Catering Checklist

Organizing your thoughts and ideas for your wedding reception meal is a must. Start meeting with caterers about 12 months before the big day, but first fill in this checklist. It will be a helpful reference when consulting caterers. Always keep your guests in mind when planning the food and drink. Check out our local Catering & Cakes vendors.

Catering Budget:
Since caterers charge per head, divide your approximate number of guests into the amount you have set aside for catering. This will give you a sense of what you can afford per person. Remember to include your vendors that will be present during the reception in your head count.

The Meal:
If you've already booked your reception site for a certain time, you probably already have the type of meal in question decided. If not, decide quickly and then reserve a location for the correct time. Dinner is the reception meal most commonly served, but the brunch or breakfast variety will cost less. Tea or cocktails are also affordable and quite stylish alternatives. Consider:

Brunch/Breakfast
Dinner
Tea
Cocktails
Lunch
Dessert only

Service:
Think about the style of your wedding and let that guide your decision here. Most options are compatible with all degrees of wedding formality. Casual to ultra formal.

Cocktails
Passed hors d'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres tables
Seated Meal
French
Family style
American
Casual (self-serve)
Russian (white gloves)
Buffet
Formal (staff-served)
Food stations

Courses:
Map out your menu by ruling out courses that seem unnecessary and marking the ones that are a must.

Hors d'oeuvres
Dessert
Soup
Salad
Fruit and cheese
Appetizer
Pasta
Entree

Requirements:
Think of the needs and preferences of some of your guests. Considering your guests should be a top priority. If you do not know the preferences of some of your guests, politely ask around.

Kosher
Vegetarian

Entrees:
Determining the main feature of the main course is just the beginning. Start with the basics, then let your caterer help you decide on possible sides.

Beef
Lamb
Vegetarian
Seafood
Chicken
Pork
Pasta

Other Food Ideas:
Consider anything you think you might want to include like chocolate chip cookies, deviled eggs, an ice sculpture, fruit salad, or whatever may float your boat, write it down and tell your caterer.

Dessert:
Will the wedding cake suffice? Are you having a groom's cake also? Do you want additional desserts to choose from?

Alcohol/Drink:
You need to provide your guests with some type of refreshments at your reception. However, the choice is up to you as to what you serve and how you serve it. You decide what type of alcohol to serve or you can choose not to serve any alcohol. If you choose to have it, here are some basic ways to handle it:

Full bar
Beer and wine only
Wine with dinner
Specialty cocktail
Champagne toast