How to Choose a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception

Caterers are often the heart of a wedding reception. If the food tastes great and there is plenty for everyone, people will leave the wedding satisfied and with fond memories. However, if you choose a caterer who is not knowledgeable about the amount of food to prepare, your guests will remember this fact, no matter how elegant and special the rest of the wedding was.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. One great way to find a caterer is to go to wedding festivals. Not only will you find people dedicated to their profession, you will also be able to see how the person reacts in a crowd with a lot going on.
2. Talk to friends who are already married and find out who they used as a caterer.
3. Ask other professionals you are using who they would recommend. Experienced wedding professionals will recommend people who are easy to work with and deliver quality products rather than those who will give them a portion of the fee.
   
4. When you go to interview a caterer, ask him or her how long he or she has been in business, how he or she decides how much food to serve and whether or not he or she provides the necessary plates and silverware. Also find out if he or she will clean up after himself or herself, if the caterer can accommodate individual dietary needs, how much he or she charges as a deposit and a cancellation policy.
5. Be sure to check references. Someone whom the caterer thought was pleased may not have been and can give you valuable information.
6. Be sure everything the caterer agrees to is in the contract.

Tips & Warnings

• If the caterer does not offer to allow you to sample his or her food, go to a different caterer.
• Your wedding day is something you will remember for the rest of your life, so be sure to fill it with good memories instead of bad. Start looking for a caterer ahead of time so you don't have to settle for something that is just OK because you're pressed for time.
• Ask your favorite restaurant if they cater, even if they normally don't, they might make an exception for two of their loyal customers who are tying the knot.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.