Weddings are, for every couple, a once-in-a-lifetime affair. Naturally, they want to do it just right. From the lighting to the cake, they want everything to be just perfect.
To get the perfect wedding - or come reasonably close to it - you have to do business with the right people. But since no one can get enough "practice" at picking wedding caterers, how do you know the good ones when you see them?
1. Testimonials. Testimonials and complaints are both equally revealing if you can read them right. When you read a testimonial, always do so with a checklist of items in mind. A review commenting on the excellent quality of food and cutlery, for instance, tells you nothing about the quality of service. Reading CAREFULLY can make all the difference.
2. Presentation. Speak to the caterer's chef and/or representative. How involved are they with their food? Do they help you plan the menu with love and devotion, or do they simply tell you they can do anything? Always look for caterers who understand menu planning, and can speak eloquently about dishes and their combinations.
3. Compare quotes. You do not know if you are being overcharged until you compare. Getting quotes from different places will help you get the best deal, as long as you choose from places with better similar quality. Also, find out which caterers offer the most services for a definite sum of money.
4. Past experience. Most people tend to remember the best events they have ever attended. If you want to plan in the long term, ask caterers for their cards at these memorable events - you will probably avail of their services later on.
5. The proverbial grapevine. Last but not least, rely on the recommendations of friends and family. Even if you can't remember the caterers who served up that lovely foie gras, your epicurean uncle just might have saved up their business cards.
Weddings come with far too many stdiamondrings-20" title="ring">rings attached. The bride's train has to be just right, the flower girl has to walk down the aisle at just the right moment, and the wedding cake has to be beautiful, tasty as well as cut easily. If you have ever watched the Jennifer Lopez starrer "The Wedding Planner", you already have a sizeable list of unforeseen things that go wrong dudiamondrings-20" title="ring">ring weddings.
The caterer is largely responsible for an event's success or failure. Many catediamondrings-20" title="ring">ring deals come as part of a package that includes performances, perhaps hall bookings, flowers and decoration, power supply, equipment rentals and such services. For your event to be successful, ALL these services must be up to the mark.
Alternatively, you could choose entertainers, florists and equipment suppliers individually - a task which is more time consuming, and may leave you spending more than you bargained for. While an experienced wedding planner will provide you the best in all these services, a package deal with a caterer can be a much more affordable way to have a lovely, memorable wedding.
