Different Food Catering and Caters For Your Wedding Day Preferences and Reception Budgets

By Morris E. Brown

Choices, choices, choices. It no different with choosing your wedding day reception caterer. Catering can be as simple or as complex as you prefer - it all depends on your taste, preferences and of course your budget for your wedding day and reception banquet.

If there is one first rule - it is no matter what the appearance do not serve food that does not pass your own taste tests. The food should pass your own taste tests, simple as that. Food that is bland, colorless, lacks flavor, substance, personality and vitality will be all that your wedding guests will redeemer of your wedding day and its catered event simple as that.

What is the range of type of caterers that you can expect to encounter in the food services hospitality industry market?

First of all is the all inclusive "in-house "caterers. Its one stops shopping at its best. The reception house will have everything on hand. The banquet hall, kitchen, serving staff, bartender, parking etc etc. You can find such services at local hotels, wedding banquet services, country clubs, and some caterers themselves. Such services such are downright handy and all inclusive. You may find it convenient but your options are limited. . You often have to take the whole package kit and caboodle - i.e. you may not like the wine choice, or the floral arrangements but "that is part of the package and services provided. Some of the times the whole package may be much more expensive than if you provided services al-la carte yourself. Other times the caterer may be very forthcoming and eager to please and all in all the pricing is more than reasonable in addition to convenient.

The next choice is your standard independent caterer. Independent caterers come in a wide variety of types, food types and service levels. The caterer may be in the wedding industry, have a reputation as such, or may be an overall general caterer. Nothing is good or bad. It all depends on whether the caterer can do a good job for you, in the setting provided and according to your preferences. Reputation, previous events and references can all help you to assess the provider. Of course it's going to be a more lot more work, on your behalf, or your wedding consultant to set up and coordinate events than the in house caterer. The whole gamut varies. The independent caterer may provide some wedding support services and staff. They may provide such services as table and chairs, cutlery and glassware, serving staff, wine and beverages etc etc.

Or they may not. It all comes down to research on your or your wedding coordinator/ consultant's behalf.

Lastly at the far end of the spectrum of service providers in the food service/hospitality industry is what is referred to as the "bare-bones" caterer. Nothing is wrong with this. It's all a matter of personal preferences and budget. By saving at one end and having costs saving at the other end , you may be able to afford luxuries for your wedding day that you would not be able to afford and provide by any other means. Some caters keep their costs down by keeping it very simple and straightforward. Their expertise and cost containment skills are in food sourcing and preparation only. They only try to do what they are good at, not wasting your time and money on stretching themselves thin in areas that they know very little about, or are not equipped to do economically. These operations typically run with a minimal amount of staff, often family staff at that. Thus they are able to provide a very high level of food service, at minimal costs.

On top of that there is generally a small chain of control and command, so that not only can you speak directly to the person involved, and as well direct flexibility may be afforded. If you want something special or unique, which is not on the menu, you can often ask directly and get a yes / no answer on the spot.

Take into account however, that while the bare bones caterer sounds great, it's a lot more work for you. For the most part - everything else has to be sourced out and coordinated by you. It's a lot more work and effort, there is a lot to be said for the one stop shopping of the in house caterer.

In the end it all comes down to personal preference and budget. Its not only a matter of how much money you have for your financial budget for your wedding and its catered reception but also how much patience and time you have in your personal and family budgets. In the end remember that your wedding day "Is Your Day in the Sun".

Morris E. Brown
http://www.qualityhotelwinnipeg.com/
http://www.fortunacooks.com
http://www.kingcolecatering.net/

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Boston Catering Tips from WeddingSolutions.com

Wedding Solutions.com has the largest selection of top wedding caterers in Boston. You can find detailed information on many Boston wedding caterers, including years of experience, samples of their work, packages and rates. Selecting a Boston wedding caterers is a very important aspect of your wedding.

Selecting a Boston Wedding Caterer?

If your reception is going to be in a facility that does not provide food, you will need to hire Boston Wedding caterer. Your Boston wedding caterer will be responsible for preparing, cooking, decorating and serving the food for your wedding.

Your Boston Wedding caterer can also be responsible for beverages and for cleaning up after the event. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand all the services your Boston wedding caterer will provide. Your contract with your Boston wedding caterer should state the amount and type of food and beverages that will be served, the way in which they will be served, the number of servers who will be available, the cost per item or person.

When hiring your Boston wedding caterer, check to see if the location for your reception provides refrigeration and cooking equipment. If not, make sure your Boston wedding caterer is fully self supported with portable refrigeration and heating equipment. A competent Boston wedding caterer will prepare much of the food in his/her own kitchen and should provide an adequate staff of cooks, servers, and bartenders. Ask your Boston wedding caterer for references and look at photos from previous parties so you know how the food will be presented; or better yet, visit an event they are catering.

Questions to Ask • How many years has your Boston wedding caterer been in business?
• What percentage of your Boston wedding caterer's business is dedicated to wedding receptions?
• Does your Boston wedding caterer have liability insurance?
• Is your Boston wedding caterer licensed to serve alcohol?
• When does your Boston wedding caterer require the final head-count?
• What is the ratio of servers to guests for your Boston wedding caterer?
• How much gratuity does your Boston wedding caterer expect?
• What is the cake-cutting fee of your Boston wedding caterer?
• What is the bartending fee for your Boston wedding caterer?
• What is the fee to clean up after the reception for your Boston wedding caterer?
• What is the payment/cancellation policy for your Boston wedding caterer?

Read more here...

Tiger Lily Catering

A Massachusetts Caterer Since 1983

"As a Boston area caterer, Tiger Lily Caterers offers a lot more than great food. Our standard of excellence allows you to relax with confidence and celebrate with your guests. We create weddings, parties, and corporate galas throughout the New England area. We work in museums, historic sites, under tents and in homes..."

Go to Tiger Lify Catering, based in Boston.