Get to know your vendors: Your Caterer.
Venue ✅
Photographer ✅
Caterer… uh oh!
The first comment Cindi from Cindi’s Catering when asked what she wanted newly engaged couples to know was to plan early and set your date as soon as possible. As a planner herself, she understands the importance of getting on the books for all your vendors because it fills up quick.
As a caterer, she must know the date as early as possible, but after that her other questions will be how many people are attending, what’s on the menu, what time will the meal will be served and how many people are in the bridal party (or that will be served).
Cindi has been in the food industry for 30 years or more and catering for over 20 years! With her experience, she had a ton of great advice, tips and even some do’s and don’ts for those of you planning a wedding, or any event for that matter.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly important to realize that all families are different, so all advice must be considered with your guest list in mind. When you’re connecting with a caterer a few things to ask include:
What are your most popular items? If they are known for something specific (like everyone raves about Cindi’s chicken and potato salad), then strongly consider those items. You’re guaranteed to have something people enjoy.
Does the final bill include gratuity? For Cindi, it’s never included. While she doesn’t necessarily expect it, it is common practice to do 20%. It really is amazing the amount of people that DON’T tip.
Do you provide the linens, tableware and serving utensils? Some vendors will and other’s will not. If not, you’ll want to let your decorator or other rental vendors know.
What else can you supply? This is vague and not necessarily caterer specific. For example, can the caterer provide drinks and desserts? Maybe, but if they can is it okay to bring those items in. Sometimes, with drinks especially, the bar/venue has to supply the beverages – including water, juice, coffee and milk.
How much food to you prepare for and what happens after the event? Cindi makes the food based on how many you are planning for. Even when you’re choosing the two meat option, she makes enough for every guest to have one of each. That’s not the case with all caterers. Also, if you plan for 200 and 100 show up, you must pay for it, but she will send the food home with you – check with your caterer how that is handled.
When it comes to knowing how many people to plan for, it’s impossible. Catering for several years, Cindi has determined that 95% of the time the guest list is not what you expect. It just happens that guests have things they can’t control – whether that allows for them to come or have to miss out.
Cindi provided us with a quick list of things to do and things to avoid when it comes to planning your big day, getting to know your caterer and how to plan your menu.
DO Plan Early – get your date set with venue, caterer, photographer
DO Be on Time – when you tell the guests that dinner is served at 6 p.m., follow through with that. Come caterers will charge if you’re late
DO Choose a Colorful Menu – your plate will be attractive and much better when you choose in season items
DO Opt for a Menu Including Things You Like - …but be reasonable and consider the guest and the caterer’s suggestions
DO Include Dessert - no matter what it is, people love desserts – cake, cookies or even sweet treats to grab and go
DO Pay in Advance – many vendors require it, but it’s important to avoid the stress of running around or the vendor trying to chase down the correct person for payment
DON’T Be late – She’s serious on this one. The guest expect a meal at the time listed and if the bridal party hasn’t arrived they look towards the caterer. Kids, especially, can get upset when they’re hungry and don’t have access to anything.
DON’T Disregard Advice – your vendors know their service best, when they suggest to avoid something, take it seriously
DON’T Plan for More People – it’s a hard one, but any more 10% over your RSVP list not only gets expensive, but it’s unreasonable (please take this on a case by case basis)
DON’T Forget the Drinks – remember your guest list has a wide age range, so even water is fine. Cindi suggested that punch, juice and milk are great options, but coffee doesn’t go well in the evenings.
Finally, Cindi shared a few tips and some advice from her experience serving weddings, events and more in Northeast Iowa.
Two meats are always better than one if your budget allows. It gives guests an option and won’t have to go without because they most likely can find something they enjoy. Cindi’s two most popular meat options are roast beef and chicken.
Stay away from mixed vegetables. When you choose vegetables, the ones that are the most well received are corn and green beans.
Speaking of vegetables. Lettuce salad sounds great, but does not go over well. If you’re set on having it for the bridal party, that’s great, but lettuce salad isn’t a popular one for weddings.
Similar to desserts being a must, appetizers are definitely worth considering! They’re good and people truly enjoy them, if you’re budget allows. You don’t need to get carried away with lots of options, but if there’s a lot of people or any length of time between guests arriving and the meal, it’s a great idea.
Be sure to have a plan for after the meal is served. It helps when you bring containers for the leftovers, but ask your caterer if it’s provided. You must have a plan for where the leftover food will go and a location to store it, just in case!
Well, there you have it. Everything you need to know when connecting with your caterer – for weddings and any event. Remember, When your vendors give you advice, keep in mind how long they have been in the industry because they most likely know best.
You can find Cindi on Facebook through Cindi’s Catering or Portside Bar & Supper Club.