There are many decisions to make when you are planning your big day. One step that many couples overlook is the importance of planning a great wedding menu. It may seem like there are a lot of decisions to make but if you break the process down into a few simple steps, it will not be so difficult. Here is what you need to consider.
Often, couples will choose a ceremony and reception venue first. This is a key step. You will want to decide if you are going to choose a place that already serves meals versus one where you may need to hire an outside service provider. If you are working with an outside service provider, you will want to ask your reception venue if they have specific people you want to work with. Some locations in Boston, MA will actually charge you a penalty if you do not use one of the caterers that they normally work with.
Another consideration is how large your guest list will be. You may want to only invite certain people to a meal or you may want to be able to serve the same meal to all of your guests. This will not only help you set the price you are able or willing to pay for your meal. It can also help you determine they style of meal that you will have. For example, a buffet works well no matter how many people are eating whereas a cocktail reception may not work as well or be as affordable if you have a large number of guests.
The time that your ceremony takes place will also affect your menu as well. For example, a morning ceremony followed by a luncheon reception will call for different food than an evening ceremony that is followed by supper would. If you are getting married later in the evening after people would normally have also eaten supper, you may want to plan a different menu altogether.
Menu choices may also be influence by the kinds of foods your guests are able to eat. Many people are choosing vegetarian diets or may be dealing with gluten issues or food allergies. This is something you will need to talk to a caterer about when you are planning what food you will serve. An experience caterer has likely dealt with many different issues that are centered around food.
Once you know what kind of reception and menu you want, it is time to start talking to service providers. You can always start out by looking at caterers online as many will have sample menus that you can look at on their website. You may also want to talk to couples who have married recently and find out who they used if you like their meal.
Don't be surprised if the caterer has questions for you before being able to give you a price. The same food may vary in cost depending on what time of year you are holding your reception. It may also depend on how your food will be served. The caterer may need to adjust the number of staff they have working during your reception.
It may seem like a lot of effort to plan a great meal at your wedding but good food is something your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you plan a simple meal or an elaborate dinner with multiple courses doesn't matter as much as making sure that special needs are accommodated and your guests feel satisfied and well-fed.
Often, couples will choose a ceremony and reception venue first. This is a key step. You will want to decide if you are going to choose a place that already serves meals versus one where you may need to hire an outside service provider. If you are working with an outside service provider, you will want to ask your reception venue if they have specific people you want to work with. Some locations in Boston, MA will actually charge you a penalty if you do not use one of the caterers that they normally work with.
Another consideration is how large your guest list will be. You may want to only invite certain people to a meal or you may want to be able to serve the same meal to all of your guests. This will not only help you set the price you are able or willing to pay for your meal. It can also help you determine they style of meal that you will have. For example, a buffet works well no matter how many people are eating whereas a cocktail reception may not work as well or be as affordable if you have a large number of guests.
The time that your ceremony takes place will also affect your menu as well. For example, a morning ceremony followed by a luncheon reception will call for different food than an evening ceremony that is followed by supper would. If you are getting married later in the evening after people would normally have also eaten supper, you may want to plan a different menu altogether.
Menu choices may also be influence by the kinds of foods your guests are able to eat. Many people are choosing vegetarian diets or may be dealing with gluten issues or food allergies. This is something you will need to talk to a caterer about when you are planning what food you will serve. An experience caterer has likely dealt with many different issues that are centered around food.
Once you know what kind of reception and menu you want, it is time to start talking to service providers. You can always start out by looking at caterers online as many will have sample menus that you can look at on their website. You may also want to talk to couples who have married recently and find out who they used if you like their meal.
Don't be surprised if the caterer has questions for you before being able to give you a price. The same food may vary in cost depending on what time of year you are holding your reception. It may also depend on how your food will be served. The caterer may need to adjust the number of staff they have working during your reception.
It may seem like a lot of effort to plan a great meal at your wedding but good food is something your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you plan a simple meal or an elaborate dinner with multiple courses doesn't matter as much as making sure that special needs are accommodated and your guests feel satisfied and well-fed.
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