. The number of servers will also depend on whether or not water and wine will be poured of if your guests will help themselves.
Have you catered at this particular venue?
If your caterer has worked at your reception venue in the past, then this will be to their advantage. They will be even better prepared and more efficient. However, this is not necessarily a must. Especially if the caterer has plenty of experience at other venues.
How will the food be prepared?
How the food is prepared is also significant. In some cases, they will prepare the food in their own kitchen and transport it to the venue. Otherwise, if the venue has suitable cooking facilities, they might to all the cooking on site.
How much wedding experience do they have?
Experience catering is one thing. Experience with weddings is quite different. Weddings follow a different order of events and require the highest level of perfection. Ask about their wedding catering experience and perhaps for photos of the buffet table or plated meals.
How many other events are scheduled for that day?
Overburdened caterers might not give you all the attention you need. Be careful with overbooked catering services because this is how the finer details fall through the cracks.
What menu items do you suggest?
Ask for ideas that will make the meal memorable and special. The head chef will inevitably have a number of fantastic ideas for you to try.
What are the portion sizes?
Grams and quantities should be specified for plated meals. Buffet style meals should also specify the overall quantity or amount. If you receive a sample plate, ask if this is the full portion or only part of it. You deserve to know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Is this the final presentation?
When taste testing, ask about the presentation. If you are served a plated meal, you should make sure that it’s presented in the best possible way. You can also ask for photographs of their other plates for more ideas and inspiration.
Can you change….?
If you have specific requests or dietary concerns, ask about possible changes. You might have concerns about allergies and other diet issues. Ask about things like gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and diabetic meal options.
With our comprehensive list at BeWed, your catering service search will be over in no time! Find all of their details and links under the Catering section of our site.
