How to Choose a Wedding Caterer

 
Photo by Christine Bruggeman

Selecting a caterer for your Williamsburg wedding is just as important as selecting your wedding date, wedding dress or any other aspect that ranks at the top of your list of  important things to do for your big wedding day.  The tone you would like to set for your wedding reception should be one of the biggest determining factors in selecting your caterer.  In addition, before you begin to contact any Williamsburg wedding caterers there are a few things you must determine.

• Who is in charge of planning and decision making?
• What is your targeted budget?
• Will your affair be formal or informal?
• How many guests are you planning to invite?

We now live in a society where time is precious and although we ideally want to do things ourselves, there are many times when we must rely on others to assist us.  If you fall into the category of needing assistance then you must determine what is in your best interest.

Deciding on a caterer for your wedding reception may require much more than finding someone who is able to cook.  It is not uncommon nowadays to seek out full service caterers.  COMMUNICATION is very important.  Be as specific as possible when discussing your wants and needs as well as your expectations with potential caterers. 

Your Williamsburg wedding budget will more than likely dictate where your reception will be held as well as the type of function you will host.  With this in mind be aware that not all caterers have their own venue.  You will need to be certain that your selected venue will allow an “outside” caterer to supply your service if you are choosing a venue but opting for your own caterer.  In addition, not all caterers are created equal.  Ask potential caterers if they have a specialty.  If your wedding ceremony or event will be held in a non-traditional location such as a museum, a park, or any other location that may not be as favorable for providing food service as a banquet facility, it is crucial that you share this with your potential caterer.  Be certain that your caterer is able to adapt to these challenging conditions.  

As important as it is for a potential caterer to listen to you, it is equally important that you listen to those you interview.  Pay close attention to whether or not the caterer appears to be embracing your vision.  Experienced Williamsburg wedding caterers will not only be able to let you know fairly quickly if you have caviar dreams on a beer budget but should also be able to make suggestions as to how you can achieve your vision and still remain within your budget.  Do not be afraid to say NO.  Remember the day is yours and you ultimately have to be satisfied with the service(s) provided to you.

 
Photo by Christine Bruggeman

 
Photo by Christine Bruggeman
 Don’t be afraid to ask “What can you do for us?”  Caterers may come a dime a dozen but the caterer that you actually choose can be priceless.  It may be beneficial to find a caterer who can provide as many services to you as possible.  For example, choosing a caterer who is able to provide your set up from tables and tablescapes to breakdown and clean up after the wedding may eliminate the number of vendors that you have to personally deal with and it could potentially be a savings to you in terms of time and money. 

Ultimately, when choosing a caterer you should seek out an organization that will offer more than just a “package deal”.  Your caterer should embrace your vision for a romantic wedding in Williamsburg, and create a seamless event that illustrates personalization on any scale.

   Mardi
Good Eats…Good Sweets!
(757) 303-9413
Email: goodeatsgoodsweets@yahoo.com
 nextlevelenterprisesllc@yahoo.com

 

 

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