FEASTS WITH FLAIR

saying “I do” to cuisine and a caterer

As couple get more adventurous with their cuisines, caterers are offering more bold flavors, meaningful meals, and interactive experiences. From grazing tables to lite bits to gourmet tacos, caterers are doing it all with extra faire and presentation. While staying true to the feel and theme of your wedding, there are so many options for creativity and personalization

Ethnic cuisine is a great way to bring a little flavor to your reception. Take your guests around the world with a variety of food stations. Think about hosting each of your favorite meals. The more you embrace what makes you unique, the more memorable your wedding will be. Food trucks are another popular way to up the fun factor, and late-night snacks like popcorn, pizza, or grilled cheese sliders are a huge hit with guests.

Add Mocktails to the Menu. Planners are recognizing trends of attendees cutting back on cocktails. Serving zero-proof drinks that have the same fizz, color and flavor lets your guests still feel like they’re drinking something festive. It can reduce the risk of attendees becoming intoxicated and as a bonus are typically less expensive.

In recent years, there's also been an emphasis not only on unique meals, but locally sourced, quality ingredients. Couples like to support local purveyors in their community, as well as enjoy the freshness of a farm-to-table feast.

Start The Search

Once you secure a reception site, your catering search can begin. Some reception locations require that you use their in-house caterer or banquet services, which makes your choice simple. This usually applies to venues like hotels and country clubs. If your reception location allows you to bring in an independent caterer, you still might have to choose from a pre-approved list.

As you call caterers to inquire after their services, make sure to have as much information on hand as possible. They’ll want to know your wedding date, time, approximate number of guests, and whether you’d like a sit-down, family style, food stations or buffet-style meal. If you already have some ideas for your menu or any specific limitations (think vegetarian or gluten free), let the caterer know. Ask to see sample wedding menus and references.

Decide On Your Style

Now it’s time to factor in your wedding's style and degree of formality. Think about the vibe your wedding — is it a classic ballroom affair or a rustic outdoor bash? Do you want the food to be posh or playful? Such details will help a caterer determine

Feats With Flair

what they can offer that falls in line with your vision. Don’t be afraid to disclose your wedding budget as it will make the process easier.

Schedule A Tasting

When you finally narrow down your list of prospective caterers, it's time for the fun part — tastings! Speak up during your tastings 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.

Finalize The Menu

Gather inspiration from magazines and websites, think about weddings you've attended, and ask friends for favorites and failures. Consult 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.

Calculate The Cost

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 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. Include meals for wedding-related personnel, such as the DJ and photographer. 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.

Hire The Servers

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 more help — one bartender for every 60 guests.

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.