b"8-12 MONTHS CATERINGCHELLISE MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY KAYLEE CHELSEA PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY KELLY SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY Eight catering mistakes1. Not having a budget in mindThe trendiest way to Your caterer should be able to work with you to come up with acater your cocktail hour:menu that pleases your taste buds and your wallet, whatever your charcuterie! Its easybudget may be.to tie into your theme,2.Thinking a buffet is cheaper because you can chooseWith a buffet, caterers often cook too much food and welcomefoods that match yourguests to seconds, which costs you more money.3. Not thinking about the kidsdecor. And it can be Offer options like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, or pizza to served in a millionsatisfy the children at your wedding (and their parents).different ways! 4. Not offering a filling vegetarian dishYour RSVP should include a space for guests to mark any dietary restrictions they have. Be sure to offer at least one dish that isnt meat-basedyour salad appetizer isnt enough! 5. Too much food at the cocktail hourServe a limited amount of appetizers so that guests dont ruin QUESTIONS TO ASKtheir appetites for dinner.How do you charge? 6. Requesting out-of-season dishesDo you offer special dietary options?Ordering side dishes or ingredients that arent in-season can do Is clean-up included?some major damage to your budget.Can you customize a menu?7. Ordering too much dessertDo you offer free tastings? Not every guest will eat cake, but we recommend ordering atWhat kind of services are available? least 1.5 piece of cake for each guest. If you opt to have cookies,What is the server-to-guest ratio? cupcakes, candies, or other treats, you can offer less cake.Do you offer cake-cutting services?8. Not planning for leftoversAsk your caterer who is responsible for any extra food. You Don't forget to ask the general should take advantage of the extra food by offering it to your questions on page 4 guests, donating it, or freezing it for yourself.62TODAYS BRIDE|8-12 MONTHS UNTIL I DO|CATERING"