“The most exciting event leading up to your nuptials will be your tastings,” said every person who’s ever been involved in planning a wedding. There are many things to fawn over leading up to the big day, but because my philosophy in life is to eat well and travel often, the tasting featured far in front of the rest.
No taste buds are the same, and from the start I worried about what the process would be like with not only my palette, but the preferences of my fiancé, my mother and my father. Fortunately, there is legwork you can do before, during, and after the process — if you choose to have your wedding catered — to make life a little easier for everyone involved.
Perhaps the best way to evaluate the field is to taste test, and if you’re near a metropolitan area, bridal showers are a fun and easy way to get a sneak peek of what’s available in and outside of your city. Searching on regional wedding blogs and city magazines also makes it easy to narrow down some of the top and most well-regarded caterers for a wedding.
Soliciting RFPs is the next step, and when the results come in, try not to panic. There are too many intricate options to choose from and every word looks delectable. Having help from your beau, your family or a planner is valuable at this stage. At this point (and by leaning on some experienced shoulders), Tim and I were able to narrow down our priorities and how they would look presented on a table.
The tastings themselves were whirlwinds but we got lucky; Design Cuisine in the District stood head and shoulders above the rest and enforced that the whole experience (the setting, pace, portions, taste and “collection” you’re choosing) is really what makes or breaks a lovely reception for your guests.
With the help of loved ones and strangers new friends, all involved made it easy for me to extract helpful tips for brides and grooms-to-be:
– Arrange your tastings back to back: the line-up can seem intimidating, but with so many options it will be difficult to remember the look, feel and taste of each item after several days.
– Wear forgiving clothing: dresses are best, and make sure that you don’t have anything that will pinch and prevent you from moving forward with the next course.
– Diving into a tasting on an empty stomach can be disastrous; you’ll focus on filling your belly and have less time, and space, for your entree and dessert options. Make sure you thrown down some almonds or other protein snacks in the afternoon before heading out of the office.
– Bring a notebook: usually a catering company will provide a handout of the selections but you’ll need more room than you think to describe and debate over what you’re sampling.
– Don’t be afraid to edit: the caterer wants to be hired! It’s up to you to choose and refine the menu as you sit fit, from the temperature of the dish to its size and level of spice (within reason).
Bon appétit!
Collage via Polyvore: Risotto Recipes / Libbey Just Tasting 3-Piece Appetizer Set / Baum Party Time 9-Piece Tasting Set / Fox Run Usa Flag Party Picks / Easter Appetizer Recipes Recipes / Crab Cakes & Biscuits – Dean & DeLuca // Utensils via One Wed // Sushi via Wedding 101