Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Wedding Caterer
The wedding catering at your reception can be the subject of discussions among your family and friends for years to come. Unfortunately, with the wrong decisions, the catering can be a discussion for the wrong reasons. To help you avoid infamy, here are some common mistakes made and what you can do to avoid them.
Forgetting the Budget
You and your soon-to-be should have a firm budget in place for your wedding reception food. If you have a budget before you meet with the caterer, he or she can stick to only those menu items that will work within what you can reasonably afford. The average cost of catering according to the Bridal Association of America is about $12,000. However, this cost usually covers the cake, drinks, and food/serving; so if you are on a tight budget, you may be able to opt out of one of these categories and try a DIY method for things that aren't as important. For instance, if the cake is important, have the caterer take care of that aspect while you, a family member, or friend provide the beverages.
Catering to Every Diet
When you have an intimate reception with only a few friends and family, catering to every dietary need can be tough. The larger your party is, the more difficult it becomes.
It is possible today for wedding guests to have a range of dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, non-dairy, and low carb. There is no way that you can reasonably afford to make a menu that accounts for every need. Most caterers charge for special dietary needs. What you can do is make the menu that you and your intended want. Some people do choose to have a vegetarian option since it is a more common option that can cater to many health needs.
Getting Stuck on "Being Original"
It is understandable that you want to create a memorable experience for your wedding guests, but try not to go overboard. A gourmet menu might be impressive to you, but you have to remember that some of your guests will not like the offerings. As a result, you could be stuck with a bunch of food that no one wanted. Ask your caterer for changes that can be made to the foods that make them standout from the usual preparations. Remember not to go too far. All of your guests, young and old, need to be considered in meal prep.
By avoiding these mistakes when planning your reception menu, you can ensure that your guests have a wonderful eating experience to remember.
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