Let Them Eat Cake… And other delicious things!

Book wedding venue - check!

Book wedding planner – check!

Book a caterer – hmm… where to begin?

For many newly engaged couples, hiring a caterer is a new experience and can seem daunting. Good news! It is not as challenging as you might think. And the benefits far outweigh the effort. First and foremost, you remain in control of your food and beverage budget while also having the benefit of professionals working for you who can create a turn-key catering package, complete with bar service, linens and creative menu options.

So, where to begin?

Photo courtesy of Ally & Bobby Photography.

Your Venue

Chances are, your wedding venue has an approved list of catering partners that they rely on to do an amazing job for you. Trust this list! A reputable venue is not going to have a less-than-stellar caterer on their approved list because it’s the venue’s reputation on the line. Also, your venue’s approved caterers have extensive experience in the spaces you have rented and they know what works best there.

Photo courtesy of The Barn at Reynolda Village.

How much will it cost?

As you work on the budget for your wedding celebration, it’s important to understand that catering and beverages will likely be your biggest expense. According to the Real Wedding Study conducted by The Knot, most couples will pay $75.00 per guest on catering. A few ways that you can save on your catering without compromising a quality food and beverage experience for your guests are:

1. Limit your bar to beer and wine. Liquor is costly and couples often find themselves with a lot of nearly full bottles to take home at the end of the night.

2. Consider non-traditional menus such as breakfast, brunch or lunch! Items on the menu for meals earlier in the day tend to be less expensive than dinner and who doesn’t love an omelet station?

3. Keep passed appetizers simple. Having wait staff strolling through your guests as they mix and mingle always makes an event feel special. As long as the appetizer they are offering is tasty and good quality, it doesn’t have to be high-end. Your friends and family will be just as delighted with a bruschetta as they would a salmon tartlet!

All the menus look amazing! How do we choose?

Looking at websites and Instagram photos of all the tasty options your local caterers present can be mind-boggling! Take a break from it and try out these steps for narrowing down your choices:

1. Read reviews on wedding websites, Google, the caterer’s own site and social media platforms.

2. Talk to the operations team at your venue. They won’t play favorites and are very skilled at matching a couple’s style with the caterers they work with.

3. Ask your other vendor professionals! Your planner is a terrific resource of course but your florist, photographer, and even your DJ might also have helpful suggestions.

4. Have you been to a wedding recently? Did the meal knock your socks off? Ask your newlywed friends who catered for them.

Photo courtesy of Him & Her Photography.

Ready to meet some real foodies?

You are ready with your list of 2-3 favorites and they are all available on your wedding date. Time to book an interview with each caterer to help you get closer to the *big* decision. Here’s a helpful list of questions for your time with the caterers, courtesy of The Knot.

Tell us about your event catering experience.
What's included in your packages?
Are menus preset or can we create a custom menu?
Do you provide rentals, such as linens, glassware, etc.?
Can you provide a wedding cake?
Can you work with certain dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)?
Are you licensed to serve alcohol or will we need to hire separate bartenders?
Do you offer menu tastings and if so, how do they work?

Sign, Sealed, soon to be delivered!

You’ve done your homework and enjoyed the process of choosing the caterer who will be an important part of your guests’ wedding day experience! When you receive the contract, as with all contracts, read, read, and read it again. Make sure you are 100% comfortable with it and understand the payment structure and deliverables. Now is your opportunity to ask questions and you shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Your catering pros understand that they might need to clarify some of the language for you.

Book a fabulous caterer - check! Now you can enjoy the remainder of your planning season as you anticipate enjoying one of the most memorable meals of your life!

The Barn at Reynolda Village is proud to partner with ten amazing caterers who offer a full range of menu options. For more information, visit reynoldabarn.com or give us a call at 336.758.BARN.