CATERING BUDGET

The actual expense of the reception should be pre-determined and that determination should be based on venue, number of guests, menu, decorations, service staff and the time element (i.e. whether it’s going to be a 1-hour “cake and punch” only, a 2-hour sit-down lunch or dinner, or dinner followed by a dance with live music and a continuing need for drinks).  Caterers generally charge per person, so to get a sense of how much you can afford, count your guest list and multiply by the amount of money you wish to spend on each of them.

Your choice of a caterer should correlate with the number of people you invite.  If it’s an elaborate affair, be sure your caterer has experience with more lavish events.  However, if you’re planning a smaller wedding/reception, you want to know that the caterer has the ability to scale down without sacrificing quality.  though the actual wedding is by far the most important aspect, the “after” party is what your guests will remember.

SUGGESTIONS

Avoid surprises!  Establish your budget with your caterer; get a firm quote from the caterer as to what his/her fee will be.  Get EVERYTHING in writing from the music to the menu.  If you plan to serve alcohol, this is one expense that can get out of hand if you and your caterer do not have a clear understand of exactly what you can afford so that serving stops when you reach that dollar mark.