1. Not having a budget in mind. Your caterer should be able to work with you to come up with a menu that pleases your taste buds and your budget. 2. Thinking a buffet is cheaper. With a seated meal, there is a set amount of food prepared and served; you are only charged for those meals. With a buffet, caterers often cook too much food and wel- come guests to seconds, which can cost you more money. 3. Not thinking about the kids. Offer op- tions like mac and cheese, chicken ten- ders, or pizza to satisfy the children at your wedding (and their parents). 4. Not offering a filling vegetarian dish. Your RSVP should include a space for you guest to mark any dietary restrictions they have. Be sure to offer at least one hearty dish that isn’t meat-based. Serving soup or pasta will fill up your vegetarian guests without breaking the budget. 5. Serving too much food at the cocktail hour. The cocktail hour is meant to be an appetizers only. You should have a limited amount of food to be served so that guests don’t ruin their appetites for dinner. 6. Requesting out-of-season dishes. Or- dering side dishes or ingredients that aren’t in season can do some major dam- age to your budget. 7. Ordering too much dessert. Not every guest will eat cake but we recommend ordering at least one piece of cake for each guest. If you opt to have a dessert station with cookies, cupcakes, candies, and other treats, you can offer less cake. 8. Not planning for leftovers. Brainstorm some ideas for what you can do with any leftovers. If you’re having a buffet service, ask your caterer if they’re responsible for disposing of the extra food. If you’ve al- ready paid for it, you should take advan- tage of the extra food by passing out any leftovers to your guests, wedding party, donating it, or freezing it for yourself. CATERING MISTAKES OH Snap! Photography CATERING 46 | TODAY'S BRIDE 8-12 MONTHS UNTIL "I DO"