Catering

Selecting a Caterer

As far as wedding expenses go, your catering or food bill is typically

your largest expense. Therefore, choose your caterer carefully. Make

sure that if you are unfamiliar with the caterer, that you go to a "tasting"

and check references! Service is also an important element when

choosing your caterer. Be sure to ask about the ratio of servers to

guests. This can vary depending on the type of reception you have

(seated dinner versus buffet). One good rule of thumb is to have one

server for every 8-10 guests. When hiring your caterer, be sure to ask

about the dinnerware or china they will be using. Some caterers will

include all the dinnerware in their price - but they may be chipped,

scratched and worn out. So, ask to see samples to make sure that the

place settings nicely compliment the rest of your wedding decor.

Determining Head Count

When determining a final head count for your caterer, you should include

a meal for your entertainer (DJ or Band), photographer/videographer and

Wedding Day Coordinator. Check with your caterer... they will usually

charge you less for these meals. If your caterer is providing meals for your

DJ, Band or photographer/videographer, be sure to ask your caterer where

the meals will be served for them and confirm that they will be eating

somewhere "out of sight" from your wedding guests.

The Extras

Ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" that is a sampling of all the

food at your reception. It's possible that the bride and groom will not get a

chance to eat and enjoy all of the wonderful food at the reception. Even if

you're leaving the next day on your honeymoon, it makes for a great late

night snack.

Catering Money Saving Tips

Be careful on how many hors d'oeuvres you order.

Do you really need eight different varieties? Four different varieties is usually

sufficient. When selecting your menu be careful of all the "extras" that the

catering manger may suggest...such as the five course dinner...soup and

salad... two types of dessert and wedding cake! When everything sounds so

delicious, it is easy to get carried away and so does your catering bill!

Have your caterer prepare just your main dishes.

Have friends and family prepare appetizers, side dishes, bread, and salad.

If you're trying to keep costs low, stay away from certain foods… like shrimp,

salmon, lobster and beef tenderloin. If you have your heart set on one of these

dishes -- incorporate it into an appetizer rather than the main course. The

more labor intensive the food item is to prepare -- the more it will cost. Think

about this when choosing your main course as well as your side dishes and

hors d'oeuvres.

Food stations can offer your guests variety and save you money.

Pasta stations are very economical. Consider other ethnic types of food for

your stations, such as Chinese, Mexican, or Indian. Don't assume that a buffet

or food stations is less expensive that a sit down dinner. Talk with your caterer.

Remember that cost often depends more on the type of food that you serve,

rather than the presentation. Be sure to ask your caterer about "guaranteed

numbers." Many caterers will quote prices based upon a minimum or

"guaranteed" number of guests. If your final guest count is less than a expected

there may be an additional fee.

Choose simple white table linens .

Fancy pattern or overlays (one table cloth over another) can be expensive. White

table linens can be rented for about $3-5 a piece and patterns can be more than

twice that amount. If you want color and pattern, you can add plenty with your

table centerpiece.