Step one… choose a wedding venue! CHECK! Your venue allows outside catering. But where do you start? Wedding Venue Map asked local Central Florida caterer, Two Chicks and a Pot, for some tips for your wedding catering meeting…
Our Two Chicks and A Pot Events Specialists love when we have our first catering consultation with a recently engaged couple.
Interviewing caterers, and wedding vendors, in general, can be very stressful because most people have no idea what they should be asking.
Our team enjoys that first meeting because we get the opportunity to find out about the couple, what they are really looking for in their wedding reception, and about their likes and dislikes.
Here are some things a couple should know or be prepared to discuss when meeting with a caterer.
Harmony Lynn Photography
Brunch or Dinner?
We see couples who may not have considered brunch as an option for their wedding reception and it works well in a number of situations.
Brunch is the perfect option for couples who may be sailing out of Port Canaveral on a honeymoon cruise and chose a morning wedding before they depart.
Copper and Co Photography
Another option is if you are considering a family friendly reception. We offer amazing brunch options that are extremely kid-friendly and it gives families the opportunity to explore the Central Florida attractions for the rest of the day.
Copper and Co Photography
Favorite Foods
I know Two Chicks and A Pot works a little differently than many caterers. We do not have pre-designed catering menus. We want to know your favorite foods so we can work with you to build a menu to include some of your favorite things.
Harmony Lynn Photography
Too often couples come into a meeting knowing that they have had boring wedding food at other weddings but want to stay with the same type of options hoping for better results. Have some fun and think outside the box with your wedding food; let your wedding reception reflect your personality. We are always happy to make some suggestions too!
Harmony Lynn Photography
Oranges to Oranges
Ask what is included in your catering proposal. Many caterers only share a quote for your food and then once you hire them you realize that staffing, china, and serving equipment costs are not included.
Our pricing typically includes all of the pieces of your reception as well as detailed pricing on optional upgraded items we may have discussed. We will always let the couple know what the additional costs may be.
Know Your Numbers
One of the hurdles we have to overcome is working with couples who have not talked about their catering budget and may have unrealistic expectations.
Start by looking at your total budget for food and beverage and divide that by the number of guests you are planning to invite to your wedding. Doing this gives you a cost per person, and many couples have sticker shock.
Harmony Lynn Photography
Weigh this against what it might cost for you and a few friends to go out for a nicer dinner and keep adding on friends. Our team is always happy to discuss food options that can help you maximize your budget.
Weddings budgets are driven by the number of guests. Not only is catering affected, but the budget can be impacted down the road when you look at the number of centerpieces, invitations, and even wedding cake.
Hire Good People
Do your research, look at online reviews and see how responsive a vendor you are considering might be. There is so much information available online and through social media, but also weigh in whether they are able to directly answer your questions and make budget-friendly suggestions.
Jessica Bellinger Photography
Do not be afraid to ask questions, experienced vendors are experts in their fields and know that this is often the first time an engaged couple and their family are planning an event of this size.
Lastly, relax and enjoy your planning process!
