10 tips for choosing your wedding caterer

How to choose your wedding caterer ? When to book your date and what budget plan for this position? As soon as you have chosen the location of your reception, it will be essential to select the wedding caterer. The team that will accompany you will play a determining role in the smooth running of your reception.

If the quality of the food offered is the basis, you will also have to worry about the quality of services. The more meticulous a caterer is about the notion of organization and service, the more you will be able to rely on him serenely.

Marie Julien Kitchen, a committed caterer in Ile-de-France, gives us their best advice to help the bride and groom in this essential choice for the smooth running of your wedding reception. A huge thank you to them!

1. Find a caterer that suits you

• Some venues require or suggest a list of caterers specific with whom they are used to collaborating on this type of event: either because they receive a commission or because they wish to maintain a certain level of requirement. It should be noted that taking a caterer referenced in a place can sometimes increase the pricing conditions of the quote.
• Several catering companies are listed on social networks, on the internet, in directories or in blog articles.
• Ask around to get several references. Word of mouth remains the best way to get concrete feedback on certain service providers.

The most important thing is to find a caterer who matches your values ​​and desires and with which the bride and groom feel comfortable and confident. Feeling is essential.

2. When should you book your wedding caterer?

As soon as possible. About 12 to 10 months before the big day. It is important to plan ahead and contact a caterer quickly once the location has been determined. Caterers are often booked well in advance, especially if the wedding is planned for the summer season, it is possible that catering companies are highly sought after.

3. Establish comparative quotes

Contact several service providers to compare quotes. This will give you an idea of ​​the different types of prices and services offered.

4. Information to send to your caterer

Ask and provide as much information as possible to the caterer to find out if the latter is likely to meet all the criteria:

• The wedding date
• The number of guests, children included
• The place and furniture available
• Menu type wish
• Products you don't like
• Special desires on the menu
• The question about corkage fee
• Travel expenses potential

5. What pace should you give to your wedding reception?

What type of format? Wine reception, cocktail, seated meal, brunch. These details will help you sort through the different providers.

6. The caterer's budget 

Catering is an element that should not be overlooked: it constitutes the largest part of the total budget of your wedding. For a good caterer and a service that lives up to expectations, count at least 100€ including tax per person.

This rate includes several elements:

• product quality,
• move : mileage, toll, gasoline, insurance, hotel,
• table setting,
• the service : Count at least 1 server for 25 peopleSome caterers recommend 1 server for 40 people but this has a considerable impact on the quality and smooth running of the service.

7. Be aware of overtime

Choose a caterer who offers a formula with no time limit on service. to avoid a large bill and a budget outflow at the end of the service.
Some caterers set a maximum time limit (e.g. 23pm) and charge for overtime. Therefore, choose a caterer who is prepared to ensure the end of the meal, whatever the time, without additional costs.

8. Ask about the services included

Often a caterer does not limit himself to culinary preparations, he also includes suggestions for decorations (table, tablecloths, dishes) and floral arrangements. Find out and ask in detail what the final budget may include. The more services go through the same contact, the easier the organization is. and sometimes cheaper.

9. Be sure to ask for a tasting

Some offer it systematically, others don't: plan a test meal before the big day to ensure that requests and desires have been understood. This is the time to realize the quality offered.

Usually the tasting amount is deducted from the final amount if the bride and groom and caterer work together, This is an investment that is best not missed. Prefer a tasting for two so as not to be influenced.

10. The most important thing: have fun, you only get married once in your life!

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The credits

Editorial published on The Lane

Place / Colonia Rusiñol

Photography / Two Santas
Styling / Two Santas 

Florist / Molist Florists
Location of furniture / AH rental
Dishes / AH Location
Plates / Zara Home 
Vases /  White Ceramics
Stationery / JDN paper

Bride / Savannah Miller , The Muse Collective
Married / Ralph Lauren

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TO BE CONTINUED…

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Our favorites on the shop
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like:
Your Wedding Budget – How Much Does It Cost?
Wedding caterer – Our favorites
Choosing your wedding venue
Renting furniture and decoration for your wedding

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