5 Tips to Find the Perfect Utah Wedding Caterer

It’s no secret that the Utah wedding catering industry is booming. The state experiences one of the highest rates of weddings in the entire country and with the holidays right around the corner, hundreds (perhaps thousands?) of beaus will be popping that ultimate question. Whether you foresee such a request in your future or if you’ve already got the rock on your finger, choosing the perfect Utah wedding caterer will be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make through the course of your wedding planning. Check out these five tips that will help you make the right decision for your perfect day.

Ask for Recommendations
Being a Utah resident, chances are you have attended a few weddings in the past year. Or perhaps you have close friends and family members who have recently tied the knot. Ask around to find out which caterers were used; they are one of the best sources for reliable recommendations since they’ll be honest and candid with you.

Ask Other Wedding Vendors
Whether your photographer or florist, ask your other wedding vendors if they have any recommendations for caterers. Most venues will likely have a list of perferred or approved caterers they work with as well. However, be aware that some wedding vendors have referral commissions, so they may be making some money of their recommendation. Be sure to ask if this is the case to ensure you’re getting a true, unbiased referra.

Search the Web
Some of the best Utah wedding catering companies will have their own websites with many portfolio photos of weddings they have actually catered. Do your homework and spend some time perusing these sites; while you obviously won’t be able to taste the food, you can pinpoint the local caterers that create the right food presentation, character, and ambiance you’re seeking in your caterer.

Set up a Meeting
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential caterers through your web search and recommendation inquiries, set up a meeting to see which caterers can fit within your budget but also meet your needs. You should already have an approximate guest count and know what type of catering service you want, such as a formal sit-down dinner or cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Have a Tasting
Before you sign that dotted line, schedule a tasting with the few caterers who passed your initial meeting. You need to make sure the food is exactly what you want and meets your expectations.

 

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Top 10 Wedding Catering Tips

If you are a bride-to-be in the midst of creating your dream wedding, you’ve most likely got everything when it comes to the catering covered…or so you think. Check out these ten unique wedding catering tips that chances are you haven’t thought of. 
•    Talk to other vendors (e.g. the DJ or band, wedding planner, photographer, etc.) if they would like a meal; if so, make sure you include them in your final head count. Let your caterer know which meals are specifically for vendors. Some caterers charge less for “vendor” meals, so make sure to let them know.
•    Ask your caterer to supply a “bride-and-groom basket” filled with samplings of the food at your reception. It’s very likely you and your new spouse won’t have a chance to eat and enjoy all the amazing food at the reception, so the basket will provide a tasty, late night snack.
•    ask about guaranteed or minimum numbers. Some catering companies provide price quotes based on a minimum number of guests such as 100; if you have fewer guests, you might be charged extra.
•    Consider the dietary restrictions of your guests; are there vegan or vegetarian preferences or do certain guests have allergy restrictions?
•    Make sure to know what the catering staff will be wearing and if their attire is appropriate for the formality (or non-formality) of your wedding.
•    One thing many brides might forget to do is to confirm the particular wedding caterer has all the proper health permits, licenses and insurance coverage to ensure both the caterer and you are protected should anything happen.
•    If you and your sweetheart are all about being environmentally friendly, make sure your caterer is too. Many caterers (including one renowned Utah catering company) are choosing to employ green practices that aregood for the Earth and their delicious cuisine. From recycling everything to buying local, find out if a caterer utilizes green practices.

Tags: wedding catering, bride and groom, catering tips, number of guests, green catering