The food posts are back, and this time we are going to tell you everything your caterer wishes you knew!
There are two kinds of brides: the kind that will eat anything put on her plate, and the kind who’s restaurant order sounds a little bit like this: “kale salad with no cheese, add avocado, balsamic vinegrette on the side and a water with exactly 3 lemon slices.” Basically what I am saying is some brides are picky, and some are not, but your wedding food should be tailored exactly to your preferences. This is your day.
To get an insider’s advice on all things catering, we spoke to caterer Josh, from Events by Joshua D. I asked him to spill on his best foodie advice for brides before, during, and after their wedding. Here’s what he had to say:
- When choosing a caterer: Customization is key.
- Many caterers will try to have you choose from menu packages that just aren’t exactly a perfect fit for you as a couple. There’s no reason for you to pay for and serve stuffed mushrooms if you and your groom detest those little fungi. So be picky and search for a caterer who wants to let you customize the perfect menu for your first meal as husband and wife.
- Many caterers will try to have you choose from menu packages that just aren’t exactly a perfect fit for you as a couple. There’s no reason for you to pay for and serve stuffed mushrooms if you and your groom detest those little fungi. So be picky and search for a caterer who wants to let you customize the perfect menu for your first meal as husband and wife.
- Leading up to your wedding: Be good to your body.
- Less to do with catering, but still something important to remember is eating well leading up to your big day. Josh stressed how many brides succumb to nervous eating in the days leading up to their wedding, but how important it is to fill your body with good foods. He stressed Simply Orange OJ for the brides, and real peanut butter and Ritz for the grooms. He suggested filling up on carbs to keep you full and focused.
- Less to do with catering, but still something important to remember is eating well leading up to your big day. Josh stressed how many brides succumb to nervous eating in the days leading up to their wedding, but how important it is to fill your body with good foods. He stressed Simply Orange OJ for the brides, and real peanut butter and Ritz for the grooms. He suggested filling up on carbs to keep you full and focused.
- On your big day: Keep your caterer informed.
- Your caterer can’t read your mind, so be sure to keep an open line of communication on the day of your wedding. You will have everything planned out together beforehand, of course, but inevitably, things are bound to play out differently than planned. Perhaps a late guest delays the start of your ceremony which can lead to guests eating at a different time. Just be sure to let your caterer know so that they serve the best quality food at the right time!
- Your caterer can’t read your mind, so be sure to keep an open line of communication on the day of your wedding. You will have everything planned out together beforehand, of course, but inevitably, things are bound to play out differently than planned. Perhaps a late guest delays the start of your ceremony which can lead to guests eating at a different time. Just be sure to let your caterer know so that they serve the best quality food at the right time!
- After it’s all said and done: Know what you want to do with your leftover food.
- Josh pointed out how it’s likely you will end up with food leftover after all your guests leave. Make a plan for those extra treats. If you’ve customized the menu and paid for each bite, you should be entitled to take any food that is left, but be sure to know that’s what you’re doing. As long as the food is still safe to eat, save it. You’ll thank yourself the next day!
- Josh pointed out how it’s likely you will end up with food leftover after all your guests leave. Make a plan for those extra treats. If you’ve customized the menu and paid for each bite, you should be entitled to take any food that is left, but be sure to know that’s what you’re doing. As long as the food is still safe to eat, save it. You’ll thank yourself the next day!
Huge thanks to Josh from Events by Joshua D. for all the tips on how to make the most of your catering experience!