The question of whether or not to fix your own food for the wedding reception can sometimes be a difficult one. Cost is usually a factor, but there may be hidden costs in doing it yourself that you don't need to consider when using a caterer. So make some calls, ask lots of questions, and list your options.

First, consider the cost to rent your reception facility. Many restaurants and hotels include in their catering charges the use of their facilities and serving staff at no extra cost - - some will not even consider catering an event at another location.

Next, figure your food budget based on how much you want to spend per person attending. Restaurants and hotels may have a minimum price where an independent caterer can work within just about any budget. Add an extra ten percent for overage and additional cost for gratuity, if appropriate.

Your caterer will know how much of each item to provide for the number of people you expect. However, a good rule of thumb is two of each item per person.

Independent caterers will bring your feast to just about any location. Their prices quite often will also include extras like table linens, plates, glasses, etc. - but ask just to be sure.

Unless you happen to choose your caterer by attending another catered event, you will probably have no chance to taste their wares in advance.

However, many restaurants and hotels offer buffet brunches and dinners on the weekends. This is an ideal way to taste the quality and variety available through their banquet and catering facilities.

                 Choosing A Wedding Catering Service

If you're getting married, the reception is one of the most important part of the day and how you work with your wedding catering service is critical as to how the whole thing comes off. However, if you're smart in your dealings you can get a fabulous reception and maybe even save some money for the honeymoon.

One thing you need to realize is that the catering company probably wants to supply everything so if you're thinking about saving money by bringing in your own champagne or cake this might not go over so good. The reason for this is that if everything is not just right it reflects poorly on the catering company and that's not good for business. You’ll probably find that many catering companies have developed a network of complementary business associates who can provide you with all the things you need to make your reception a success. You may find that they are a one-stop shop for things like bands, floral designers and cake decorators.

Let's face it, weddings can be stressful enough and planning all the things that go into the reception can be challenging but if you get a lot of help from the wedding caterers it can be more fun than frustration.

One thing you probably want to do is take a good look at your guest list and make a note of what types of foods should or should not be served. Usually you'll have a choice of two different meals but you want to be aware of people on your list that have food allergies.

One thing you should do before you even decide on a wedding catering service is to set the budget for the reception. You need to be very strict with the budget because things can get out of hand quickly. One good idea is to tell the caterer that your budget is a little bit less than it really is, that way you'll have some wiggle room if you need to make a change or something special comes up.

Here are some more things you might consider:

- Don't like what you see on the menu? As the caterer if he can create a custom menu based on your tastes and budget.

- Keep in mind that most caterers charge per person so the cost of the meals will be directly related to how many guests he was invited to a wedding.

- Sometimes caterers charge a service charge. This largely depends on the style of serving. A buffet style might have less of the charge, but if someone is cutting the deal will be something extra. If it will be a sit down meal with waiters and waitresses that additional expense to cover their wages may be added.

- If there is a bar with alcohol and hourly fee for the bartender may be added.

- Can you believe is a cake cutting fee? Yep this covers the expense of war is cutting and serving the cake.

- Typically wine or champagne is served for the toast and a lot of catering businesses will charge a pouring fee for this.

No matter which way you look at it, hiring a wedding catering service is good cost you some money but if you shop around you may be able to get a good deal on the caterer that will do a fantastic job on your reception. Don't forget, this is your big day and you don't want to squirm too much or you might just get what you pay for.

© 1996 International Publishing Services, Inc.

            Web sites and designs by Boston Web Hosts USA ©

Enter to win the Honeymoon Destination of Your Dreams

Custom Wedding Web Sites For Brides & Grooms 

Boston Ma best valued DJ entertainment company, serving Boston Ma for weddings and events providing professional disc jockeys services

Enter the Wedding Guide “Bride of the Month Contest”