Catering Services For Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian, BBQ, Ethnic and Elegant Menus

Questions regarding catering services haunt the most adept in planning a wedding reception, special occasion or business event.  From casual buffets, to dining with elegant china, silver and crystal, there seems to be a multitude of decisions. Budget has a great deal to do with it and there are some important things to know about catering services.

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1. Important to select a catering service that specializes in your preferred menu
2. Not every caterer understands gluten free, vegan but most understand vegetarian. When a buffet is served, it is very helpful to the guest to have dishes marked for vegan, sugar free or gluten free. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit works well.
3. The buffet is often more expensive than a plated and served dinner
4. Hors d oeuvres are almost as expensive as a full course meal
5. Beautiful presentation is extremely important to the taste of food. Colors, plating and a well decorated buffet table along with linens make it memorable.
6. Themes are great fun and food and presentation can carry out a theme very well.
7. Insist upon plates being cleared before the toasting or speeches begin.
8. Your head count is vital the last two weeks prior to the event so they may order the food. Last minute changes can cost you a bundle and left over food even more. You also need to designate where the leftovers should go.
9. Full service catering company can assist with reception coordination, serving staff, party rentals, linens, trained bartender services and often can get your alcohol at a discount. They often have contacts for lighting, audio and event design and many professional vendors are recommended.
10. A general catering service does not offer the extras, just the food prepared in your kitchen and a staff to serve it and clean up.
11. Food stations are fun, but expect more spills and additional staffing to assist with the serving. We often see a cocktail or margarita bar and dessert or candy stations, and must admit my favorite is the ice cream sundae station.
12. Kosher foods have strict kitchen rules and your search is for a kosher kitchen.
13. Review your contracts for time, food menu, what the caterer will provide and for what price – before you sign them. 50% down is requested at the time of booking.

Understand catering and staff tips range from 15% to 20% on fee before the taxes. You will find hundreds of qualified, licensed and insured caterers on WeddingLinks.com in the areas where you are completing your plans.

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