Tips on Choosing a Caterer and Your Perfect Menu

Food, food, food.  This can be one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding.  It can determine the number of guests, and affect the time of your ceremony.  Many people getting married choose a reception venue that has a caterer.  Other people, like me, bring in a caterer of their choice.  This can be a less expensive option.

Before looking for a caterer, you need to consider several things.

• Who has experience catering at your reception venue?
• Will the food need to be prepared on site, or reheated?
• What type of food/meal? Sit-down meal? Buffet? Stations? Hour D'ourves? 
• Can they make your cake as well?
• Bar options?

Dustin and I were torn between hour d'ourves and a meal.  We realized appetizers can be just as expensive because you have to pay for individual items and the labor to make them.  Being our wedding is at 5 p.m., we settled on a buffet meal.

Our caterer has catered several weddings I have attended, as well as serves the weekly Wednesday meal at my church where we are getting married.  She has the experience, and because of our connection, she is giving us a good deal!

It is important to make sure that the menu has options for your guests.  The bride & groom may not even get to eat much, so it's important that other people will enjoy your meal.

Dustin & my wedding menu will consist of:

• Herb Roasted Chicken Filet
• Potato Casserole with Four Cheeses
• Green Beans with Citrus Butter
• House Salad
• White & Wheat Yeast Rolls
• Sweet Tea, Coffee and Water

It is the perfect menu for a reception at a baptist church!  I'm excited to taste it, and if you come, I hope you are too!