Wedding Planning Catering Tips from the Pros
All Photography by Angel Sheree Photography
Your wedding is one of the biggest and most special days of your life. It comes with a lot of anticipation, excitement and let’s be honest, stress. But it doesn’t have to! Here are our tips to help you plan your wedding with ease.
Make Sure Your Budget Is Realistic
Most couples don’t realize that they’ll be spending roughly 50% of their overall wedding budget on the food, beverages and venue. You may think “it’s just food and drinks,” so why does it cost so much? Well, caterers are essentially bringing the restaurant experience to you! From the food, beverages, rentals, staff, to the equipment and sometimes literally the kitchen sink, these are just a few things from a long list, that are needed to execute a successful wedding.
While a plated or family style meal is classy and elegant, both are also more expensive than a buffet. That’s because both require more staff and rentals. A buffet is definitely the most budget friendly and it too can be classy and elegant. Find out what type of equipment and serveware your caterer uses and if it can match the style you’re going for in your wedding. Ask them if the buffet is self-served or staff served. All of 805 Catering Co.’s buffets are served to your guests by our staff with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. Lastly, just remember you get what you pay for. Don't expect a royal wedding experience on a potluck budget.
Make Sure Your Guest List Is Realistic
No matter the number of guests you have, all of them will need to eat. Remember, the higher the head count (which should always include your vendors), the more it’s going to cost. The price per guest that you are paying for doesn’t just include the main entree. You’re also paying for each piece of appetizer, drink, chair, plate, utensil, napkin, etc. All those items will quickly add up.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider reducing your head count, but with the same budget in mind. It's hard to draw a line in the list, but your mother’s neighbor’s dog-sitter will probably get over the fact they didn’t get invited to your wedding. Reducing your head count puts you in a position to add those nicer touches to your special day and give your guests a more memorable experience. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind: less is more.
Details. Details. Details.
Décor: You’ve taken the time to select your wedding colors, flowers, favors, cake, etc., which are all important, but don’t overlook or ignore the food station. The aesthetic of your entire reception should be cohesive everywhere you look, including the appetizer & buffet table(s). A well-dressed table will entice your guests to eat with their eyes before they eat the food. It’s important to work with your caterer on its décor.
The same floral arrangements that adorn every dining table should be included on your food station, (and don’t forget the bar) as well. Candles lend an inexpensive and beautiful way to set a romantic mood and a dreamy atmosphere. By doing these things, you’ll retain the unity of your wedding theme throughout the entire space.
Cocktail Hour: Remember, this is the time you’ll be taking photos with your wedding party, leaving your guests to entertain themselves. They’ll be ready to eat, drink and party. Make sure you give them just enough appetizers to whet their appetite for dinner, but not so much to ruin it. Again, work with your caterer to make sure you have the perfect amount of food and variety. Rule of thumb is usually two pieces per guest.
Bar: Whether you’re serving just wine and beer or going all out with a full bar, make sure you hire enough bartenders to accommodate the number of guests on your list. Trust us when we say, guests hate waiting in long lines. Bartenders can only make one drink at a time. So, having only one for a hundred or more guests, may be saving you money, but it’s a huge mistake and a formula to make guests unhappy.
Food Quantity: Make sure you order enough food. If you have a crowd of big eaters, then increase your headcount, to accommodate that. Buffets are not “all you can eat” (unless you request that). They are a calculated spread to give each guest an appropriately sized serving. If your guests want more, they’re welcome to hit the line again, once everyone has been served. This will ensure that no one, including your vendors, don’t go hungry or hangry. Caterers don't have a magic bag (or refrigerator) that they can tap into while in the middle of the food service to accommodate last minute additions or over-zealous eaters.
The most important tip we can give you out of all of this is to talk with your caterer. By keeping the lines of communication open, you and they will leave a lot less room for error. It keeps you all on the same page, all the time. From the first email or phone call to the last, nothing is set in stone until the final deadline. So be timely, honest and upfront. Your caterer is putting a lot of time and effort into your wedding before the big day itself. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work.
Author Bio: Hi, we’re Casey and Lisa Chandler, owners and the dynamic husband and wife team of 805 Catering Co. With both of us having a passion for food, wine, hospitality and styling, we decided to start our catering business four years ago. What began as a necessity, has become a labor of love. To us family is everything! So, don’t be surprised if you see some members of our own family working your wedding, along with an assembly of the other amazing, warm and friendly staff that we work with.
We offer a wide range of services, from full service, drop off and rental coordination to full bar service, including mobile bar catering, via our vintage tap truck. We’ve got your needs covered. Creating and executing memorable and delicious event experiences, coupled with extraordinary service and style is what our company is all about.
Let’s get this party started! You can reach us at our website here and find us on Instagram at @805cateringco.