Catering

and don’t be afraid to ask if they can tweak something to your tastes. This is your day and your meal, and any good caterer will be pleased to work with your wishes as much as they can.

Step 4: Finalize the menu

Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, and bridal shows to clarify what you like and dislike in a wedding meal. Think about weddings you’ve attended or ask friends for favorites and failures. Your caterer will also be a great resource to bounce ideas around and finally craft a menu that’s perfect for you. When in doubt, ask your caterer and trust them. They’ve seen lots of weddings and know what works best for the number of people, time of day, and location, so take their professional advice to heart. Step 5: Calculate the cost

Finalizing the menu and calculating the cost might happen somewhat simultaneously, since your budget will surely affect the direction of your wedding meal. Here’s a bit about what you can expect in terms of pricing: Facilities with in-house catering departments may have a minimum charge or set-up fee, while an independent caterer will usually work within any reasonable, agreed-upon budget. Keep in mind that buffets are usually priced higher since they’ll have to account for a little more per person.

Caterers usually require your final guest count one week before the wedding. This is the number of people you’ll actually be charged for, though most caterers will factor in a few last-minute guests, too. Include any weddingrelated personnel, such as the DJ, musicians,

Selecting a CATERER

Ask the Right Questions! !

• What packages do you offer? What do they include? • Have you worked at my reception site before? • Do you provide beverage service? • Do have opening or corking fees? • When is the deadline for the final guest count? • When will we need to finalize the menu? • Can you provide entrees for my guests who have special dietary needs? • Will you provide flatware, china, stemware, etc? • Do you supply or arrange tables, chairs or linens? • How will you and your staff be dressed? • Do you provide wait staff? How many are appropriate for my wedding? • Do you have references from previous weddings? • How far in advance must I book your services? • What is your cancellation policy? • Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Let us cater the WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS

WEDDINGSBYANTIGUA.COM

A MEMORABLE MENU

photographer, and on-site coordinator. If cost is an issue, ask your caterer about more casual meals for vendors.

Finally, make sure to ask what extras are included in the catering cost. Find out if your caterer will provide table linens, plates, glasses, crystal, silverware, and serving pieces — otherwise you’ll need ample time to make other arrangements.

Step 6: Hire the servers

With a finalized menu all priced out and good to go, it’s time to determine how many wait staff you’ll need to serve the feast and keep the reception running smoothly. Your caterer will give you their expert opinion, but a safe bet is one server for every 10 to 12 guests for a sit-down dinner, and two servers for every 50 guests for a buffet-style dinner. If you’re having a full open bar, that will require one bartender for every 60 guests. Make sure to talk with your caterer ahead of time to make sure that the servers’ style of dress works with the style of your wedding.

Step 7: Get it in writing

Sign a contract with your caterer only after you have all the details spelled out: date, time, address of site, food items by course, beverages and bar guidelines, number of guests covered, provisions for special meals, time of cocktail hour, time meal is served, contact people, number of wait staff and bartenders, linens, terms of payment, and liability insurance. There will probably be an advance deposit when you sign the contract — and don’t forget to check the cancellation policy. B