How to Choose the Right Wedding Caterer
When guests reflect back on a wedding, they remember some details and not others. For example, they might recall what the bride’s dress looked like, but not what kind of flowers she carried. One thing they’ll definitely remember, however, is the food. They’ll remember it if it’s good and if it’s bad. So, to keep your wedding from being remembered as a bust, make sure the food is on point. To do that, you’ll need to take extra care when hiring caterers.
Check With Your Venue
First things first, before you do anything else, check with your venue about its policies. Some venues will only allow you to use their in-house catering services. If that’s the case, you’ll want to make sure they’re as good as the venue itself.
If your venue is less strict in this area, they can still be a great resource. Many venues maintain a list of preferred catering services that they’ve had good experiences with in the past.
Know Your Budget
Catering, especially good catering, can get expensive. As such, you’ll need to set a budget that you can realistically stick to and that won’t ruin your other wedding day plans. For best results, start by researching the average catering rate for weddings in your area. That way, you’ll know if a particular service is overpriced or reasonable. From there, you can do your research, ask for recommendations, and narrow down your options to choose the right caterer at the right price.
Plan Ahead
Finally, don’t wait until the last minute to find and book your caterer. This is especially important in popular wedding areas, such as Maui. Caterers tend to get booked up fast and often for weeks or even months in advance. If you drag your heels, you could end up having to settle for a caterer that’s not so great.
Whether you’re serving a full meal or just light appetizers and drinks, professional catering services can be a huge help. Just make sure you devote some real time and effort to choosing a service you can rely on.
