After choosing your mate, choosing the right caterer
for your Austin wedding might be the biggest decision you have to make.
Believe it or not, the cost of the reception meal will
be almost half of your wedding
budget! First and foremost when selecting a catering company,
you need to be comfortable with them. Personality and enthusiasm
are traits that
a good caterer should posses. Experience is also key because
you don’t
want an inexperienced caterer experimenting a new idea
on your special day! Be sure to sample prospective catering
before you decide with which
company to work, because the food quality is as important
as the value.
When selecting a caterer for your Austin wedding or reception,
you should be sure to sort out the following key details
with your caterer:
What is the date of your wedding, and where in Austin will
it be? Be as specific as you can because there are many
Austin weddings, and often more than one wedding or reception
can occur in the same location.
Ask your caterer if there are extra charges for delivery
to Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bee Caves, or wherever
your wedding or reception will
be held.
Many Austin brides
must work within a budget, and can make the mistake of
working with the cheapest caterer or bargain caterer. Often higher
quality Austin reception
and wedding caterers will work with you, and give valuable
advice on how to cut costs to remain within your budget.
How many guests do you expect at your wedding and reception,
and what type of catered meal would you like? Austin
caterers usually charge a per-person rate for their services, and prices can range
with
the type of catering you desire. Keeping budget in mind,
plated meals can sometimes be less expensive than buffet style catering
because your
caterer must keep the buffet amply supplied to keep it
looking presentable. Your caterer’s price per-person can also drop
with larger numbers of guests.
What type of food would you like to be served to your guests
at your Austin wedding or reception? Some Austin
caterers can tailor a menu exactly to suit your tastes. A less expensive
option can be to select
from your caterer’s set menu choices. Foods which do not require
on-site preparation or carving can save your budget sometimes
as well. Be sure to ask your Austin caterer if there are additional charges
for
special meal preparation for guests with food allergies.
If you are expecting children at your wedding and reception, ask your
caterer if they can supply
child meals.
What is the total cost of the catering services, and what
is the payment schedule? Be sure to decide if tips are
included in the cost, how much overtime service is, and
when the payment is due. Both
you and your caterer will benefit if each party is aware
of all fees and charges for the Austin catering
service.
What is an emergency contact phone number? Your Austin
wedding is supposed to problem free, but sometimes
strange things do happen! Be sure you have a cell phone number
or other means of contacting your
wedding or reception caterer in an emergency. Last
minute changes and additions can possibly me made, but only
if you can contact your Austin
catering company!
