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Wedding Tips Tagged With 'Catering And Food' | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog
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What To Ask Your Caterer

When planning your wedding, getting to know your vendors is a must. This way, they understand you and your understand them. You want your vendor to be a perfect match for you and your wedding so they can create your wedding day vision. This includes everyone, even the caterer. The food is so important on this day because everything should taste splendidly and go with the theme of your wedding. Plus, this is the one thing that will stick out in your guest's mind, which is how great the food tasted. So, Wedding and Party Network has compiled a great list of questions to ask a caterer to make sure they make your wedding day truly special.

  1. Do you specialize in the type of food I want served at my wedding? For example, if you are wanting a Mexican styled wedding reception, you need to ask your caterer if they can create authentic Mexican food. They may not specialize in every type of food cuisine.
  2. Can we arrange a tasting prior to the wedding? You want to taste the food beforehand right? Of course! Trying out what will be served at your wedding ensures that everything tastes just the way you want it too.
  3. What is the price range? Next up, ask about their pricing. They all charge different prices. Therefore, find the one that fits within your wedding budget. Of course, food is important. However, it may not be that important to you compared to your wedding dress.
  4. How involved are you during your wedding? Ask your caterer how involved they actually get within your wedding reception. Do they act as a banquet manager? Do they cue everyone when to eat, let the band know when you're cutting the cake and adjusting the schedule? If not, you will need to find someone who can do this, like a wedding planner or maybe your wedding venue has someone who acts as this.
  5. Do you provide tables, table linens, chairs, flatware, silverware and drinkware? These are things you  need to find out. If they don't, you will need to find a wedding rental service that provides these items.
  6. Who is the main contact? You want to find this out so you know exactly who to ask for when you have questions. This person will know all the little details and ins and outs of your weddings. You don't want to talk to someone who doesn't know the details of your wedding and be transferred back and forth.
  7. Are you working any other weddings during this weekend? If they are working more than two, you may want to consider another caterer so you know they devote enough time to your wedding.
  8. What about your wait staff? Do they offer a wait staff? Again, this is important. You want people who can serve your guests and refill their drinks. If they don't, look on hiring a wait staff for your wedding.
  9. Will you be able to work from a recipe that we provide? Some brides may have a traditional family recipe that they want included in their wedding reception. Ask if caterers will do this. Some may and some won't, it just depends on their catering policies.
  10. Do you work with fresh and not frozen food? This is a given. Don't you want your food freshly prepared at your wedding?
  11. Do you have a license? Make sure they are a professional caterer who has actually catered weddings before and can handle a wedding of your scale.
  12. Where do you prepare your food? Do they have a certified kitchen where they prepare food at or is it in their kitchen? If you know someone who prepares out of their home and can cater, that's great. However, if you don't know them, that can be an issue.
  13. Do you prepare wedding cakes? It's always a bonus if they have a pastry chef on hand to prepare your wedding cake as well.
  14. Can we speak to previous clients for references? Check before you purchase. Don't you review items before you buy them? Well, this method applies to any wedding vendor, including your caterer. So, ask for references.

When it comes to hiring a caterer for your wedding, you always want to make sure they can capture your wedding through their food.

This post is brought to you by St Louis Caterers
Not in St Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

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Wedding Catering Tips

When planning for your wedding, you want the night to be memorable. You want guests leaving thinking to themselves, that was spectacular! One element to think about is the food. What will you serve your guests? Whatever you are thinking, the food stands out and is an element that makes your wedding memorable. So, Wedding and Party Network is here to give you a few wedding food tips before planning on what to serve.

Event Food
  • Your wedding menu should reflect YOU! Forget about what you know people don't like and do, this day is completely about you and your groom.  Forget about the wedding etiquette and do what makes you happy!
  • A lot of weddings give their guests a lot of variety to choose from, which can cause a strain on budget. So, choose a few welcoming drinks and canapes for your guests when they first arrive. This will hold their appetite over while they wait for your arrival. Next, choose one to two starches, red & white meat, a few vegetables and salad. You can finish it off with your wedding cake as dessert.
  • Keep it simple. You and your guests don't want to eat heavy foods throughout the night so you'll be weighed down. It's nice to keep your food light and refreshing. Just play up the presentation in a unique way so the food stands out. This also helps with your budget, however, you still focus on taste.
  • For informal yet classic, create fun self-serve stations. Create a finger food bar, dessert bar and a drink station for your guests. You can play up the presentation of these bars and they add a special touch to any wedding. You can easily create a beautiful presentation to match the theme of your wedding.

The main thing to keep in mind when planning your menu is to think about what YOU like. It's your day, therefore, you should eat what you enjoy. You can easily find food that you enjoy that conveys the theme of your wedding. Also, don't forget to play up the presentation!

This post is brought to you by Miami Wedding Caterers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding caterer near you!

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Eight Simple Taste Testing Tips When Hiring A Caterer

There should be little confusion or hassle when hiring a caterer. With all of the other things to do when planning a wedding or party, hiring a caterer should be a simple event performed near the start of the planning process. Taste testings are very definitely encouraged. After all, this is the only trial run that you will get before enjoying the meal at your event. To keep everything running smoothly, remember these eight simple tidbits when taste testing options from your local caterer.

Eight Simple Tips For Your Taste Testing Events

1 – Often it is a representative of the chef that presents the food. If this is the case at your taste testing event, ask if it is possible to pay your compliments to the chef. This positive feedback will be well received by the chef and likely work in your favor later.

2 – Bring others along who will be helpful in selecting the proper foods. Your wedding consultant or party planner can offer helpful tips during this process. Your mother, maid of honor, groom and others very close to you are also able to offer constructive advice during the sampling.

3 – There will be many options when sampling foods from a caterer so remember to pace yourself to enjoy each of them. A small bite or two is all that is necessary to enjoy the tastes of the dish.

4 – Discuss particular preferences with your wedding caterer or party caterer. If you have a favorite food or type of food, feel free to discuss foods with these particular ingredients that will be included in the meals. This information will be very helpful for the caterer to note later in the planning stages.

5 – Discuss alternative ingredient options with your caterer. If you like something but want it to be "vegetarian friendly," simply ask your caterer if this is possible.

6 – Look for signs of quality foods and other ingredients. Catering is not limited to the expensive or the inexpensive tastes. You want the best for your guests regardless of the budget so look for signs of freshness and quality when talking with your wedding caterer or party caterer.

7 — Ask your caterer to present the food to you the way it is to be presented at the wedding reception or party. If it is to be served buffet style over warmers, ask to try the food in this manner. If it is a passed tray reception, ask your caterer if it is possible to sample the food this way. This will help gauge how the food will taste at the reception as well.

8 – Though it does not necessarily pertain to the quality of the food, it is important to take note of the attentiveness of the wait staff. Pay attention to how the front end (servers) and kitchen (chef) communicate with one another. Do things move fluidly or in a disorganized manner? This tip is particularly important if you plan to hire the caterer's wait staff.

Ready to start taste testing?

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Three Types of On-Site Catering Services For Your Reception

Receptions vary but there is always a need for catering services. Whether a wedding reception, a gala reception or another party, there are three types of catering services from which to choose. Knowing which is your preference will help tremendously when discussing options with your caterer. When selecting on-site catering services for your event, consider these options.

Enjoying A Sit Down or Seated Meal Reception

Sit-down or seated meal dinners are perfect for very elegant wedding receptions, banquets, galas and other sophisticated affairs. This type of meal allows guests to mingle with those at their table. This puts a bit more pressure on preparing the right seating arrangement. However, seated meal receptions are arguably the most elegant type of dining and quite worth the extra attention to detail. When planning a formal dinner, ask your caterer about a seated meal reception.

Buffet Catering Is Another Good Option To Discuss With Caterers

Buffet catering is a type of food catering with which everyone is familiar. Many brides and other party planners prefer this type of catering due to its festive qualities. Guests are able to mingle while they fill their plates with party food or wedding food. There is little doubt that people will receive something that they dislike because they serve themselves. This reduces food waste. Alternatively, plan on the need for a larger amount of food because people tend to eat more when given many options.

"Garcon!" Preparing A Passed-Tray Reception

Passed-tray receptions are the perfect time to enjoy hor d'oeuvres of all kinds. During a passed-tray reception, wait staff weave between party guests while holding hor d'oeuvres and drinks on small trays (hence the name). They seem to flow seamlessly between guests who only notably acknowledge their presence when requesting party food or a beverage.

This is a very easy type of reception to coordinate with your caterer. It is also one that is preferred by many brides for a very simple reception, one with limited seating space, a reception that will be hosted in two places and other options. When guests are encouraged to mingle, passed-tray receptions are the finest option for the wedding or party catering.

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Three Must-Knows For Choosing A Wedding Caterer

We all dream of the wedding reception where the food is just right, there is enough for everyone, and the flavors kick taste bud butt. If you've been to this kind of wedding, chances are great that all of these things were the result of a fantastic wedding caterer. Want to know where to get your hands on a good caterer for your wedding? Here are some tips that will help you choose a wedding caterer that will keep guests' tummies happy and satiated.

Sample! Sample!! Sample!!!

It's perfectly acceptable to ask to sample food before hiring a wedding caterer. Now it's impossible to please everyone, but there is some food that even the most finicky eater can't resist. Your caterer will have several options and menus from which to choose. Whether buffet or individual meals, it's your wedding so pick the food that you want! The best way to figure out what you like the best is to sample the offerings at many catering companies.

Be Prepared When Meeting With Your Wedding Caterer

Catering a wedding is tricky stuff. Your wedding caterer is going to need a lot of information, but thankfully it's pretty easy to figure out. Ask yourself a few simple questions before the meeting and take your answers with you. Caterers are sure to ask the same ones.

  • Buffet style or individual servings?
  • How many people will be eating?
  • Do you require special options such as a vegetarian/vegan option?

Discuss Alternative Ideas For Your Wedding Reception Catering

Have the theme of your wedding in mind. The catering company that you hire should be able to adjust the food options to reflect the style and theme of your wedding. For instance, are you opting for a cupcake cake? This shows whimsy and may inspire individual sandwiches with colored bread. It can also rule out other options such as petit fours. More traditional weddings may call for very traditional meals. It's all up to you and your groom, but be prepared to discuss alternative ideas for your wedding catering.

2024 Bid Day Themes

In recent years, these trendy Bid Day themes have made waves on campuses nationwide, combining nostalgia, elegance, and fun into celebrations that are unforgettable and awe-inspiring! This year is no exception, and it's safe to say that we've got a few rush crushes of our own. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite 2024 Bid Day themes that you can take inspo from for your next event.

10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

Planning a wedding calls for making decision after decision! A crucial decision that can truly elevate your big day is your choice of florist. Flowers have a unique ability to transform a space and reflect your personal style. To ensure you find the perfect florist who understands your vision and can bring it to life, here are ten essential questions to ask during your consultation:

Unveiling the Latest Bridal Jewelry Trends

As you embark on the journey towards forever, let's talk about one of the most exciting and symbolic aspects of your wedding journey—the engagement ring! We've curated a list of engagement ring trends we’re loving for all the lovebirds out there.