After getting engaged, the first thing to do is book your venue and wedding date. Most wedding vendors won’t entertain proposals or meetings without a venue.

What’s the next wedding vendor you should book? The caterer is one of those vendors that you should look into sooner rather than later.

What is it that everyone remembers the most about a wedding party? The food, of course! The food you serve at your wedding is one of the most important decisions that you will make. It’s more complicated than people realize.

Before you begin to plan your wedding reception, you will want to ask yourself a few questions. Do you want to serve food buffet-style or plated style? This is a daytime reception or an evening reception? How many guests are you expecting? What fun food do you have in mind?

We’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you have the best wedding food. Also, here are a few things that every couple should be aware of.

Wedding catering tips for all couples

Most couples want to cut costs on wedding catering, as it is one of the largest expenses. You won’t be happy with the results if you choose a “cheap” wedding caterer. However, there are ways to save some money.

Local and seasonal ingredients are fresher for your caterer and cheaper. So plan a wedding menu that suits your location. Vegetarian choices are usually less expensive. Stick to vegetables and one or two meats.

You can also reduce costs by reducing the number of courses. You want to feed guests but you don’t want them at the table for the entire reception. Last but not least, perhaps don’t garnish everything. Keep the focus on the food’s taste. Keep the lavish food decorations to your cake and deserts, where they are most important!

Setting your wedding catering budget

Set your wedding Budget early. Food is a major expense on the list of wedding plans, so you will want to plan ahead.

When deciding on your budget, consider how many guests you will be inviting. Also, determine how many courses and types of food you would like to serve. Then, you need to decide what type of table service will be provided. Buffet service is a great way to cut costs on wedding catering.

Buffet service is generally cheaper than a plate meal because it requires less wait staff and uses fewer dishes. You could use the extra money to buy a more expensive dessert if you wish. Family style service is another option between plated and buffet service. There will be fewer waiters, but there won’t be as many people at the buffet or ordering too much food.

The cost of wedding catering can vary depending on what you serve, how many guests you have, and even the service you provide. It’s best to plan your budget in advance, but leave some room for unexpected costs or additional services.

Don’t forget the budget for catering and tipping your wedding staff.

Check out the catering options available at your venue

When choosing your wedding venue you should first find out which caterers it works with.

Many venues offer in-house caterers, but many others have a list that you can choose from. We offer a list professional and experienced San Antonio Wedding Caterers that we have personally vetted.

This list will save you time and make your wedding planning easier. However, you should still be sure that you like the options for in-house catering or the preferred caterers before you commit to anything.

Find a wedding caterer who matches your style

It’s important to compare prices, just as you would when choosing a wedding venue or a dress.

When interviewing wedding caterers, don’t be shy to ask questions after. This is a big expense and you need to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money.

You should discuss your special dietary needs with caterers before you send out save the dates. With plenty of advance notice, most caterers will accommodate any dietary restrictions.

You can find the perfect match with a wedding planner, coordinator or even a venue that has a list of recommended caterers. You should read as many reviews as you can and ask all your questions before signing a contract.

Choose the wedding food you want

Set and taste your wedding food.

You can share and enjoy your favorite dishes at your wedding reception with your family and friends. It’s a great way to show off your foodie side.

Choose a menu to match your wedding theme. Create specialty cocktails for yourself and your partner. Forgo the traditional cake in favor of a tower mini bundts. You have a wide range of options for wedding food. With the right caterer, your imagination is the limit.

After you have signed the contract with your venue, your caterer and your venue, you can start to enjoy a tasting menu. You’ll taste the food of all caterers before you choose the best one. But the tasting menu allows you to sample the dishes that you will serve at your wedding.

You will usually have a tasting several months prior to your wedding. This is to get an idea of the food you can serve, from hors-d’oeuvres and side dishes to their presentation. You will discuss how to best serve the dishes on your wedding day, the number of servers needed, and much more.

Be sure that the menu you propose is in line both with your vision and budget. It’s also important to consider all of your guests’ dietary requirements. There are many things to consider, from veganism to gluten-free food, halal and kosher, to serious allergies.

Your big day is coming up, and you want to make sure that everyone has fun.