The time to start searching for a caterer is after you have selected your reception location. The type of reception you are planning and the location will make a big difference in the kind of caterer you will be looking to find. Check on any on site catering options to keep your wedding stress to a minimum. If the venue doesn't have a catering service, ask the person who will be coordinating your plans for recommendations. If the venue is known for hosting receptions, they will have surely worked with most of the caterers in the area and will be able to give you an honest assessment of each professional's abilities.
To get an idea of the types of food options available to you, check the web for inspiration. LaParrilla, in Lawrence, offers a wide array of catering options. Although they specialize in Latin American food, they are happy to discuss any type of menu you would desire. They can bring the food to your reception location or take advantage of an agreement with a local guest ranch for larger parties. Corporate Caterers, a full catering service, has years of experience. They offer a free lunch delivered to any location in Wichita for the bridal party on the wedding day. Other services include preparing a small or large meal for your rehearsal dinner and the ability to provide full bar service. For a truly elegant addition, check out the chocolate fountain. Pricing includes set up, utensils and dipping elements as well as clean up for a stress free addition to the reception or rehearsal dinner. Rosanne's Catering has a helpful delivery service seven days a week or customers can pick up all the food in ready to serve "to go" tins. This is a great option for couples on a budget as you can pick and choose the services you need and handle other parts of the reception yourselves.
Do taste the food before you book a caterer. Even the best recommendation is no match for a personal sampling and you will avoid an unpleasant surprise on the night of your reception. Call ahead and make an appointment to get a complete sense of all the services offered. Be careful of any type of establishment which has never handled a party of your size or who is just getting into the catering business. There is a steep learning curve when dealing with off site food service and you don't want your wedding reception to be lesson number one. Make sure you get all the details for your plans in writing in a contract. It is far better to spend time before the reception sorting through the details than trying to explain why there is no entree on the buffet line to three hundred guests. All reputable, experienced caterers should be able to provide you with a list of references. Call the people on the list to make sure you will get the quality and level of service being promised.
If you and the groom are dreading the search for a caterer, try a change of attitude. Look at all that sampling and tasting as a way to spend some time together during the hectic days of wedding planning. While a particular establishment may not suit your needs as a wedding caterer, you may find your new favorite place for a romantic dinner. Take a stroll through the park after sampling and talk about anything but the wedding. Some careful planning during the search for a caterer will pay off huge dividends when the food is served on your big day.