Seattle Wedding Caterers are an important parts of your big day. They are responsible for food and drink, which can range from plated dinners to unique wedding dessert alternatives like donuts or churros!
Find out if your caterer offers a menu tasting, usually nine to 12 months before the wedding. This is a great time to narrow down dishes and discuss dietary restrictions.
Many catering companies have several menu options for you to choose from, and some even offer packages that include both food and beverages. If you’re considering a package, make sure you understand all of the details, including how much staffing is included, so you don’t run into unexpected costs on your wedding day.
If you’re not sure which menu you want to go with, your caterer will ask a series of questions about your tastes and the vibe you’re going for so they can help you decide on a final menu. You can also talk to your potential caterers about their signature dishes and how they would be able to translate those flavors into your wedding-day feast.
You and your catering company can also opt for a buffet-style meal, which may be a more budget-friendly option. You’ll still have a plated dinner option as well, but your guests will be able to pick and choose their own entree from the buffet.
Another option is to have your caterers set up fun food stations, like a taco bar or a build-your-own slider station. These add-ons can increase your catering cost, but they’re also an ingenious way to add a touch of personality and give your guests something fun to do while they’re waiting for their main courses.
Your catering company can also take a salad course to the next level by incorporating unique ingredients. Mix and match a variety of radishes, leaves and other veggies to create a beautiful plate of bite-sized appetizers that’ll keep your guests happy until the main dishes are served.
A popular snack option is french fries, which can be served on a mini tray and accompanied by dipping sauces, like salsa or guac. You can even ask your caterer to serve them in cones for a fun presentation.
Desserts
Desserts are a key part of any wedding menu. They are often served after the first dance, during toasts or as a sweet send-off for your guests. A talented wedding caterer will create an impressive display of desserts that fit your theme and can be enjoyed by all. They will also consider timing for these dishes and offer creative alternatives that are suited to any guest’s dietary needs.
Many couples choose to serve desserts that are unique or special to their family and friends. A great way to do this is to ask your wedding caterer about a signature dish that they can create especially for you. It’s an opportunity to add a touch of personality to your event that your guests will remember for years to come!
When planning your menu, ask your wedding caterer what ingredients they use to ensure that the dishes are fresh and healthy. They will likely have a list of approved suppliers that they work with regularly and can refer you to. You’ll want to be sure that the wedding caterer you choose has the necessary experience and knowledge of food safety regulations.
A delicious wedding cake is still a classic option that can be personalized with your names or initials, a message or a design element. Some couples opt for a cupcake or a small cake instead of an entire three-tiered treat. Or, try something different like this milk chocolate mousse shooter display that was served at this couple’s wedding.
Some of the best desserts are simple, and your wedding caterer can make these in a variety of flavors. This couple served Jordan almonds in their favors with a colorful message on each one that tied into the overall bright and fun feel of their celebration.
If you’re not a fan of cake, consider a cookie cake that can be customized with your preferred fillings and frosting. You can even go all out and have your caterer make a whoopie pie display like the ones shown here.
For a more elegant touch, ask your wedding caterer to make individual creme brulees with raspberries for your guests. This can be a premade dessert or the caterer can make it right in front of your guests, which is sure to impress.
Hors d’oeuvres
Hors d’oeuvres are small bite-sized foods served before the starter or main course at a wedding. They can be decorative, and are usually easier to hold in one hand than a full meal. They can also be an opportunity to incorporate unique flavors or ingredients not on your plated menu.
Depending on your budget and how formal your event is, your catering vendor may provide you with several options for your reception. These include family style, buffet, and plated meals. If you’re not sure which one will suit your style and your guests best, ask your caterer to show you sample dishes during a tasting.
The hors d’oeuvres you choose will help set the tone for your wedding. If you’re having a rustic Mediterranean-style wedding, consider serving falafel balls on wooden platters. For a seafood-centric wedding, try offering a raw bar of oysters and clams. If your guests are not oyster fans, they can enjoy a smoky grilled corn dish or a beet tartare.
Plated meals are typically reserved for more formal events and tend to be the most expensive option. When choosing a plated meal, your wedding guests will be seated at their tables and will be served their food in courses as they are able to take their time to eat. This type of meal can be a great way to break the ice between guests and is an excellent choice for large groups.
Your wedding caterer can create a custom menu for you that is perfect for your wedding. They will ask questions to learn about your tastes, the vibe of your wedding, and your guest list so that they can develop unique menu items for you. They will often provide you with a tasting before your wedding day so that you can try their proposed menu items and give them feedback.
Many wedding catering packages include hard and soft drinks as well as waitstaff. This includes staff who will be responsible for setting up, serving, clearing and cleaning tables, refilling waters, and a host of other tasks. They may or may not be required to wear uniforms.
Drinks
Aside from food, wedding caterers also provide beverages. They can either offer a fully stocked bar for your guests to order from or they can provide soft drinks in a buffet setup or served directly at each guest’s table. Some catering companies have a bartender on staff, while others subcontract out this service and charge an additional fee to serve drinks.
If local ingredient sourcing, organic ingredients or sustainable dishes are important to you and your fiancé as you search for a catering company, be sure the pros you interview share these values. Some have dedicated menus and dishes that highlight these practices, while others will be able to accommodate you if you ask them to.
As you interview caterers, ask about tastings before booking. Many companies offer these for a small fee, which is usually added to your overall catering fee at the time of booking. It’s a great way to gauge the quality of the food and service you will receive on your big day.
Ask caterers to give you a quote and breakdown of their cost per person, as well as exact menu options including entree prices. It’s important to understand exactly what you are getting for your money, especially since some caterers include taxes and fees in their initial quotes while others do not.
Some catering companies offer a complete rental package that includes tables, chairs, buffet tables and more. They can even provide tents, climate control elements and other equipment based on your unique venue and needs.
As you narrow down your selection of potential catering companies, ask each if they require any additional fees or charges, such as corkage fees for outside alcohol. This will help you make an informed decision about which professional is best for you and your fiancé. The last thing you want is to add unexpected fees to your budget and end up overspending on one of the most important days of your life!
