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Catering
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Photo by
Adryanto Photography
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Catering takes an average of 45 to 50 percent
of your wedding costs, so be sure to choose a caterer carefully.
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After deciding on a
Rhode Island caterer, make an
appointment to discuss the menu. Let the caterer know whether you would prefer a
buffet, sit-down dinner or cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. At a sit-down
dinner it is easier to control the flow of events (cutting of the wedding cake, dancing,
etc.). A buffet dinner allows your guests to mingle. A buffet dinner isn’t
necessarily cheaper than a sit-down dinner because the caterer must prepare more food per
person to keep the buffet looking presentable.
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Not
only is the taste of the food important but the presentation of the food is equally
important. A good caterer knows how to present and garnish foods.
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To cut down on catering costs, avoid foods that
require
time-consuming kitchen preparation or foods that require carving at the table.
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Ask your friends for referrals. It is a good
idea to meet with at least three
RI caterers and sample their food.
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You may hire a
caterer who will tailor the menu specifically to your
preferences or you may choose a caterer that lets you choose from a specified list of
dishes. This tends to be cheaper. A good caterer will work within your budget so
don’t choose a caterer on cost alone.
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Questions to ask the Caterer
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How long have you been in business?
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Where did you receive your culinary training?
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Can we request a specific menu or do you work
from a set menu or package?
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Are you licensed to serve liquor?
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Is the cost of the service staff included in
the price?
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What will the servers wear?
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Do you require a guaranteed number of guests?
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When is the deposit due? When is the balance
due?
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When is the final guest count due?
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Have you ever catered a wedding reception at
the reception site that we have chosen?
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Are there any extra fees for cake-cutting,
linens, corkage, rental of furniture, setup charges, bar setup?
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Do you handle the cleanup and rental return?
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Do you provide the flowers?
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Do you provide the wedding cake?
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Do you supply the linens, china, glassware,
silverware, tables and chairs?
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Believe it or not, the cost of the reception meal will be almost
half of your wedding budget! Whether you are having an on-site
caterer, a catering company or a restaurant, you'll want to make
sure that you have a contract that includes the following
information:
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The
date of your wedding. Be sure to include the exact location and
room there may be more than one wedding going on at the same time).
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The
type of service you are having (whether it be a seated meal, French
service, buffet, tea, cocktails, etc.)
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The
staff-to-guest ratio.
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The
name of the person who is representing the catering company.
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Proof of license.
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Your exact food selections (including any liquor).
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The
total cost and what the payment schedule will be. List any sales
tax, gratuities, bar and waiter fees, any over-time expenses.
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Date when the final payment is due.
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Date when the caterer will need the final head count.
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Be
sure to get the contact information for the morning of the wedding
(cell phone number where person can be reached in case you need to
get in touch).
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List the cancellation and refund policy.
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