A good caterer will provide servers to help keep the buffet stocked, serve plated meals and more. Some will also take care of other services such as trash removal and water refills.
Catering to dietary restrictions is becoming more popular. Providing gluten-free, vegan and other options shows you care about your guests’ preferences. Click the Wedding Catering Seattle WA to learn more.
Catering is a big part of any wedding. It’s important to determine your budget before you begin planning. Start by getting referrals from your venue, wedding planner or recently married friends and narrowing down the options. Once you have a few caterers in mind, request quotes for your guest count and style of service. Make sure that the quotes include food, drink, rentals, service charges and gratuity so you can compare apples to apples.
The number of guests and menu selection play a major role in catering costs. Larger guest counts and more elaborate meals are typically pricier than simple menus and dishes made with less expensive ingredients. Another factor is the way the food is served: plated dinners are more costly than buffet or family-style meals.
Other factors that affect catering costs include the type of bar, wine-service fees and add-ons like cake cutting or flowers. Some caterers also charge extra for items like glassware, linens or tables. Avoid these added expenses by choosing a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol and opting for a simpler menu that doesn’t require garnishes or special presentation.
Another way to save on catering costs is by choosing a non-traditional reception time or day of the week. Choosing to hold your wedding for a Sunday brunch, lunch or cocktail hour can significantly reduce your wedding catering costs and allow you to host more guests without exceeding your budget.
A final way to save on wedding catering is to shop around for the best deals on food and drinks. Consider vendors who don’t specialize in weddings and are more affordable, or look for items like paper products, serving utensils and food at discount grocery stores or Costco when they’re on sale.
Lastly, don’t forget to factor in the cost of additional items such as a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. Also remember that food and drink waste can add up quickly, so always plan for more than you think you’ll need. Ensure that your guests have something to eat at the end of the night by offering a snack table, dessert station or donut wall instead of a traditional wedding cake.
Venue
The venue you choose will have a huge impact on the look, feel and overall experience of your wedding. You will want to make sure it aligns with your vision for the day and is large enough to accommodate all of your guests comfortably. If you have any doubts about the capacity of the space or how it will work with your desired wedding layout then ask to schedule a site visit.
During your site visit you will typically meet with the caterer to discuss your menu items and get an idea for how many servers they will provide. Some venues will include the servers in their package price while others require an additional fee. Either way you will want to have an idea of how many servers you will need as that will have a big impact on your budget.
Another important aspect of the venue to consider is whether or not they will take care of your linens. Most of the time the caterer will supply linens for your tables but it is always best to double check because not all linens are created equal! Some have a beautiful sheen that will shine under the lights while others may be more matte in color or may not have as much drape. If you are planning on using beautiful tablescapes for your reception then it is worth taking the extra time to see samples of their linens.
Some venues will offer a full-service option where they will include the rental of the space, tables, chairs, linens and catering in their package pricing. This is perfect if you are looking for a turn key solution to planning and have the time to work with the vendor list they provide for you. They will usually have a wedding coordinator that can help you with vendor selection, floor plan design and creating a timeline for your day.
Other venues will be more of a blank slate and will allow you to select your own vendors. This is ideal if you have a good handle on the different services you will need for your day and are confident in your ability to manage vendor selection, logistics, planning and budgeting.
Theme
A wedding theme is an elegant way to bind your guests in a cohesive vision on your big day. It can also help guide the selection of food and beverage options for your event. Choosing a catering style that aligns with your theme makes for a memorable, unique, and delicious wedding experience.
A buffet-style menu is an easy way to provide a wide variety of foods for your guests. It also allows you to incorporate themed food stations into your event, such as a craft beer tasting corner or a wine and cheese pairing station. For an extra-special touch, choose plates and serving utensils that reflect your theme. For example, white is a classic choice for dinnerware, but you can also opt for a more ornate plate in your wedding’s accent color.
If you’re aiming for an upscale, formal wedding, consider a plated meal service. This option gives your guests a fine-dining experience and will elevate the overall mood of your reception. It’s important to choose a caterer that is familiar with your venue’s kitchen and can accommodate any special dietary restrictions.
You can also add a fun twist to your wedding food by offering unique elements and interactive experiences. For example, a build-your-own sundae bar or a soft pretzel station with toppings will allow your guests to customize their own treats and create a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Another popular trend is to bring in a food truck for your wedding. These mobile restaurants are a great way to offer a range of cuisines and can be used as a focal point at your reception. Food trucks can also be hired for cocktail parties, too.
A sommelier-inspired menu can be a great way to showcase your favorite wines and connect them with your wedding theme. You can even have the sommelier serve your guests with a specially designed flight of wines that pair well with each course. You can also include a wine-related dessert, such as a cheesecake or cupcakes, to tie your theme together. For drinks, you can serve wine-inspired cocktails or even a sangria.
Food
A good catering company should be able to provide you with a wide selection of food items. This way, you can select the dishes that fit your wedding theme and taste buds. Additionally, make sure the caterer can handle any special dietary restrictions or cultural foods you are planning to have at your wedding. Most catering companies specialize in certain menu items and service styles so make sure they can do the ones you want before signing a contract.
The style of food served at a wedding can significantly influence the overall catering costs. For example, a buffet or family-style dinner will be more expensive than a plated meal. In addition, the type of cuisine and the amount of variety offered will also impact costs. For example, a seafood dinner will be more expensive than a chicken entree.
If you are hosting a casual wedding, try serving bite-sized appetizers. This will give your guests a chance to socialize with one another while enjoying the food. Whether you go with a classic cheeseburger or a gourmet slider, these apps are perfect for a relaxed vibe.
You can also offer drinks in a snack-sized format. For instance, you can serve a curated wine list or create a beer bar that offers several different brews. Additionally, you can also serve cocktails in mini mason jars for an added touch of romance and charm.
For a more formal wedding, opt for a plated meal. This will ensure that all of your guests receive a warm, freshly prepared dinner. In addition, a plated meal is great for ensuring that your guests receive their meal at the same time and can help keep your wedding timeline running smoothly.
If you opt for a plated dinner, ask your caterer if they can accommodate any special dietary restrictions or cultural foods that you plan to have at your wedding. This will help avoid any surprises on your big day.
Also, don’t forget that the vendors working at your wedding have to eat, too! Make sure to include a meal for your photographers, videographers, DJs, and coordinators in the catering contract. This will save you money on additional gratuities later.