Choosing your catering options can be a difficult task for brides and grooms. With so many options on menus, dining styles, food trends and more, it can be overwhelming to decide what will make you and your guests happy. We asked few local caterers to share some favorite tips and hot trends.
Taste First: “Be sure you can meet with the caterer, taste the food and get to know them. The relationship is so important and makes planning menus fun and exciting! As far as what kinds of food, have fun! Your menu should reflect you, the vibe you want and the kinds of things you love to eat.”—Chef by Design Catering
Think Budget: “First and foremost, consider your budget. If you come in with a vision of this spectacular meal, you may find it is over what you can spend. On average, catering should be about 30% of your total budget. Also, don’t worry about your guests’ tastes. You aren’t going to please everyone, so focus on what you both would want for your special day.”—The Twisted-Fork
Talk Specialties: “When meeting with your top caterers, choose the lucky one by asking each of them what their specialty is. Being open minded will really wow your guests with something they have never had and will leave a lasting impression.”—East Beach Catering
Look Ahead: “Wedding dates book quickly and you’ll want to be able to select the caterer that best fits your needs. Remember that this is your day, so pick the foods that you love!”—Mermaid Catering
What is your favorite hot trend or creative idea?
Creative Carts: “Roaming cart service! We created this option that is 100% customizable and unique and allows an interactive experience for guests. The Roaming Cart has been used for table side martinis, dessert or late-night espresso and chocolate martinis. This trend is hot and so much fun!”—Chef by Design Catering
Intimate Affairs: “It has been refreshing to see couples steer away from the opulence of larger weddings and have a more intimate time with close friends and family. They’re bucking the more traditional sit-downs and going with a relaxed version where guests can mingle with things like dessert bars, finger foods and cheeseboards as a cocktail hour option.”
—The Twisted-Fork
Charcuterie Boards: “Our favorite trend is truthfully charcuterie boards! It is great for grazing and socializing with a cocktail in hand at the cocktail hour.”
—East Beach Catering
Seafood Stations: “Seafood boils and oyster roasts are great, interactive ideas that really showcase our local culture and cuisine. Pair them with a fresh salad and paella or warm soups and breads. Provide bibs and hand wipes for those afraid to get messy or hire staff to pick and shell the seafood at stations. This will keep everyone eating and mingling.”
—Mermaid Catering
Learn more about these local caters: ChefByDesignCatering.com (@chefbydesign), TheTwisted-Fork.com (@thetwisted4ork), EastBeachCateringVA.com
(@eastbeachcatering), MermaidCatering.com (@mermaidcatering).
Mercedes Bethune
