10 Wedding Catering Ideas

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are some wedding catering ideas you should keep in mind.  Caterers are a tremendous help when it comes to planning a wedding and selecting a menu. Before deciding on a caterer, you must first decide what type of wedding you would like. An outdoor wedding is more challenging when it comes to a menu, so you may want to find someone who specializes in it. This will allow you to make better choices utilizing their experience and ultimately have a more successful wedding.

1. Color is very important at a wedding. You will want to meet with your caterer and coordinate table settings. Try to have the dining room flow with the other colors in your wedding. Look to your caterer for advice and guidance on these decisions.
2. Deciding what kinds of alcohol will be served is another issue. Depending on your menu, you may want to serve red wine, champagne or provide a full bar for your guests. Try to select attractive bottles that will enhance your display. Your caterer will also be a great help in this area and can point you in the right direction.
3. Decide if you want a sit down dinner, buffet or standalone culinary kiosks. These kiosks are new on the scene and allow guests to move from room to room and select different cuisine. Kiosks range from unique seafood to vegetable delights and guests will be able to try a variety of different flavors while mingling.
4. Going green is a trend that is here to stay. Organic ingredients are being used more often as they are widely available. Select from an organic salad, free-range chicken or organic asparagus. Going green is not just for food, so make sure to check with winemakers for any organic beverage selections they may offer.
5. With more people trying to live a healthier lifestyle, ask your caterer for more nutritious versions of your all-time favorites. Many caterers are paying more attention to this issue, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. Check to see if they have a healthy alternative for vegetarians or people with health problems. Salmon is very nutritious and almost everyone can have it because of its health benefits. Offering more vegetable options in the appetizer category may be another way of slimming down your menu.
6. Opt for a family style wedding menu to provide more interaction between your guests. Family style is much more personal and you will want to eliminate any large centerpieces if you decide on this option to make room for large serving dishes.
7. Look to kick up the kids menu. Long gone are the days that chicken fingers and French fries are served at weddings for children. More sophisticated fare has come on the scene and includes chicken potpie, ravioli in brown butter sauce and California rolls with dip. Fresh fruit is also provided and the meal is rounded out with milk.
8. Many couples decide to provide a late night snack for guests. It’s a good idea if you are serving a full bar to provide late night snacks for your guests. This is where you can get creative and capitalize on family ethnic backgrounds or more traditional favorites.
9. Staying in season can be a very cost effective measure in managing your catering budget. Some produce costs much more in the winter than the summer. Look at your menu to see where you can take advantage of the season's fare.
10. Try a tasting menu before making any final decisions. Many caterers offer samplings of their menus. This step will help you make any final decisions.

There are many questions to be answered when you hire a caterer. For instance, you will want to know if they provide wait staff and how many people you can expect to be working. Before you put a down payment on your wedding with a caterer, make sure they have a license and appropriate insurance. Find out if they are going to provide the cake and ask about any other charges that you are not aware of. Keep these questions in mind when you are thinking of wedding catering ideas.