| Catering
Choosing a caterer can be fun. Obviously,
you need to sample their wares, either at a tasting or at
another function.
Most caterers provide a wide range of menu
items. They usually have facilities built into their delivery
trucks for keeping items hot or cold as needed. Some need
kitchen facilities at the site. You must inquire if this
is necessary. Sometimes, this will depend on the menu you
choose. Some items hold well after being prepared in advance,
others must be prepared just prior to serving. Your caterer
can guide you in this area.
You should also ask what is provided by
the caterer? Is the food simply dropped off? Do they provide
linens, china, silver, bartenders, wait staff, clean-up
service? Do they provide drinks, mixers, ice, drink napkins,
swizzle sticks? Is there a choice in linen colors, china,
silver and glassware patterns? Do they provide (or have
available) centerpieces, candelabra, ash trays? You should
actually see what they offer.
If you are providing alcohol, do they charge
per person or by the bottle? If per person, do they charge
for children? If by the bottle, do they break it down by
percentage of the bottle used or must you pay for the entire
bottle if it is opened. If paying for the entire bottle,
do you get the balance that is not used? Either method of
charging normally includes mixers. Do they provide premixed
drinks or make them as requested? Will they serve martinis,
manhattans, etc. or just highballs? What wines are available?
What beers?
You should ask how many entrée choices
you are allowed, depending on the size of your group. Also
ask if any particular entrees are limited to groups of minimum
or maximum size. Ask if an alternate meal is provided for
people who are unable to eat what you select. Do they have
a special rate for children’s meals? What is the age cut-off?
Are very young children free? What ages?
Are salad dressings on the salad or served
on the side? If on the side, is there a choice of dressings?
Are rolls and butter included with the meal? What are the
potato choices? Vegetable choices? At a buffet meal, are
salads and beverages served? If dessert is included in the
meal, are you allowed to substitute something else? Is there
a cake cutting charge if you’re bringing in a cake from
another baker? How much? (Usually, the dessert cost covers
the cake cutting.)
Here’s something most people don’t think
of. You’ve just had a lovely meal, served on beautiful china.
The cake is now being served – on paper plates with plastic
forks! What a shame! Your lovely, elegant wedding has just
turned into a picnic. Don’t let this happen. Make sure to
ask if the cake is served on china with silver.
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