5 Tips for hiring a wedding caterer

Hiring a wedding caterer is an important early step in your wedding planning.

1. GET RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFERRALS

Tastings are a lot of fun, but you don't have the time to do tastings everywhere, so try and use recommendations from friends and online ratings to narrow your choices down to 3-5 caterers before you make appointments. Once you've narrowed your list down, get referrals of past clients from the caterer.

2. KNOW YOUR BUDGET

There's a caterer out there for almost any budget, but you can save yourself time and aggravation if you have an idea of both your overall budget and your food budget before you start looking. Don't forget to consider your budget for linens, plates and tables as well, since the caterer will often coordinate renting these items. You will probably be asked to put down a 50% deposit when you sign the contract, so make sure you're absolutely committed before signing. It is expected that you'll tip the wait staff and the catering manager, so don't forget to budget for that as well.

3. CHECK WITH THE VENUE

Some wedding venues may have an approved list of vendors. This is why it's important to decide on a venue before choosing a caterer. Usually these lists are necessary because of insurance requirements, but sometimes it's simply that these are vendors the venue knows can be trusted. There is value to choosing from a recommended list, it means the caterer will be familiar with the set up and will have an easy time coordinating with the venue staff. But if you're having trouble finding a caterer that works for you on the list, discuss it with the venue manager.

4. BE UPFRONT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

If you want a vegetarian menu, or have specific allergy or ingredient concerns, discuss this with your caterer before making an appointment for a tasting. If you're having children at the wedding, arrange for special children's meals; these will be less expensive and keep the kids happy.

5. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, AND READ IT CAREFULLY!

There are a lot of gray areas with catering a big event. Is the caterer providing tablecloths and linens? Are they an extra cost? If it's a buffet, do you need to rent the serving dishes separately? How many waiters and what will they wear? If the event lasts longer than expected, will you need to pay additional charges? Who is responsible for paying lost linen fees? It's a lot of detail to consider, but you need to pay attention.

6. EAT!

Don't forget to relax, sit down and have a bite yourself!