Fine Dining
Combine gourmet cuisine with ambiance for a memorable affair Today’s weddings are bigger and better than ever. The days of cake and punch in the church basement are long gone, and have been replaced by lavish galas that celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. And unless you’re a professional chef, you’re going to need help coordinating two of the most important details of the day: the food and the location. You’ll have a handful of guests who remember the music, and a few that were impressed with the flowers, but everyone remembers a delicious dinner and an intimate atmosphere. A professional caterer or catering hall can furnish everything you need for a memorable meal, from the finest china and linens to delicious entrees and desserts. Ingredients What ingredients make a great caterer? That depends on the type of celebration you’re planning. Before you start the interview process, sit down with your fiancé and discuss the setting and the type of meal you envision. Also, have a budget in mind. The caterer has to know the monetary parameters he needs to work with in order to give you the most accurate estimate. And don’t forget to have an estimated count of the number of guests you expect. Though you won’t have a definite count until all the RSVPs are returned, you should be able to come up with a number for the caterer’s estimate. Prep work To find the best caterer to create a memorable meal, you’ll have to do your homework. If you don’t have a certain professional or location in mind, ask recently married friends or family for recommendations. You can also check out the ceremony and reception section of Weddingpages magazine, or www.LongIslandWeddingpages.com for the area’s best professionals. You might also consider visiting the National Association of Catering Executives website at www.nace.org for accredited professionals. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possibilities, make appointments with the top three to discuss your options, check out their facilities, and taste their menus. Why only three? Too many appointments can be overwhelming and confusing; if you’re not happy with the three you’ve interviewed, you can start looking for others. During your interview, there are specific questions you should ask to be sure you’re working with a reputable professional: * Is the caterer licensed and insured? This question is imperative if your caterer will be serving alcohol along with the meal. * What is included in the quoted price per plate? Does the quote reflect the food only, or does it encompass complimentary beverages like coffee and tea? * Is dessert included in the price, and if so, can wedding cake be substituted for dessert? If you’re going with a separate cake baker, will the caterer charge a cutting fee for the cake? * Is the caterer licensed to serve alcohol? What are the different pricing options available (per drink, per bottle, or a flat fee per person)? What type of beverage ware will be used, and is the price included or is there an additional charge? *Who provides the tables, chairs, place settings, flatware, glasses, and linens? If the caterer contracts that service with a different company, ask for the name of the vendor. That way, you can make an appointment to see their wares first hand so there are no surprises on your wedding day. * Will it be necessary to employ servers? How many? Are the servers paid hourly or a flat fee? Is gratuity included in the fee? What type of attire will the servers wear? * Does the caterer have other weddings or events scheduled on the same day as your wedding date? If so, is their business large enough to handle multiple bookings? *You might also inquire whether or not you can see the venue while it’s set up and decorated for another wedding. That way, you’ll have a good idea of what the space looks like when it’s filled with tables, chairs, and a dance floor. Once you’ve had all your questions answered, it’s time for the best part: the tasting. You should never serve your guests something that you haven’t tried, so schedule a tasting of your top two or three menu choices. Bring along your fiancé for his opinion, but don’t expect to be served an entire meal because a tasting is just that: a taste of what the caterer is offering.