How to choose a caterer for your wedding?
POV: Everything is going as per plan. The colours, the flowers, the venue, the outfits, the rituals – all as per the theme of your dream wedding. And then it strikes you – food. Your food menu is ready, but you haven’t found a wedding caterer yet, someone who could seamlessly infuse your wedding theme into your plates without disturbing your honed taste buds.
Choosing a wedding caterer is a make-or-break situation.
What starts off as a gleam to the eyes, often ends with a happy, satisfied tummy. And like it or not, it’s the gustatory system that holds on to the memory of an event for the longest time.
There isn’t any shortcut to choosing a wedding caterer who fits your needs, and hence, here is a helping guide that could help you close down on yours.
1. DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET
The first thing you must do is narrow down and split your budget. Do basic research to understand the ongoing rates and determine the budget you would put aside for your wedding catering. A good way to understand what you would be getting out of your budget is to ask if the cost is just for the food, or has inclusions like table set-up, menu design, etc.
2. SEARCH EARLY TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Once you have your budget in place, it will be easier for you to narrow down on your wedding caterers. It’s important you call them up immediately because the good ones usually get booked many months, or even years, prior since it is a high priority need.
3. DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE
A lot of factors play into this like the time of your wedding, the season you are aiming at, etc. Whether it is a lavish breakfast spread, hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour, plated sit-down meals, or a self-help buffet, the style of meal will also help you choose a relevant wedding catering service.
4. YOUR VENUE CAN SUGGEST CATERERS
The venue is usually the first thing a couple books for their wedding, and if you do have your venue fixed, ask them for suggestions on caterers too. Most venues have a fixed list of preferred vendors. However, if none of the caterers fit your fancy, you can communicate your specific requirements to the venue, and they can have a word with the wedding planners to find you a caterer.
5. REFERRALS FROM FRIENDS
Referrals are a great way to find a caterer that has been tried and tested before, so you know you have your social proof before going ahead with a booking. From food to service, you will have a first-hand experience account.
6. ONLINE REVIEWS
Online reviews are also a great way to find out about the service and quality of a caterer since online platforms are usually very transparent. Reputable caterers are usually listed on Google and other search engines, and also on aggregator websites.
7. SCHEDULE A TASTING
Relying on word-of-mouth, referrals, and online reviews do make it easier to select your perfect wedding caterer but missing out on a tasting session is certainly not the way to go. For many reasons like, the taste not being as per your palate, additional menu items that could be brought on, feedback on the presentation, etc.
8. PAY THE BOOKING AMOUNT
Once you have found the caterer that ticks all your requirements, it is imperative that you sign the contract and pay the booking amount since caterers in high demand can be booked really quick, sometimes even within half an hour! So, block the dates to make sure you do not miss out on your perfect wedding caterer.
And from then on, you could heave a sigh of relief as the caterer will take on the responsibility from thereon.
If you are yet to decide on your wedding caterers in Bangalore, have a word with us, The Creative Kitchen, and we can help you plan a luxurious wedding menu spread for an unforgettable experience. A culmination of great taste, innovative dishes, instagramable presentation, global cuisines, and attentive personalised service is what makes experiencing wedding catering with us a magical one.