Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Mary Fabrikant, a full service caterer in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Mary, visit her website at www.canteencatering.com. Photo courtesy of Mary Fabrikant.
It’s your day. Your personality, and that of your groom, can shine in every detail of your wedding. Don’t miss an opportunity to infuse every aspect of your wedding with the sparkle you and he feel.
Now, don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you have to DIY every aspect of your wedding, exhausting yourself in the process. Your caterer can help take many tasks and a lot worry off your shoulders. In order to set that relationship up well, prepare yourself before you meet with caterer(s), by having thought about the following questions, which a good caterer will ask. Hint: If the caterer doesn’t delve deeply into what YOUR vision is, find another caterer.
Descriptive word: When you think of your wedding, what two or three descriptive words for the overall feel of the occasion come to mind? Examples include, “Elegant, Audrey Hepburn-in-Sabrina”, “Casual, foot-stompin’ fun”, “Intimate, sparkling, eco-friendly”, and “Rustic, Wildflower-filled, Natural”.
Heritage: What are the family and national or religious backgrounds of your two families? Would you like them to be featured in the food and/or decor? We catered a lovely wedding where the backgrounds of the families were Indian and Jewish. We incorporated Indian foods and decor with traditional Jewish foods using recipes contributed by both mothers, and the entire menu was kosher. Both families were very pleased with the thoughtfulness of the couple in honoring their respective backgrounds.
Food preferences: When you and your fiance dine out, where do you like to go? What are your favorite restaurants. Do you have favorite dishes there?
Allergies and Special Dietary Needs: Are there religious dietary needs that need to be met? Kosher, Hallal, Vegetarian? Will you have guests attending who need vegan or gluten-free meals? Are there other food allergies we need to consider?
Signature Cocktail: Whether your wedding reception is brunch, mid-afternoon hors d’oeuvres or a full evening meal, a signature cocktail or mocktail is a lovely way to kick off the fun. Are there drinks you both particularly like? A signature color we should shoot for in the beverage? For mid-day warm weather occasions, consider aguas frescas (literally, fresh waters), chilled fruit beverages that are traditional in Mexico. Made with natural fruit juices (watermelon, mango are popular choices), with a dash of lemon or a few mint leaves, agua fresca is a nice non-alcoholic alternative to a cocktail.
Budget: Last, but certainly not least, if you have a strict budget for food and beverage, make this known during the interview. It’s easier for you to state this up front and be presented with reasonable choices, than to have to work later pare down an elaborate menu the caterer has created (and that you love!) in order to control costs.
Tomorrow’s Post: Kelley Prather of Kelley Kakes
