{GB} How to Choose the Right Caterer

Planning a wedding can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It requires ample amounts of planning on your part and getting outside help is almost necessary to ensure a successful wedding, especially when it comes to catering. As a caterer, I understand how much time and energy is spent solely on the cuisine alone, and I can attest to the time crunch and stress involved.  Therefore, it’s extremely important to choose the right caterer so while you might be mingling the night away, your guests will be enjoying a meal to remember.

Recommended vendors and caterers

In many cases the venue at which you will have your wedding ceremony and/or reception will have a selection of “preferred” venders and caterers. This is a good place to start when searching for your ideal caterer because most venues only use highly reputable, qualified caterers that will ultimately make the venue itself look better. These “preferred” caterers are also familiar with your site’s kitchen, layout, coordinator, etc. Even if your venue allows you to bring in whomever you want, ask the site coordinator who they specifically recommend. And of course, get suggestions from friends and family, to compile a list of about five to six highly recommended caterers.

Meet with your selection of vendors

Once you have a list of a few recommended caterers, set up face-to-face interviews to determine the right choice for you. Schedule a tasting as part of the interview so you can get an idea of the quality of food that will be offered. Taste, presentation, creativity and the willingness of the caterer to suit your needs should all factor in to your final decision. Many caterers will not go out of their way to accommodate you or your guest. This can cause problems if anything happens at your wedding or if you make any special requests to the caterer. The caterer should accommodate your vision, so choose someone who is personable and open to your ideas.

Ask questions

It’s nearly impossible to get an idea of what a particular catering company is like or if they can suit your needs without asking questions. As a caterer, it is our job to answer any and all of your questions sincerely and thoroughly. If you feel like a caterer is hiding something or avoiding particular questions then you should consider searching elsewhere. Integrity and reliability are two qualities that you can’t dismiss when searching for your ideal wedding caterer. Some good questions include:

• What range of menu options and courses can you offer for my budget?
• Do you offer any rentals? Can I bring in my own rentals if the cost is less?
• How much time do you need to set up and break down?
• What is the payment schedule? And much more.

When you think back on your wedding day, you don’t want to be haunted by food related disasters rather you want to remember it forever as an enjoyable experience. From the starters to the customized cocktails, you and your guests will have lasting memories of remarkable cuisine.

{GB – Guest Blogger} This article was written exclusively for Becoming the Mrs by LowCountry Barbecue, proud to be a leading Atlanta caterer, serving happy couples on their big day for more 25 years. LowCountry specializes in events, big or small, across the country; no location is too far and no party is too much.