How to maximize your catering experience

Whether a bride, groom, or guest at a wedding, you're likely already thinking about the food. What will be served at a wedding is always foremost in everyone's mind because cuisine is a way we connect culture and share experiences. The menu at a wedding should create a buzz.

Kathy Callahan of Bethany Blues and Beyond Catering has been a part of many couple's receptions. From soup to nuts, she knows the catering experience and she is sharing insider tips to help maximize the experience of catering the main event. With Callahan's expert advice, guests will have nothing but fond memories of your wedding and your food!

Know your style

There are four styles of catering from which to choose, and knowing which one is the right fit for your wedding will get you off to a great start. These include: buffet, station, family, and a traditional plated dinner. There are great advantages to each, depending on what type of wedding you're planning.

Buffet style offers more variety with menu items for your guests. They can get all their food at once, so they are not having to get up and down for multiple trips.

Food stations lend themselves to a more casual atmosphere where guests can mingle and graze throughout the evening. This is ideal if a couple has limited reception seating.

Food stations can be a little more fun and interactive than buffet style, and often have a chef at the station, cooking/preparing fresh for each guest.

Family style offers the same variety as buffet options, but guests do not have to get up and down. Everything is brought to them on larger platters left at the tables for them to help themselves. This has more of a shared family atmosphere, and a more home-cooked vibe.

Plated dinners are, of course, plated for everyone and served. They can be coursed, and options can be sent out with invitations.

Budget, timeline are important

Catering is all about date availability. If you have a strong preference for your caterer, as soon as you know your date and venue, book the date. Menu details can be chosen anytime during the planning process, but securing the caterer you want is most important.

To ensure success, couples should set a realistic budget from the beginning. Food, beverage, bar and staffing/service can easily cost half the budget. If couples spend half their budget on a venue right off the bat, they may struggle with fitting the food, bar and service in along with cake, flowers and DJ. The best advice is, do not skimp on food and service portion. Having a reputable caterer will ensure your guests receive excellent food and service.

Aim to impress

Staying up to date on trends will make your wedding shine. Luxury barbecue - like that served by Bethany Blues and Beyond Catering - and farm-to-table are popular concepts. Also, family-style dinner service, particularly served at long, rustic tables seem to be the winning combination for receptions currently. Bear in mind, using fresh ingredients and preparing the best food possible every time as a catering team never goes out of style. Closely consider the reputation of the company you choose, and their capacity for volume. In the end, what you want is ease, delicious food, and great service, and this is a winning combination to really wowing your guests.

For more information about Bethany Blues and Beyond Catering email catering@bethanyblues.com or call 644-2500.