Wedding Planning Guide - Catering Return to Wedding Planning Topics List If you want certain things for your catering, then ensure you make this very clear when you book your venue, or check the catering arrangements at that venue. Some premises do not allow outside caterers, and may not be able to provide what you want. There are no rules to what you have to have for your wedding reception meal/wedding breakfast. The time of day may direct your decision, or the time of year (nothing too heavy in summer - no salad in winter). A morning or lunch time ceremony is gerenally followed by a sit-down meal for a few guests, followed by a buffet for more guests in the evening. However, to cut down on the amount of food needed you may choose to go for a late afternoon ceremony, so that only an evening meal is needed. There is also nothing to stop you having a buffet earlier in the day, or something completely informal such as a BBQ or hog roast - simple for the venue and loved by all (except vegetarians! (see details of catering for dietary requirements further down)). If you are booking a venue that provides catering, or searching through local mobile caterers, do not be afraid to ask for samples. If the venue is a hotel with a restaurant, ask for a meal to try the chef's work. Ask to see sample menus and consider if they use fresh ingredients. You also need to consider the choice you give your guests. For large parties, some caterers prefer to prepare just one meal, and everyone has the same. This may also keep costs down. However, you may decide to give your guests choice, and so you could include a card with invitations stating the menu options you have gone for, asking which they would like to book in advance. Dietary requirements are a serious business and need to be considered carefully. You need to check with your venue/caterers that they can accommodate any unusual requirements. You then need to ask guests about any requirements they may have... a note in with invitations is a good way to do this, asking them to let you know with their r.s.v.p, or to inform you via your wedding website. The other major point to consider when choosing your venue is Corkage Fees. If your venue allows you to provide your own wine/champagne you can save alot on hotel/restaurant prices - but you may have to pay per bottle for them to be opened on the day. Ask them about this before you confirm anything. Return to Wedding Planning Topics List Home | About Us | Sites | Supplier Directory | Wedding Planning Guide | Contact Us | Advertise Mailing List | Tell A Friend Visitor Terms & Conditions | Links copyright Internet Wedding Guide 2007 lisa bailey affordable web design