Choosing Your PA Catering Service
If you're having your wedding in one of the Keystone State's larger cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, you'll have no shortage of options to tempt your palette. If you've already chosen a reception site, they may offer on-site catering.Even in the rural countryside, many catering options are generally available in nearby towns. A simple online search for '[town name] catering' or a flip through your local yellow pages will give you plenty of starting points.
When choosing your caterer, be sure to keep in mind:
- How many guests will need to be served, because some caterers are unable to handle large weddings.
- The location of your reception (indoor vs. outdoor, hotel, fire hall, etc.). Is this catering service set up to handle a large number of guests with no nearby kitchen?
- Any special dietary considerations of your guests: vegetarian, kosher, dairy-free, etc.
- Your wedding theme, colors and decorations. Can the catering service coordinate a meal to meet your wedding vision?
- The number of courses you plan to serve.
- The season of your wedding. For example, you might avoid foods with high amounts of dairy in the summer months, or iced punch in the winter.
- Any specialties the catering company may be famous for.
- Any package deals they may offer.
- The tasting fees and preferred location, if any.
- Your favorite foods!
Upon calling or contacting a catering service, take note of their professionalism. Do they ask these kinds of questions (and more)? Write down your impressions, along with their thoughts and prices, and decide on a few caterers. Then, set up your tastings, so you can check out the flavors and presentation of their cuisine and their table set up.
At Your Tasting
Show up a few minutes early. Make sure your caterer is on time and ready to serve. Take note of:- The presentation of the table: colors, neatness and arrangement.
- The presentation of the food: how it's served to you, how quickly (or slowly) the different courses are brought to you, and how each course looks on the plate.
- The taste of the food: is this really something you'll want to eat on your special day? If it's no good now, chances are it won't be good then.
- How attentive the servers are, and their overall appearance: is your water glass filled without you needing to ask? Are plates served from the left, and cleared promptly from the right? Is everyone presentable, cordial and professional?
Pick Your Reception Caterer, Pack a Wedding Take-Away Box!
After a few tastings, you'll know exactly which catering service is right for your wedding. One of the best things you can ask them to do for you is to pack a take-away box for the two of you at the beginning of food service at your wedding, setting aside some of the best for the two of you to indulge in later. Many couples find themselves hungry and calling for a late night pizza after the wedding because they spent all their time...well, having a wedding! Who has time to eat anything but cake with so many friends and family members to speak to?Have your caterer pack up a few scrumptious take-away boxes, and nibble on your meal in the wedding afterglow. That way, you get to enjoy every delectable morsel at your leisure, just as you saw all your guests do earlier, thanks to your careful catering planning.
Some Fun Catering Extras to Consider
- Chocolate fountains
- Ice sculptures surrounded by fruits and vegetables or chocolate morsels
- Carved melons and fruit stand with custom words and images carved out
- Chocolate or fruit pies with wedding initials and dates decorated on them
- Ice cream bar with toppings or soft serve machines
- Non-alcoholic drinks for the youngsters served in adult glasses
- A popcorn machine