Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Choosing a Caterer
Choosing a Caterer
You are putting a lot of thought and effort into the planning of your wedding and the food is something that people are going to remember. Next to seeing the bride in her queen-like ensemble, the part of the wedding to which the guests look forward is the feast. And although, the meal or refreshments do not have to be king-like, they do need to be appropriate to the occasion.
Points to Consider when Choosing Food for the Reception:
The meal should be in tune with the time of day. If the reception is at five or six in the afternoon, people expect to be served supper. But if they arrive at the reception and it is only tea and cake, you will have many disgruntled, not to mention hungry guests. If you are only offering a wine and cheese or small nibbling type food, say so in the invitation so the guests may act accordingly. They will have the opportunity to eat before attending the reception.
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Will the guests be satisfied when they finish eating? There must be enough food for everyone. Nothing will be more embarrassing than the vegetable bowl going around the table and the last two people receiving nothing and there is no more in the kitchen.
The food must be hot where required and cold when appropriate. Whether a professional company or family members cater the reception, all dishes must be kept at their respective temperatures in order for people to enjoy their meal as well as to avoid food tainting.
Once you have decided to hire a professional catering company for your wedding reception, start asking questions and making a list of caterers from which to choose. Whether you have someone in mind or are using an unknown, the following guidelines will help you to choose the final caterer.
Once you have reserved your hall, in the case of a banquet hall, inquire about its catering. Also, if you have your heart set on a particular hall and your own caterer, ask the hall before booking whether you are permitted to bring in a caterer of your own choosing. Will the hall still supply the linens if they allow outside catering?
If you have a favorite restaurant or place to eat, inquire about having your wedding catered by the restaurant. They might not cater as a regular service but may do it for special requests.
Choose a caterer that serves the type of foods you and your family enjoy. If you are not partial to the style of the caterer's cooking or choice of menu, then you will not be happy.
Decide whether the caterer should do both the meal and the dessert. Do not assume one way or another. Costs will depend on what you need so be specific when asking questions. Do you need a cake? Do you need candy trays?
Maybe you need a caterer for the meal and then a specialized dessert caterer. Dessert tables with chocolate fountains and edible flowers are works of art and some companies specialize in this trade.
Choose between a buffet and sit down plate. Does the caterer offer both? Again if the caterer only supplies buffet meals and you want fillet mignon, then this caterer may not be the correct choice. Remember that cooks specialize in particular types of foods so it may not be prudent to have someone who has not done your type of food. You would most likely not ask a strict Italian chef to complete a Greek meal.
Be wary of what the caterer is suggesting as a menu. Something exotic and out of the norm is not what people are expecting. Do not be swayed to choose a menu that will not appeal to your guests.
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Does the caterer dress the tables? Are the linens included in the price? Are the plates, silverware and glassware included in the price?
How many servers will be available?
Is the caterer responsible for cleaning up afterwards?
Will the caterer let you sample the meal? If the caterer refuses to do this, you might not want to book him or her. Chefs are only too happy to let people taste their food so this might be an indication of a problem.
Do you feel you can get along with the caterer? Do he or she understand what you need and want?
Will the caterer provide a menu and sample meal?
Ask about the portion sizes and how the caterer decides how much of something feeds how many people?
Does the caterer provide flexibility for people with dietary restrictions? Are there extra costs for the service?
Inquire specifically about insurance, licenses and permits required by the local, state or federal governments or requisite certificates from the health board for food handling and kitchen maintenance.
Try to get references.
If there is a wedding show that the caterer is attending, go to the show to visit his or her booth.
Ask about serving alcohol. Does the caterer provide bar service? Does the hall provide the service? Do you have to find a qualified bar tender? Whoever is responsible, make sure they have the proper certificates for serving alcohol to the public.
Request a written contract before handing over a deposit. The contract should be specific and include terms such as:
number of meals required
number of special meals
buffet or sit down
if buffet, the foods involved and how much
the price per person and any extra costs
the total amount, the deposit required and when the balance due
the date, time and location of reception
when the food will arrive and when it will be served
whether linens, plates and silverware are included
any extras such as candles, chair covers
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