Helpful hints in choosing a wedding caterer.

Your wedding plan probably will include a wedding reception, for this reason it is ultimately important to choose an affordable venue which allows you the freedom of choice like bringing in your own caterer and other things permitting. The key is to firstly find some self catering wedding venues.
This being your special day it is important that the occasion be special for you and your friends and guests to remember for many years to come.

The general feeling of most wedding planners is that wedding catering takes up at least half of a wedding budget. Wedding catering is more than just about food and drink, it could also include the use of tables and chairs, tableware, all decorations, wedding cakes, flowers, etc. To ensure you get the most for your money and having a happy guest list the selection for catering is critical.

Here are a few ideas that can help take out some of the hassle of choosing the right wedding catering and save you some money in the process.

1. Time of the wedding reception.

If your reception is to coincide with a mealtime and the budget is limited, you should avoid having the reception in the dinnertime slot because dinners are expensive and could take up much of your wedding budget. What about a morning or afternoon reception for either a brunch or lunch as your meal consideration.

Should your reception be between mealtimes you could consider snacks, appetizers, finger foods or hors d'oeuvres. If you do this tastefully and your caterer is worth their salt this should not impact on the quality of the occasion.

2. Serving style.

If the primary consideration is cost then a sit-down service would serve well although with a buffet your guests may choose what they want to eat from the offering as agreed with the caterer. Keep this in mind and obtain quotes for both when discussing the meal with your caterer.

3. Guest preferences.

Due to the preferences of guests some may be vegetarian, others may have allergies and more could have religious preferences, ensure the food you serve is something that your guests enjoy eating. Serving a variety of foods will ensure that all are catered for but again; consider the cost and choose a caterer whom is sensitive to these selections.

4. Best caterer you can afford.

Make sure you get your monies worth, check the references and schedule a tasting if at all possible. Take note of the quality of the tableware, crockery,cutlery, linen, chair covers, serviettes and server/guest ratio to prevent delays or frustration.

5. DO NOT DO YOU OWN CATERING!!.

Venues which allow you to arrange your own catering normally have a list of caterers to recommend, use this and follow the tips above with each to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. Most brides whom have gone the self-catering route found out with much heartache that the final result was not worth the effort and time.