One of the biggest details that you?ll need to nail down for your reception is what people will be eating. Are you going to have a sit-down dinner or will your caterer be passing around hors d’oeuvres while your guests sip on cocktails" Will you have a mid-morning brunch or a hearty buffet dinner" While you think about these details (as well as the costs), you?re going to need an excellent caterer by your side that will help you make these decisions. But with so many catering companies out there, how do you know which one will be perfect for your big day" Here are some tips to help you choose the best person for the occasion.
1. Figure Out How Much You Want to Spend
Like any other item in the wedding budget, you?ll first need to determine how much you can actually afford to spend on food. This is often the biggest piece of the wedding budget pie, so don?t be afraid to spend a large chunk on feeding your guests. Most brides and grooms plan to spend about 40?50 percent of their wedding budget on the reception, but this will also include alcohol (if you choose to have it served), the wedding cake, and any linens or flatware that are needed. Once you get a figure in your head, only continue on with caterers that can fit within this budget so that you won?t get disappointed by the selection. In other words, don?t expect filet mignon on a pizza budget.
2. Ask Your Venue if There Are Restrictions or Recommendations
Before you book a caterer, it?s good to che...