Along the Jersey Shore, you will find many catering options serving fresh seafood, as well as numerous local delicacies. Almost all reception locations along the shore have in-house or preferred caterers who serve an outstanding cuisine -- just ask.
Questions to Ask Your Catering Service
Many of New Jersey's caterers are affiliated with reception locations in their local area, and may be able to help you plan other aspects of your wedding day. Ask for recommendations and also about any package deals or discounts they offer if you choose their partner locations for your reception. Your caterer may also be able to provide your wedding cake. If you choose a small wedding cake to save costs, they may provide another kind of dessert for a larger guest list.To ensure the menu is up to your standards on your wedding day, schedule appointments with a few different catering groups after conducting interviews by phone. When talking with your potential caterers, keep the following in mind:
- The estimated number of guests to be served, and the date on which your caterer will need a final number for preparation. Can they handle your wedding size? Remember to include your wedding helpers in the final tally, such as the planner, photographer, videographer, etc.
- Are there special rates for children, if any will be present?
- Your catering budget. Are there any extra fees or taxes that will be added on?
- Your reception location. Can the caterer provide stoves and chafing dishes with or without an on-site kitchen?
- Dietary considerations, such as vegetarian entrees or a dairy-free dessert course.
- Your wedding motif, colors and decor. Does the catering service offer options for napkins, place settings and table cloths which coordinate with your wedding vision?
- The number of courses you plan on serving, including options for cocktail hour, buffet, raw bar and your formal sit-down meal.
- Your wedding season. Try to avoid too many hot foods and those with dairy in summer, or iced lemonade in the winter. What fresh fruits are available? Seasonal specials?
- Any specialties the caterer offers -- many will have a dish they take pride in. Ask about both cuisine and package deals.
- Do they offer fun "extras" such as chocolate fountains, ice cream bars or ice sculptures?
- Any tasting fees they may charge.
- The option of packing a take away box for the two of you to snack on after your reception. Many couples find they have no time to eat the meal they've planned, being too busy with the events of their day and visiting with guests.
New Jersey Catering Services
There are many excellent NJ catering options, but keep in mind that the best will be booked up early, often a year in advance. You'll want to choose your caterer based on the location and style of your wedding, and your individual taste. Many caterers will travel up to a hundred miles from their primary location to serve you on your special day, though there may be an added transportation fee.Merri-Makers Catering -- The delectable food offered by Merri-Makers includes a range of options for menus and pricing, but they insist on using quality ingredients and a beautiful presentation, even for weddings on a tight budget. They are the preferred caterer for many popular NJ wedding reception locations.
Frungillo Catering -- Frungillo is the exclusive caterer for the Castle at Skylands of the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, the state's premier garden wedding location. They handle all catering for this spacious 54-room mansion and its numerous gorgeous gardens, as well as other favorite local locations near Trenton, New Jersey.
The Manor -- For a gorgeous West Orange all-in-one wedding site, look no further than the Manor. Offering amenities from marriage ceremonies to world class catering and reception planning, this New Jersey gem has been described by the New York Times as "the perfect place to have a wedding." Extensive manicured gardens and an impressive ballroom make this a photo-friendly spot for you and your spouse to be.
Highly decorated choices, great competition, and access to fresh seafood along the coast ensure the quality of New Jersey's wedding caterers continues to rise. Regardless of the company you choose, by carefully selecting a professional caterer who is comfortable with your reception location and guest list, your wedding day menu will be a delicious topic of conversation.