Wedding Caterers

Your reception location may offer catering, but you don't always have to use the on-site caterer.  Once you know what your location will provide, you're ready to shop for a caterer. 

Different caterers offer different levels of service, so just like with reception locations, make sure you compare apples to apples.  Full-service caterers offer tables, chairs, dinnerware, linen, glassware, servers, hors deuvres, dinner courses, champagne... while others may offer only a few of these services.  Knowing what you'll need lets you know what to look for in a caterer.

If you use an in-house caterer you probably won't save  money but at least you won't have to search for your own caterer.  The in-house caterer knows the facility, knows the room, and should be able to provide seamless service.  The problem is some in-house caterers offer a package that includes items you don't want or need.  Make sure you know exactly what is provided.

Independent caterers offer a variety of levels of service:  Some only provide food, while others are full-service providers.  While you may be able to save money in aggregate by contracting for food from the caterer and sourcing your own dinnerware, tables, chairs, service staff, etc, the search will take considerable time and effort.  

In our experience, caterers offer two critical items:  Food and service.  If the food is excellent and the service is excellent, tablecloths with a slightly lower thread count than you hoped for are no big deal.  On the other hand, even if the tables are beautiful, if the service staff is slow, inefficient, or even surly, it doesn't matter how beautiful the tables look.  Always taste the food - if the caterer won't set up a tasting for you, that's a big red flag.

If you're shopping for a caterer ahead of time, most will give you an estimated price per guest.  (Most will also require a minimum number of guests - even if that many people don't attend, you'll still be charged for the minimum number.)  Approximately a month or two before the wedding you should receive a final price.  Some caterers will "estimate" a low price and then provide a final price significantly higher due to "tremendous increases in food costs."  Ask what the typical variance is.  Also ask if the caterer provides any price guarantees.  Try to lock in your price as far in advance as possible.