Wedding Catering Checklist
One of the important decisions when planning a wedding is whether you want an external catering service to take care of the food & beverage. On your Big Day you shouldn’t have to worry about anything, so we provide you with a checklist which will help choose the perfect catering company.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the ideas pointed out here. Just pick the ones that best suit your dream wedding.
- Set budget
- Start about 6-9 months in advance (interview caterers, taste tests…)
- Ask caterer for reference, portfolio and experience with wedding catering
- Check caterer’s availability on wedding date
- Decide if you prefer buffet or menu (self-serve / served)
- Ask for menu examples with prices
- Ask caterer if any regulations apply for self-supplied food, drinks or wedding cake
- Check if cake knife and stand are provided by caterer
- Check if they provide bar service
- Check if there is a minimum charge
- Check if costs cover set-up and clean-up
- Check if taxes and gratuities are included in price
- Check included/excluded equipments (plates, utensiles, food warmers, linens…)
- Check if caterer provides menus at served dinner or food descriptions at buffet
- Clarify beginning and end times of catering service
- Clarify deadline for menu selection and final guest estimate
- Clarify deposit, guarantee, insurance and cancellation terms
- Make a written contract with all agreements
Tip #1: Ask the caterer if they will set up names/place cards, if you give them a seating chart and the printed cards.
If you liked this checklist, take a look at our most dateiled and complete wedding timeline checklist.
Or feel free to check our list of recommended wedding suppliers.
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