Improving Your Events

Caterers often have certain menu items that they specialize in, but you are also often given a lot of flexibility. When working with a wedding caterer, you must make sure to communicate carefully to make sure that you have the catering of your dreams.

Make Your Budget Clear

Do not communicate with caterers until you know how much you are willing to spend. Otherwise, the caterer will not be able to determine what type of options he or she is able to provide you.

Know if the Banquet Hall Will Allow Outside Caterers

When you are looking for a particular banquet hall, one of the challenges is that you may also want a particular wedding caterer. However, some banquet halls are all-inclusive, which means that they will require that you use them as your caterer. If you absolutely must have an outside caterer, one option is to buy-out the banquet hall so you are able to bring whoever you want in to provide catering. 

Learn About the Venue

Make sure to learn about the capabilities of the venue. Depending on what is available at the venue, you may not be able to cater to hundreds of guests. The caterer will also likely handle much of this research. 

Clarify Special Food Requirements

Make sure that the caterer knows about the specific food requirements you have as soon as possible. For example, if you have a soy allergy, the caterer needs to know about this sooner rather than later. This will allow the caterer to offer accommodations and make sure that the food matches your style while also being widely accessible. 

Have a Tasting Session

When you have a very specific set of requirements, make sure to perform a tasting session. You will need to make sure that you get your special dishes right. In some cases, the caterer might charge for tasting, but this is worth it. Pick your top three favorite dishes and have a tasting of each. 

Use a Sharing Dish

Your guests will have a great time if they have a variety of options, including appetizers. One way to give your guests more is with a sharing dish. Many items on the menu can be downsized into a sharing dish, and guests who are not as hungry will not take as much. As a result, less food will go to waste. This is a great way to save money because your food will go a long way.

Keep these tips in mind as you look for your wedding caterer.