Tips For Choosing a Wedding Caterer

One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding reception is deciding on what type of food to prepare and how to serve it. You also need to take into account other factors such as reliability, professionalism and whether the food will taste great and be memorable. Finding a wedding caterer can seem overwhelming because of the many catering companies available. Narrow down your choices by following these tips for finding a caterer that will suit your needs:

Word of mouth is best referral a company can get. Your florist, wedding coordinator or planner have worked on many weddings and have seen first-hand the type of food service offered by local caterers. Ask them whom in the catering industry they would recommend. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is currently in good standing. When you finally contact a caterer, be sure to set up a face-to-face meeting. Ask them to provide references that can highlight their experience and expertise and can adequately supply enough food and service for the amount of guests you expect at your wedding. Be sure to find out if they are licensed, insured and have health permits.

Ask about the type of ingredients used when preparing the meal. Are the ingredients fresh and of high quality? Does all the food preparation take place in-house or does the caterer use another company for baking and desert items? Finding out these details will come in handy when negotiating a final price.

Most catering companies will give you an opportunity to taste the cuisine in advance of signing any contracts. Ask a potential caterer to set up a tasting with you to see if the food is up to par and meets your needs. You may also want to bring your fiancé and possibly a parent or a close friend to the tasting to take into account multiple opinions.

Ask about the cancellation policy. There may be hefty penalties and fees for cancellations or postponements. It's a good idea to inquire about the policy just in case you need to change the date or cancel the event. Come up with a well-written and detailed contract. Business contracts are necessary whenever a service transaction for an important occasion such as a wedding takes place. Make sure all details and expectations of the service are clearly documented to ensure that there will be no confusion when the big day comes. You'll most likely need to put down a deposit at the time of signing a contract.

Your choice of wedding fare should mirror you and your fiancés personal style and taste. Finding the right caterer many weeks in advance is imperative for having an unforgettable meal on your special day.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of DeFazio's. The full-service caterer office provides wedding and event catering, as well as party rentals, throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their wedding catering Richmond Virginia please visit their website.

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