| Your wedding reception is the biggest party you | | | | how. Ask if they have any sample cakes you can |
| will ever throw so you want to make sure you | | | | see. Also you should show the caterer pictures of |
| do it right. Choosing the right caterer is essential. | | | | any cakes you like.7. Taste Testing the FoodMost |
| Take it from me not all caterers are created | | | | caterers will allow you to sample the planned |
| equal.Here is a list of tips to help your choose a | | | | dishes. This is very important as you do not want |
| great caterer1. Get ReferralsA good place to | | | | any surprises at your reception. Also, with any |
| start looking for a caterer is right in your own | | | | luck you may be able to taste a sample of your |
| backyard. Ask your married friends, family and | | | | wedding cake.8. ServersDoes the caterer provide |
| coworkers for referrals. You can also look in your | | | | waiter and waitresses. You will need |
| local phone book. When you're interviewing your | | | | approximately one server for every ten guests. |
| caterer, ask him/her to supply you with | | | | Also you should ask what kind of clothes the |
| references. If the caterer refuses your request, it | | | | waitstaff wears. Are you allowed to make |
| may be a good idea to leave and go onto the | | | | wardrobe requests?9. DecorationsWhen seeking a |
| next interview.2. Licenses & liability InsuranceMake | | | | caterer you also want to know what types of |
| sure the caterer is licensed in your state and has | | | | decorations are offered - tableskirts, linens, |
| liability insurance. Insurance is very important in | | | | centerpieces etc.10. Place SettingsWhat does the |
| case one of your guests gets food poisoning | | | | place setting consist of. A good caterer will gladly |
| (God Forbid!), chips a tooth, or is involved in an | | | | show you what the plates, glasses and silverware |
| accident after leaving your reception. If the | | | | will look like.11. BarWhat about beverages. How will |
| caterer does not have insurance, ask him/her if | | | | you be charged? By consumption or by how |
| you can buy some.3. BudgetThe main thing you | | | | many bottles are opened. Exactly what are the |
| must consider is your budget. Before meeting | | | | charges per bottle. And what are the brands to |
| with your caterer know exactly how much | | | | be served. How many bottles will be served? Will |
| money you can afford to spend. A good caterer | | | | you be refunded money for any unopened |
| is creative and will gladly work with you to make | | | | bottles?Money Saving Tips: To reduce your bar |
| sure you can stick to that budget. Do not let the | | | | tab only serve, beer, wine and soft drinks. You |
| caterer talk you into something you cannot afford | | | | may also consider offering your guests an open |
| as you do not need the extra stress worrying | | | | bar for the first hour or two and then making |
| about how to pay for it.4. FlexibilityIs your caterer | | | | them pay for their own drinks.12. Little extra |
| flexible? Does he/she listen to your ideas and | | | | feesBe careful of all the little extra fees the |
| concerns. Will the caterer serve special food for | | | | caterer will throw at you.Servers, waiters & |
| guests with dietary restrictions such as | | | | hostess fees (plus gratuities) Tableware/Linen |
| vegetarians, and people with food allergies. Would | | | | Fees Bartender & Bar Fees & (plus gratuities) |
| the caterer be willing to cook a special family | | | | Overtime fees Cancellation fees ~ Make sure you |
| dish?5. Personality & StyleDo you feel | | | | have the cancellation policy in writing! Extra food |
| comfortable with the caterer. Do you have similar | | | | fees Policy on champagne. Are there any pouring |
| tastes? Beware of the know-it-all caterer who | | | | fees? Cutting Cake feesTo make sure you are |
| tries to talk you into something you do not | | | | not charged for any hidden fees Read your |
| want.6. FoodBe careful! The caterer will try to sell | | | | caterer's contract very carefully before signing it. |
| you the most expensive meal plans. Ask how | | | | Make sure that all the items mentioned above are |
| much each plate will cost. How much food each | | | | clearly stated. If they are not listed, have them |
| person will receive. Will you serve hors d'oeuvres | | | | written in before signing. Also discuss a payment |
| and what is the cost?(Money Saving Tip: Tray | | | | schedule with your caterer. Never pay for |
| pass hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and | | | | everything in advance.With a little preparation, you |
| serve a lighter meal.)Don't forget to ask about | | | | can stick to your budget and have the party of |
| your wedding cake. Will they make one for you | | | | your dreams!Jasmine Macdonald is a wedding |
| or do you need to bring your own. If the caterer | | | | website designer. |
| is making the cake, do not assume they know | | | | |