There is a lot that goes into making your wedding day special. From finding the perfect dress to choosing an invitation design, there is far more to planning a wedding than most people imagine when they first embark on the journey.
At The Christy Banquet Center and Catering Services in St. Louis, Missouri, we’re determined to make catering the least of your worries. Here’s a list of what to do, and what to avoid when looking for wedding catering.
Wedding Catering Do’s
Allow plenty of time. During the summer and holiday seasons in particular, many caterers’ calendars fill up quickly. Choosing a caterer should be a top priority on your wedding checklist so that you can book who you want, when you want them.
Know your numbers. Have an idea of how many guests you plan to host. This will affect your catering budget, and is an integral part of selecting a venue.
Know your budget and be honest about it. When you meet with potential caterers, you’ll discover what services they provide and how much each will cost. We will be up front about what we can do within any given budget, and we’ll do what we can to work within your guidelines. Be open and honest about what you can afford and what you can’t.
Give it a try. Make an appointment or attend a tasting event to try food and beverages before you decide upon your selections. The quality of food is just as important a factor as the budget. The Christy holds tasting events regularly so that you can sample from our delicious catering menu and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on your big day.
Plan for special dietary needs. You will likely have guests who are vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or who have food allergies. Find out ahead of time using your RSVP process, or simply ask friends and family members if there are foods you should avoid serving them. We have plenty of delicious alternatives for those guests.
Ask for advice. Catering by The Christy has been providing great food for weddings, corporate events, and parties for over 40 years, and we’ve experienced a thing or two along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions about which dishes guests tend to prefer, or any other catering question you may have. We’re here to make your job easier!
Consider your venue. Catering by the Christy works with a long list of partner vendors throughout O’Fallon, MO and the greater St. Louis area, so we know what space requirements we need to work within for many of the most popular reception venues. If your venue is not one of our preferred partners, it will be important for us to know if kitchen space is available, how much room we’ll have to set up a buffet (if needed), and if outdoor space will be used.
Wedding Catering Don’ts
Don’t forget about children. Let us know if there will be kids under 12 at your reception. At The Christy, we offer child-friendly foods on a children’s menu created just for them.
Don’t cut corners. The menus we prepare have been carefully created, and they reflect years of professional training and experience. We understand the temptation to try to save a few dollars here and there by making your own appetizers or desserts, but ultimately, the added time, effort, and lack of experience and equipment is seldom worth it. We understand your budget. Let us help you figure out how to make the most of it without sacrificing quality.
Don’t forget the little details. When choosing a caterer, it’s not only about food and drinks. Catering by The Christy has dinnerware and napkins available, as well as uniformed servers, pre-event set-up and break-down, cake cutting service, bussers and more to simplify your day in style.
Ultimately, trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a wedding caterer. You should enjoy working with your caterer, and feel like they understand the vision you want for your wedding day.
Catering by The Christy is honored to have been invited to thousands of weddings and special events. Our customizable menu of delectable and innovative selections and top-notch professional service have been meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations for over four decades.
Whether you are hosting a large event or a small gathering, Catering by the Christy will bring your favorite menu selections to you, fresh and hot. Leave the details to us so that you can spend your day making memories!
