It’s no secret that the Utah wedding catering industry is booming. The state experiences one of the highest rates of weddings in the entire country and with the holidays right around the corner, hundreds (perhaps thousands?) of beaus will be popping that ultimate question. Whether you foresee such a request in your future or if you’ve already got the rock on your finger, choosing the perfect Utah wedding caterer will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make through the course of planning your wedding. Here are five tips to help you make the right decision.
Ask for Recommendations
Being a Utah resident, it’s possible you have attended a few weddings in the past year. You might even have a few close friends or family members who recently tied the knot. Ask around to find out which caterers they used; they’ll definitely be a great resource for reliable recommendations since they’ll be candid and truthful with you.
Ask Other Wedding Vendors
Whether your photographer or florist, ask your other wedding vendors if they have any recommendations for caterers. Or many venues have a list of preferred caterers in the state they work with. However, be aware that some wedding vendors have referral commissions, so they may be making some money of their recommendation. Ask if this is the case to ensure you’re getting a true, unbiased referra.
Search the Web
Some of the best Utah wedding catering companies will have their own websites with many portfolio photos of weddings they have actually catered. Take the time to do some research and peruse these sites carefully; while you obviously won’t be able to taste the food, you can pinpoint the local caterers that create the right food presentation, character, and ambiance you’re seeking in your caterer.
Set up a Meeting
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential caterers through your web search and recommendation inquiries, set up a meeting to see which caterers can fit within your budget but also meet your needs. You should already have an approximate guest count and know what type of catering service you want, such as a cocktails, buffet style, a formal sit-down dinner and hors d’oeuvres.
Have a Tasting
Last but certainly not least, for the few caterers who passed your initial meeting, schedule a tasting before you sign on the dotted line. You need to make sure the food is up to par and exactly what you want.
