So You Need a Caterer, Huh?

So you need a caterer, huh? Well before you rendezvous with Wolfang Puck I suggest you place your wallet in a secure, out-of-state safe deposit box, because the catering bill usually comprises the largest slice of the wedding budget pie. How much, you ask? Try upwards of $6000 for an average of 200 guests. We'll further discuss cost a bit later.

Meat and potatoes

If your guest count is above 25 you will surely need extra helping hands of the professional nature. So unless you plan on taking care of the delicate issue of food yourself, you should look into hiring the services of a professional caterer.

After booking your wedding reception site, be sure to ask if they provide in-house catering. Many large facilities, such as hotels and country clubs, require you to use the services of their provided caterers. It's unlikely that you'll be able to negotiate your way around this issue. If this is a rule etched in stone then the reception manager should provide you with a list of their provided caterers for you to choose from.

The best way to find a good caterer is to drill your friends, family and recently wed couples about their past engagements. You can even phone your doctor or lawyer, because they're known for attending many catered events. There may be two or three occasions that will stand out in their memory. You'll get the best, unbiased referrals that will lead you towards quality caterers. But more importantly, you'll hear the catering horror stories of businesses to avoid, because people sure do love to talk about bad service!

If their advice doesn't lead you to any productive avenues then you should look through our directory of caterers or the yellow pages for some good leads. And please don't let big, full-page ads convince you that those caterers are the cream of the crop. Many such catering establishments purchase such large ad space because they depend on high volume and purchasing food in bulk to maintain their business. Therefore, if your reception party is going to be a small function (below 200) then they may not even allow you to book them. On the flip side, don't let the small ads fool you either, because they may possess more than enough talent and skill to oversee your wedding function.