How to reach out to a Caterer?

1. I would see if the venue has any preferred vendors they like to use and start there.
2. If they don't or you don't like those options, you can go in the vendors portion if WeddingWire and search for caterers. They have general estimates of cost. Reach out to any you like and ask those questions that you have.

I think whether they provide utensils, plates, bartenders, etc. will vary from caterer to caterer.

I reached out and said
Hello my fiance and I are engaged and our wedding is taking place at venue on the date. Do you have availability that day and if so could we discuss further about menu options?
You don't want to waste time if they aren't available the day of so starting with this makes it easier for both of you. Then decide what types of food you want, Italian, Mexican, BBQ ect, and say "We have a budget of $$ per person what are your menu options for food type in our budget?"
Sometimes a caterer will have premade or default menus they'll send you copies of and you can just pick one of those, or tailor it a little bit.

I recommend mentioning what you're looking for and having them provide you with a pricing estimate as you don't want someone up-charging you more if their services are on the more affordable side.

As PP have said speak to your venue about caterers that they recommend. This way you have a list to start from that have already catered at your venue before. We received a list from our venue and it made searching for a caterer so much easier! Once you have the list reach out to those and just have a consultation meeting. These meetings are no pressure and its just for you and the caterer to meet, begin to speak about your vision for your wedding (ex: plated or buffet), and see if the caterer is a good match. After the initial meeting if you like them then go back and see if they can quote you a price for how many people you believe will attend your wedding. You can either tell them your budget and see what they can do to work around that or be open and have them give you a rough estimate and then work around that.

Also see what is included in their packages such as tables, linens, set up/tear down, bar, etc.

Hope this Helps and Good Luck!

Thanks everyone! They did provide a list of 7 caterers & say that have 7 more if we don’t like those. The thing is it’s in a nice area & I have a feeling some of these will be out of budget. I don’t have the time to meet with 14 different caterers in person that’s why I am looking for a way to vet them out a little regarding their prices with my initial email!

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Hey Siobhan!! Have you found a caterer yet?

Love your name!😉