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Savvy May 1996

How to choose caterer!

on June 10, 2020 at 12:14 AM Posted in Planning 0 15

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Hi friends! We are getting married 5/8/21, and are feeling pressured (from myself) to book a caterer due to 2020 weddings being reschedule to next year. Our venue requires that we select one of their 9 recommended caterers, which will also include rentals and labor/servers/bartenders. We’ve narrowed it down to two that have very comparable pricing (most expensive dinner of our lives). We aren’t able to try either food due to COVID restrictions, and both have rave reviews everywhere. I’m at a loss in how to pick one. They’re both worked at the venue many times and both come highly recommended. What other questions should I be asking? How do I pick?! Halppp!

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15 Comments

Latest activity by Elizabeth, on June 10, 2020 at 4:46 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on June 10, 2020 at 12:18 AM
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Maybe look at their menus and see which one has a more appealing menu?
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 12:28 AM
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One has a menu the size of Cheesecake Factory (huge), and the other will let us customize, but has recommendations on places to start. Basically, any option for either.
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Master July 2019
Hannah · on June 10, 2020 at 12:30 AM
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Is there a chance that COVID restrictions will lift soon to allow you to taste before making a decision? Not sure what state you live in, but many are starting to open things up.
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Master October 2022
Jana · on June 10, 2020 at 12:32 AM
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Ask your favorite restaurant to cater and ask if they can provide staff to serve, if your venue doesn't offer staff.

Never book anyone without tasting the food first.
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 12:32 AM
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I check in with both regularly, but neither have a date yet. We’re in the San Francisco area; my concern is that if we wait until they allow tastings, someone else will book them for our day.
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 12:35 AM
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The venue only allows a caterer from their preferred list of 9. It was annoying at first, but I understand they’re local companies that they’ve grown a relationship with, can trust and have worked on the venue before. There is a range of pricing with the vendors offered, but we’re sticking to the lower end, which is also concerning that someone else could book them for our date.
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Master July 2019
Hannah · on June 10, 2020 at 12:41 AM
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Ugh, that's frustrating. They can't do some take out for you lol? I'm in NJ, so I definitely get the tougher restrictions. Is there anyone you know who's ever used either one? Or did you get a better vibe from speaking with 1 over the other? Yeah, that's a hard decision when you can't taste the food.
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 12:45 AM
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One of them has used phrases like “we really want your business” etc. which to my fiancé is big because he also works in sales and wants to be “sold to”, while the other more so just answers my questions, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I want to know which one could use the business more, or who is more at risk of not surviving this situation, and move forward to help that one. But obviously I don’t think that’s a fair question to ask.
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Master July 2019
Hannah · on June 10, 2020 at 12:51 AM
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I guess at this point I would do a pros and cons list based off of everything you've got so far. Maybe doing a deep dive online, finding reviews on WW and The Knot, Yelp, Better Business Bureau complaints, etc.
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 1:03 AM
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I’m secretly hoping one becomes available and my choice will be made for me. But I’m fortunate to have options! Thanks for your help
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Expert January 2021
Caitlin · on June 10, 2020 at 1:29 AM
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Hmmm... have you guys asked if they could prepare a few select dishes so that you guys could do a "curbside pick up" for the samples? and you guys could go home to try them and let them know afterwards? just wondering if that might be an option. i would also read further into both places to see what more you might discover (maybe something specific about a certain few options, etc.), but i would say that you guys have done about all you can do otherwise. sorry you guys are being affected by all of this... good luck to you guys.
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Savvy May 1996
· on June 10, 2020 at 1:44 AM
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Thanks Caitlin! I haven’t outright asked if that’s an option, but maybe I should. Appreciate your help!
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Devoted February 2024
Martha · on June 10, 2020 at 9:50 AM
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I second Hannah and see if you can take out some of their food, and try it out. Unofficial tasting but better than no tasting at all.
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Super October 2021
Kevin · on June 10, 2020 at 10:23 AM
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If you can’t have any option at all of tasting food I would do a FaceTime or zoom meeting with them. You’re going to be working a lot with these people and if you don’t get good vibes then pick the other one. It’s important to like them for more than just their food!
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Super June 2021
Elizabeth · on June 10, 2020 at 4:46 PM
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I'd ask about curbside pickup for some tasting meals; I'd also ask about add-ons to see if either is more flexible on pricing for additional things. Maybe you want a late night snack served, or tableside wine service during dinner, or a specific dish from one of your heritages that you'd like to share with the guests, etc. If there's anything in the back of your mind that you want, maybe bringing up those things will help clarify things?
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