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Wedding Catering
Another conundrum for soon-to-be married couples is the dilemma of
having servers versus having a buffet for the reception. Both have
their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at both sides before
you make your decision.
At the buffet table
The first and most obvious upshot of having a buffet style dinner at
the wedding is the opportunity for all of the guests to choose what
they want to eat. This way everyone is happy and they can have as much
or as little as they want. There can be multiple things for various
dietary restrictions as well as a multitude of side dishes for the
vegetarian that hates getting pasta at every wedding.
But the downside of the buffet table is that things that are popular
will run out. If you do not plan ahead for shortages, then you may have
guests that didn’t get what they really wanted to eat. In terms of
movement, the buffet table can be tricky. The bride may have troubles
moving up there and might be afraid to spill anything on her dress, as
other may be as well. Trying to find ways to serve items without having
a large opportunity for spillage will help to avoid any dry cleaning
bills.
The service is excellent
Having servers for the reception is a classy and easy way to keep
everyone happy during the reception. Not only will no one have to move
until the dance, but the servers can also attend to any problems
without the couple even knowing about them. Drinks can also be served,
which is wonderful for everyone—no more needing to get up and down
during dinner.
On the other hand, this excellent service does come with a price tag.
It will be costlier to have staff waiting on the guests, especially
with more guests. You will also take the chance of the staff being nice
to the head table and not to the rest of the guests. The best advice is
to interview each staff member as well before the reception.
Both buffets and service are great options for reception dinners. If
you’re looking for something a little more casual, then the buffet will
be great, but for the more formal occasion, service is best. You may
want to stop and consider your guests at this point. If they’re older
and don’t move around well, service is a great way to keep them
comfortable.
When planning an event, you don't have to tackle it alone. Carters are
used everyday for business to personnel, formal, and causal settings.
Whether it's for a wedding, banquet, or any type of celebration,
carefully choose your caterer because the food will not only represent
the caterer but also yourself.
How to Choose a Caterer
When choosing a caterer, it is better to be safe than sorry. To ensure
that you pick the right company to cater your event, remember to do the
following:
* Talk to family, friends and business associates for the names of caters they have used and can recommend.
* Recall the last event you attended where the food and service impressed you. Learn the name and number of the cater.
* When you have a list of caters to call, contact the Better Business Bureau to find out whether they are reliable.
* Ask for references and make calls. Don't take chances.
* Presentation is everything. Ask to attend an event handled by the caterer you are planning to use.
* Request a tasting of the food that will be served at your event.
Money Talk
Money matters. Make sure the cost of your caterer is within your
budget. Some caterers offer better value than others. It is also easy
to incur extra charges that may not initially be apparent. In order to
ensure that the cost of your caterer does not exceed budget, you will
want to:
* Call multiple caterers and tell them your budget. Compare the fees they charge and the services they provide.
* Confirm the Caters availability for date of your event.
* Once you give the Cater an estimated headcount, request a menu showing the different prices and packages they offer.
* Find out if decorations are included in the price.
* Talk to your caterer about deposits and guaranteed numbers. Some
Caterers base their figures on a minimum of guests. If your final guest
count is less than the caterer's base, you may end up paying an
additional fee.
Other Questions to Ask
* Talk to your Cater about the style or theme that you want for your event.
* Check out the dinnerware and lines the Caterer will be using.
* Ask your caterer how many servers per guest they will use (one server for 8 to 10 guests is practical)
* Ask to see pictures that will give you an idea of what the caterer can do.
* It's your event; trust your instincts. If the caterer you choose doesn't fell right, walk away.
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