Food & Service! How to pick the right Wedding Caterer. Part 1. Meeting with your potential wedding caterer? Looking for a wedding caterer checklist? Wondering what wedding caterer questions to ask? How to choose a wedding caterer? How to choose a wedding caterer? Choosing a caterer for your wedding?
We’ve collected expert tips from fellow wedding and event industry professionals to help newlyweds-to-be on how to pick the right wedding caterer.
- “Read not only their own reviews but reviews for venues that they cater from.”
- “Make sure your Caterer knows that along with amazing food comes amazing service as well. “
- “Choose a caterer whose commitment to customization is bar none!”
- “Ask to see the full menu, not just a package menu.”
- “Choose a caterer you click with!”
- “Responsiveness”
CIBO SPECIAL EVENT CATERING
1. “Read not only their own reviews but reviews for venues that they cater from.”
For over 25 years, Owner and Chef David Catenaro, also known as “Chef Cibo”, has uniquely worked with every client that has reached out to him to cater an event through Cibo Special Event Catering.
Cibo Special Event Catering is deeply committed to overseeing all aspects of your event, from the planning process to the final farewell. You can be assured that your event will be planned and executed with personal care and integrity.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Do your research. Look up the company on all available platforms. This will give you a feel for what they offer, where they come from, and if they will be the right fit for you and your guests.
Read reviews to give you a general sense of how they are perceived by others. Read not only their own reviews but reviews for venues that they cater from. But remember to take these reviews ‘with a grain of salt’.
Positive ones may be written by friends and venue owners, negative ones by just people who really don’t have a valid opinion and are negative individuals.
If you really like a caterer, but there are a few negative reviews that resonate with you, address them with the caterer personally. They may offer a position or reason for why that review was written.
Taste their food. Most caterers charge for a tasting. That charge is deducted from the final bill if you book with them. Streamline your caterer list to 3 favorites and book a tasting. It might be worth the small initial cost to taste their food to find the perfect caterer for your perfect day!
Most importantly, meet the owner. Get to know the person behind all the ‘smoke and mirrors’. Developing a trusting relationship with your caterer is key. The only way they will truly get to know your wishes and vision for your perfect day is to meet you and spend some time with you!”
— Cibo Special Event Catering | www.cibobydavid.com | @cibospecialeventcatering
FOODIES ANONYMOUS
2. “Make sure your Caterer knows that along with amazing food comes amazing service as well. “
At Foodies Anonymous, they have over a hundred and fifty years of combined culinary experience to their credit. After training at some of the finest cooking schools and gaining experience working alongside top chefs worldwide, they returned to their Southern Ontario homeland, formed Foodies Anonymous, and have been delighting guests with exceptional food experiences ever since.
As a premiere catering company, Foodies Anonymous always “wows” their clients, from interactive multi-course weddings to corporate events.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Make sure your Caterer knows that along with amazing food comes amazing service as well. Your wedding dinner can be an experience that you and your guests remember, good or bad, for years to come.”
– Neil Brownell | Owner, Foodies Anonymous Catering and Events
FIG&LEMON CATERING
3. “Choose a caterer who’s commitment to customization is bar none!”
As one of Hamilton’s most premium off-site catering companies, Fig&Lemon takes pride in their attention to detail, approach to customer excellence and satisfaction, and commitment to a culinary experience that is beautiful, memorable, and fresh.
Regardless of how you envision your special event, Fig&Lemon will bring it to life at every bite. With Fig&Lemon catering, you get so much more than just exceptional food and service.
You also get a history and legacy of seasoned team members with skill and passion for transforming an ordinary moment into an extraordinary memory.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Good Vibes. It’s important to shop around! Choose a catering brand that you vibe with. Their service will reflect you as a couple, so it’s important to choose a caterer that has similar goals and values.
Chemistry isn’t just for your partner; connecting with your Sales Representative is also important since you will be spending lots of time together throughout the planning process, making it that much smoother!
Customization. Choose a caterer whose commitment to customization is bar none! The ability to add the perfect personal touches is what will set them apart from the rest.
It’s important to find someone who will take your blue-sky ideas and build a tailored, delicious menu and experience specifically for you.
Communication. Responsiveness and communication are crucial factors when selecting a caterer. You’ll quickly understand how they will handle your wedding day by the first few interactions you have.
Secondly, providing detailed quotes will ensure your mind is put to ease, and there are no surprises so you can concentrate on your big celebration!
All-Inclusive Experience. There are so many moving parts to planning your big day! From finding the perfect venue, designing a custom menu, sourcing rentals, day-of coordination, and so much more.
Find a caterer who has the team and capacity to handle it all so you can focus on walking down the aisle!
Health & Safety. These days, navigating the new world of COVID-friendly celebrations is truly an art. Ask about COVID related policies & how your caterer will work with you to be flexible and plan (& replan if needed).
At Fig&Lemon, we practice what we preach! Our dedicated chef’s team brings the best seasonal, fresh ingredients and creativity to our distinctive menus.
As a catering company, our modern approach to timeless dishes combined with attention to detail and unique presentation makes for a beautiful, delicious, memorable experience.”
– Fig&Lemon Catering | Say Hello! hello@figandlemon.ca
AMY A. PEPPERMINT&CO.
4. “Ask to see the full menu, not just a package menu.”
Amy A. is the Logistics Lead & Associate Planner at Peppermint & Co. Event Consultants.
With her 8+ experience in event planning and on the catering side, together with the logistics team, she shares her tips on how to pick the right wedding caterer and things that you should ask/discuss/go-over with your potential caterer.
EXPERT ADVICE:
Ask to see the full menu, not just a package menu. The A la Carte menu may be a bit pricey, but at least it has your favorite dessert!
Ask your caterer for creative options and choices on incorporating your fave dessert (or other things!) on the A la Carte menu into your package.
HOW TO STICK TO YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
Having a tasting session with your potential caterer is key. Know, however, that there is a chance that you’re not going to try the full meal but only a “bite-size/mini” version.
You’re going to get a sense of what your wedding dinner will be presented and, of course, how it will taste like. Have your potential caterer go over a “larger scale” plan so you can see the big picture better.
Have your potential caterer walk you through the serving timings and switchover of meals. This way, you can also plan your other activities during the wedding around it. i.e., entertainment, speeches, toasts, etc.
Food choices are essential, so understand your guests’ needs and your own and communicate them with your potential caterer. Ask them for their input and how they can elevate these options.
HOW TO PLAN A MICRO PICNIC-STYLE WEDDING
Your potential caterer should also be able to provide you with great options to ensure you and your guests are getting the full experience in terms of the food served. Meaning if the appetizers can be tied to the main meal and the dessert, and have all your food choices match your overall wedding theme and vibe, the better.
– Amy. A & the logistics team | Lead Logistics & Associate Planner at Peppermint & Co. Event Consultants
HANA J. PEPPERMINT&CO.
5. “Choose a caterer you click with!”
With over 5 years of experience in events across the Americas and Europe, Hana J. understands that the secret to the best events is about meticulous preparation and the management of the unexpected. As well as adding that touch of creative sparkle!
Hana J. is a resident Event Planner and Coordinator at Peppermint & Co. Ltd. Event Consultants. Together with the planning team, she shares her tips on how to pick the right wedding caterer and things that you should ask/discuss/go-over with your potential caterer.
EXPERT ADVICE:
It is so important to choose a caterer you click with. Your guests will remember the quality of food and service. A caterer that you click with and “gets you” can easily turn your thoughts into a dream event and ensure everyone has the best possible time at the reception.
Interview first. Start interviewing caterers once you have your budget and guest list in place. You should also know what type of catering you want, seated or buffet. It will affect the price.
Great caterers can help you create a menu that is closest to your vision and works around your budget.
HOW TO: PLAN A BACKYARD WEDDING
Taste menus of at least three to four caterers before you make your final decision. Now, this might come with a small cost (depending on the caterer), but if you can have a taste before you can even book them, you will be able to make a better decision.
Another tip is that if you have an event coming up, whether it be a birthday or a small gathering, you can “try” and order from your potential caterer so you can also see the “consistency” of their food. A single meal is usually great, but you would want to look out for the “consistency” of food quality for bigger events.
Ask about their experience with your venue. Every venue is different. Discuss your venue choice and timings with your caterer even before booking them. Access to kitchen and equipment and other logistical matter will affect their ability to prep, cook, and serve, as well as the price.
COCKTAIL PARTY WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT
Discussing your timings and other wedding activities with your caterer from the very beginning will help them provide you with a better quote. You can avoid surprise charges like overtime, rush, or extra staff fees if you share with them as much information as you can about your wedding.
– Hana J. & the planning team | Event Planner and Coordinator at Peppermint & Co. Event Consultants
YORKSHIRE PUDDING CATERING
6. “Responsiveness”
For Yorkshire Pudding Catering, creating customized, food-centric, and worry-free gatherings are not only their passion but their promise. They know you want a wonderful event – they want to make sure that the journey getting it is just as wonderful. With their hands-on approach, they strive to make the party-planning process simple and clear. Their team of professional and efficient planners, chefs, and their onsite staff are dedicated to making your occasion a delicious success.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Our number one tip when choosing a caterer, other than of the quality of the foods, of course, is their responsiveness.
We hear time and time again from couples who have to wait weeks for quotes/replies/information from other caterers.
A wedding is arguably one of life’s most important celebrations, so the communication with your catering team should be open, flexible, and timely.”
– Sarah Locke (Event Planner), Yorkshire Pudding Catering, www.ypcatering.com
Stay tuned for How to pick the right Wedding Caterer. Part 2!
