| Weddings are, for every couple, a | | | | ask caterers for their cards at these memorable |
| once-in-a-lifetime affair. Naturally, they want to do | | | | events - you will probably avail of their services |
| it just right. From the lighting to the cake, they | | | | later on. |
| want everything to be just perfect. | | | | 5. The proverbial grapevine. Last but not least, |
| To get the perfect wedding - or come reasonably | | | | rely on the recommendations of friends and |
| close to it - you have to do business with the | | | | family. Even if you can't remember the caterers |
| right people. But since no one can get enough | | | | who served up that lovely foie gras, your |
| "practice" at picking wedding caterers, how do | | | | epicurean uncle just might have saved up their |
| you know the good ones when you see them? | | | | business cards. |
| 1. Testimonials. Testimonials and complaints are | | | | Weddings come with far too many strings |
| both equally revealing if you can read them right. | | | | attached. The bride's train has to be just right, the |
| When you read a testimonial, always do so with a | | | | flower girl has to walk down the aisle at just the |
| checklist of items in mind. A review commenting | | | | right moment, and the wedding cake has to be |
| on the excellent quality of food and cutlery, for | | | | beautiful, tasty as well as cut easily. If you have |
| instance, tells you nothing about the quality of | | | | ever watched the Jennifer Lopez starrer "The |
| service. Reading CAREFULLY can make all the | | | | Wedding Planner", you already have a sizeable list |
| difference. | | | | of unforeseen things that go wrong during |
| 2. Presentation. Speak to the caterer's chef and | | | | weddings. |
| or representative. How involved are they with | | | | The caterer is largely responsible for an event's |
| their food? Do they help you plan the menu with | | | | success or failure. Many catering deals come as |
| love and devotion, or do they simply tell you they | | | | part of a package that includes performances, |
| can do anything? Always look for caterers who | | | | perhaps hall bookings, flowers and decoration, |
| understand menu planning, and can speak | | | | power supply, equipment rentals and such |
| eloquently about dishes and their combinations. | | | | services. For your event to be successful, ALL |
| 3. Compare quotes. You do not know if you are | | | | these services must be up to the mark. |
| being overcharged until you compare. Getting | | | | Alternatively, you could choose entertainers, |
| quotes from different places will help you get the | | | | florists and equipment suppliers individually - a task |
| best deal, as long as you choose from places with | | | | which is more time consuming, and may leave |
| better similar quality. Also, find out which caterers | | | | you spending more than you bargained for. While |
| offer the most services for a definite sum of | | | | an experienced wedding planner will provide you |
| money. | | | | the best in all these services, a package deal with |
| 4. Past experience. Most people tend to | | | | a caterer can be a much more affordable way to |
| remember the best events they have ever | | | | have a lovely, memorable wedding. |
| attended. If you want to plan in the long term, | | | | |