Hiring a caterer for your wedding

Caterers can be very expensive, and it's important to hire the best one available to get your money's worth.

A wedding can be an expensive event, especially if you invite many guests. Many couples decide to hire a caterer to make sure that everyone is fed and happy and to take some stress out of coordinating the event.

However, working with a caterer adds another layer of complexity to wedding planning. Caterers can be very expensive, and it's important to hire the best one available to get your money's worth.

Not every wedding needs a caterer. If the wedding is small and intimate (which some experts define as fewer than 50 attendees), and you have plenty of time to cook and prepare, or you're on a budget, it may be worthwhile to ask friends and family to help.

No matter what you decide, try to make this decision early in the wedding planning process. If you have to book a caterer, you should do so at least six months in advance to ensure that the company is free for your date and can meet your needs.

• You'll likely refine your menu as you talk with a caterer, so for now, plan the menu in broad strokes.
• Decide what particular foods you would want to serve, if you would like the food to come from a certain type of cuisine and if you would like to serve hors d'oeuvres.
• Choose how many courses you want to serve, and determine if you'll need to add vegetarian, vegan, kosher or halal items to the menu, and if you must accommodate any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
• Be sure to set your budget before you go into your planning sessions with the caterer.

• Once you have a few ideas about your menu, research caterers in the area and contact them with any questions.
• For example, ask if the caterer is licensed as a food service business in your area and if the company is licensed to serve alcohol.
• Make sure that the caterer is available on your wedding date, and don't be afraid to bring up your budget.
• If you identified any special needs or considerations during the planning phase, bring them to your caterer's attention early. He or she may allow you to customize your menu or you may need to adhere to an existing menu.

Be sure to ask about service considerations, too. Check to see if the caterer provide flatware and napkins, and ask about the ratio of guests to servers. These considerations will help your wedding run more smoothly.