Wedding Buffet or Ten Course Meal?

The part of the wedding that takes the most preparation is usually the reception. Where do we hold it? What shall the decor be like? What can I fit into my budget? Do we need the doves? What do we eat?

If you have a wedding theme, that may help determine the food at your party. For example, if you go for a chinese ceremony, you may also wish to have chinese at your reception. This means your food is served in courses (not the kind that comes in little boxes). You might have as many as ten courses if you follow strict chinese tradition, including suckling pig and sharks fin. This may not be as expensive as you think as some weddings such as those of the chinese limit the reception to the immediate family.

On the other hand, you might have chosen a destination wedding in Hawaii. Then a luau or a buffet may be more your type. This can be wonderful since the atmosphere is more relaxed and people can choose which of the offerings they want to eat most of. Your guests would also feel more free to mingle at this kind of party than a more formal affair.

Of course, there’s also the western style. Instead of having someone cook up fancy dishes, why not ask your family and friends to participate in the ultimate american pot-luck? Then have some dancing and get everyone swinging and celebrating.

The important things is for you to have fun as you start your married life together. Let your wedding planner help you get all the stuff you want to eat into the reception without going over budget.

Questions to Ask Your Caterer

The reception is easily one of the biggest costs of the wedding, so it’s very important that you have a clear, and well documented contract with your banquet sales representative and/or your caterer. Here are some things you need to iron out before signing the check:

Does your caterer have a license? Has it met local health department standards? Does it have liability insurance?

Does the fee include just the food or additional services like tables, chairs, silverware? Do you need to pay extra for seat covers, place settings, equipment?

Will the caterer provide waiters? How many people will each waiter serve? How many people will assist at the buffet table?

Does the package include place cards, centerpieces, guest book?

What is the caterer’s experience in food styling? (Ask to see photos of prior settings.)

What drinks are included? Will you need to pay corkage fees if you bring in your own sodas or liquor? (Compare the costs of an open bar, corkage fees, or set drinks.)

What are the special fees not included in the cost of menu? This includes sales taxes, service fees, bar fees, security deposits, corkage, etc. Always ask for the total package cost and check against your wedding budget.

When is the downpayment and final balance due? What is the cancellation and refund policy?

What date will the caterer need a final headcount?

Who will oversee the event on the actual wedding day?

Can you have a special menu for kids or friends with dietary considerations (i.e., kosher, vegetarian, etc.)