A good caterer should be able to accommodate a wide variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. They should also have experience with serving a large number of guests in a timely fashion.

Getting personal recommendations from friends and family is a great way to find a wedding caterer you can trust. Most caterers offer a tasting before you make a final decision. Read on Wedding Cater Pittsburgh for more information.

The upfront costs of hiring a catering company may seem expensive, but when you consider the amount of time and energy it would take to do it yourself, the value is evident. Besides reducing your stress levels and helping your day run smoothly, professional catering services offer many other benefits like setting the tone for your wedding, creating an unforgettable experience, and ensuring your guests feel special.

The most obvious way catering helps your budget is by saving you the hassle of planning and preparing a large menu. Additionally, a caterer will be able to help you stick within your food budget by selecting ingredients that are in season and cheaper to purchase. They can also suggest ways to save on your budget such as having a buffet-style meal rather than plated service. Buffets provide variety and less food waste while also being cost effective since it requires a lower staff-to-guest ratio than plated meals.

Other ways to save on your budget are by choosing a vegetarian option for dinner, or serving alcohol only on the cash bar. You can also ask your caterer if they are willing to give you a tasting menu prior to booking so you can be sure that everything will fit in with your budget and vision for the day.

Hiring a catering company will also take care of the design, organizational and presentation aspects of your wedding. This will free up your time to focus on other aspects of your big day. It is important to confirm what services they will be providing, such as trash removal, clearing tables, filling water glasses, and washing dishes. Some catering companies will provide all of these services, while others will have specific items they will not be responsible for. Ask what these are so that you can designate someone else to handle these tasks if needed. Lastly, caterers have the experience and expertise to anticipate and deal with any last-minute changes that can arise on your big day. This will ensure that your day goes off without a hitch and that all of the guests enjoy their meal experience.

Theme

When choosing a theme for your wedding, be sure to consider how it will impact your catering options. Using a catering service that offers buffet-style dining gives you the option of serving up a variety of dishes to suit your guests’ dietary needs and tastes. A scrumptious and visually-appetizing buffet will be the perfect finishing touch to your big day.

You should also ask your caterer what they can do to help you implement your chosen theme. For example, they may have ideas for unique food stations, specialized menu items, or table settings that can take your special day to the next level. They may even be able to recommend other vendors to help you pull your vision together.

If you’re going with a vintage or rustic vibe, try using teal and sage for your color palette. This can work well with rustic barns, weathered wood accents, and vintage-style decorations to create a romantic feel. Or, if you’re opting for a snowy winter wedding, use ice blue and olive green to complement your venue’s icy charm.

Another important element to consider when choosing a theme is your own personal styles and interests as a couple. For example, if you’re both into music, opting for a festival wedding can be a fun way to let your love of music shine on your big day. Or, if you’re both sports fans, you could decorate your venue with trophy-inspired centerpieces to show off your love of the game.

A good tip is to check with your catering company to see what they can offer in terms of serving ware and table setting decorations. For example, they can provide a variety of serving trays that match your chosen wedding theme. They can also provide unique plates and bowls that will add a special touch to your buffet line or tables.

In addition to serving ware, your caterer can also provide drinks for your event. They can offer bar packages that include hard and soft drinks, as well as non-alcoholic options. They can even set up a self-serve station where you and your guests can pick the beverages of their choice.

Guests

A good wedding caterer knows how to set up and serve food for a large number of people. They can offer a variety of different menu items that are appealing to all tastes, including vegetarian and vegan options. They can also create visually pleasing foods and drinks, like macarons, fruit tarts, signature cocktails, and more. These foods can be made to match the couple’s wedding colors or incorporate themes and symbols of the day.

Some weddings feature buffet-style dining, while others opt for plated meals. Plated dinners are often more formal and may include a fixed list of entrees. They can be more expensive than other serving styles, but they can help make the event feel intimate.

Most couples choose a sit-down style meal so that they can enjoy conversation with their guests while they dine. They can also choose to seat guests at specific tables. This can help keep the evening running smoothly and allow for guests to move around the room without getting in each other’s way.

Many couples choose to incorporate unique food items into their wedding catering. Some popular choices include exotic dishes, global flavors, and fusion cuisine creations. This can give the wedding a fun, distinctive feel that sets it apart from other weddings and makes it memorable for guests.

It’s important for a wedding caterer to have a wide range of serving utensils and other equipment. Some examples of these include tongs, spatulas, ladles, and salt and pepper shakers. These supplies will be needed to serve both hot and cold foods and ensure that each guest has an enjoyable experience at the wedding.

It’s important to provide the caterer with the final guest count so they can prepare the correct amount of food. They will also need to know if any guests have dietary restrictions, which allows them to create a delicious menu that accommodates everyone’s needs without sacrificing taste or flavor. A catering company will usually hold menu tastings before a client signs a contract, which is an excellent opportunity for the couple to try different dishes and make changes if necessary.

Food Options

When it comes to wedding food, there are a lot of choices. The best way to get a sense of the options is to sit down with your caterer and go over the menus they have on hand. If you have a particular menu in mind, let them know so they can work with you to make it possible.

Buffets are a popular choice for weddings because they’re generally less expensive than a plated dinner. They also allow guests to choose what they want to eat, which is convenient for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. A good catering company can provide chafing dishes and other equipment to help keep the food warm and fresh.

One thing to consider with buffet-style dinners is the amount of time you’ll need to set up and serve the food. You may need to hire extra staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Another option for a budget-friendly yet unique wedding menu is to host a brunch. Brunch foods are typically cheaper than traditional dinner items and include a wide range of options that can appeal to almost any guest. From quiche to French toast, omelets to scrambled eggs and more, you can create a delicious meal for your guests without breaking the bank.

Cocktail carts are a big trend right now, and there are a variety of different styles to choose from. They can be a fun addition to your cocktail hour and can give the drinks a more festive feel. You can even find a variety of dessert carts that can be served at your wedding. Popcorn and cotton candy are always a crowd favorite, but there are plenty of other options that can be served from these mobile food stations as well.

Food trucks are making a comeback and are a great option for weddings that want to have a fun and casual menu. These mobile restaurants can offer a huge variety of food and are sure to please any guest. They’re also a great way to add a modern touch to your venue.

If you’re looking for something unique and budget-friendly, try adding spring rolls to your menu. These bite-sized snacks can be part of a buffet or even be made fresh on site at a taco station.