Although we have seen more rainy days than sunshine lately, wedding season is in full swing! Brookshire Brothers is here to help with the following dos and don’ts of wedding catering planning.

DO: Book a caterer early

Caterers’ calendars quickly fill up during the busy seasons (especially May, June, November, and December), so be sure to contact them early once you have your wedding date chosen!

DO: Have a realistic budget and work within your budget

Serving great food at your wedding does not have to break your budget. About 40 percent of your budget should be allocated for catering. Talk to different caterers and get bids for the type of menu you would like to serve. Be realistic about the cost and availability for special requests or out-of-season items. Most caterers will be able to give tips to keep costs down or suggest other options that work within your budget.

DO: Choose what you like

Talk to your caterer about specific items you would like to have at your reception and build the menu from there. Don’t be pressured to choose something you really don’t want (or to omit something you do want).

DON’T: Stress about pleasing everyone but DO: Know your guests

If you and your fiancé have a favorite cuisine, consider serving a few dishes as an appetizer or pass hors d’oeuvres. For the majority of the menu, stick to tried-and-true dishes for your reception. Your caterer can help you make choices that will satisfy a large number of people without being boring. If you know of specific food allergies or preferences, let your caterer know early and they can include items that will work for all of your guests. 

DO: Have a plan for bad weather

If you have lived in Texas for more than 10 minutes, you know that Texas weather is extremely unpredictable. If you are planning an outdoor reception, make sure to have a plan for inclement weather – including a plan for your caterer for set-up and serving.

DO: Double-check the Catering Proposal / Contract

Make sure to read and understand the fine print before you sign – especially regarding cut-off dates for final head counts, serving details, and payment dates.

DON’T: Get bogged down in the details

Congratulations and best wishes as you plan not only for your special day, but for your marriage!

Recipe courtesy Kate Rudasill.