Alaskan cuisine is sumptuous and delightful, especially for those who love seafood. Fresh wild halibut and salmon come in off the fishing boats in the summer months, along with plenty of other local flora and fauna. Your wedding catering will, of course, be influenced by the number of guests you are thinking of inviting, no matter what part of this giant state you've chosen to host your wedding. In many areas, local restaurants may be your best bet, so open the Yellow Pages and see who's advertising for catering or event services around you. Near Anchorage and Juneau, it's easier to find professional catering services, though some small towns around the state also have wedding accommodation providers with dedicated chefs and catering staff.

Book Early for Best Results

In Alaska, June and July are the busiest months for weddings, and caterers tend to fill up early -- particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Try to book your caterer or reception service provider soon after you set your wedding date for best results. Spring and fall are also popular wedding seasons in Alaska, so promptly securing your date is always best.

Catering a Large Wedding in Alaska

If you're setting up catering for a large wedding, you'll want to work with a larger company who has plenty of experience handling events of this size (200+). Companies like Alaskan Events & Catering serve many different areas of the state, and have many options if you need tents, tables, chairs and other equipment for your wedding reception setup.

Alaska Five Star Catering has an enormous menu to choose from for weddings on and around the Kenai Peninsula. They specialize in the freshest ingredients, including local seafood such as salmon, halibut and Alaskan king crab, in addition to organic herbs and certified Angus beef.

Mayflower Catering is dedicated to handling events of any size, anywhere in the state of Alaska. They pride themselves on customizing menus for their clients' budgets and locations.

Ask about special food displays, as well. A chocolate fountain, carved melons or other tasty sculptures are quite pleasing to the eye and the appetite!

Questions to Ask Your Caterer

Of course, you will want to confirm that your caterer is able to handle your guest list and location, but dig a bit deeper. How will the food be prepared and kept warm? In Alaska, this is a big deal! Do they have a mobile kitchen or their own equipment? Do they offer guarantees of service or insurance options in case of inclement weather or other issues? Are they able to produce a well-written referral from past satisfied couples upon request?

Speak to a few different catering companies to get an idea of the range of options available to you. Schedule tastings when possible to ensure that the cuisine will be up to your standards. You may wish to ask your caterer for menu advice, or they may have preset menu options for you to choose from, such as served dinners or buffet-style serving. During your tasting, ask about their ability to pack a "to-go" box for the newlyweds. The bride and groom often miss out on the reception food while socializing, and will want to enjoy the food when they can later on in the day.

Does your caterer offer package deals? If you rent equipment from them, do you get any discounts on the catering? Are they able to provide a wedding cake if needed? What about recommendations for reception spaces, DJs or wedding singers? Your caterer is often a central part of the wedding planning process. Make good use of their years of experience and advice when planning!