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Fabulous QUICK TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST WEDDING CAKE AND CATERING SPECIALIST FOR YOUR BIG DAY tHe BasiCs For most couples, the greatest share of the weddingday budget will be eaten up by the cost of the reception. After all, what bride and groom wouldn���t want their celebration to feature fabulous food and drink? Given how much you���ll be spending, you���ll want to be sure you���ve found the right caterer for your needs. But before meeting with a caterer, ensure you���ve established the following details: 1. Your budget: It���s important to be upfront with your caterer about what you can realistically afford to spend Fare on food and drink. They may be able to suggest less pricey alternatives to keep within your budget. 2. Number of guests: It won���t be possible for any caterer to provide an accurate estimate without knowing this figure in advance. 3. Venue: If your chosen reception venue provides food services, be sure to check if they will even permit outside catering. 4. Style of reception: What atmosphere do you want to create at your reception? Formal plated service, familystyle dinner, casual buffet or chic cocktail reception? griLL a Caterer cakes & catering To choose a caterer, start by making an appointment where you can ask the following questions: ��� Is the caterer licensed? ��� Can they schedule a tasting of the menu items you���re interested in having served? ��� Can they handle special requests, such as preparing a traditional family recipe, or vegetarian, kosher, glutenfree or children���s meals? ��� Can they create your wedding cake, or will you need to find a separate baker? ��� Will they prepare the food on-site, and if so, will special arrangements be necessary at the venue? ��� Can they supply such essentials as tables, chairs, linens, plates and silverware? Or will they arrange rentals on your behalf? What would be the additional cost? ��� Do they have an average price A P 60 in pa B 69 k bo range? Does the price include everything, such as delivery, taxes and gratuities? ��� Will they provide their own serving staff? What about bar staff? ��� Do they have other events scheduled on the same day as your wedding? (In other words, will you have their undivided attention?) ��� Can they provide references? Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal choice ��� and your taste buds, of course. You not only have to be happy with the quality of the food, but you also need to work with a caterer who���s genuinely interested in your needs. If you���re not feeling that positive vibe, keep looking. 49 V in bu C 17 V ca ca M ca T P B la th C Let tHeM eat Cake! Like a caterer, your cake designer should be someone who understands your vision and can work within your budget. Here are some quick tips on ensuring a perfect sweet ending to your day: taste before you book. Visit the baker for a tasting and check out their portfolio to give you a good idea of what they can do. think budget. Cakes are generally priced by serving, but the more complicated the decorations, the higher the price. Touches like handmade sugar flowers, chocolate leaves and vivid icing colours can all pump up the cost. get real. Specially styled cakes shot for magazines provide wonderful inspiration but can be difficult to replicate in real life (often, they���re not even created from edible ingredients!), so don���t expect your baker to perform the same picture-perfect miracle. go smaller. If your elaborate dream cake is way out of your price range, consider ordering a smaller version of it. You could then serve an inexpensive coordinating sheet cake on the side, or a dessert buffet to give guests more options. Mind the weather. You don���t want your gorgeous cake to melt in a surprise heat wave. For a summer wedding, ask about temperature-friendly options, such as fondant icing instead of buttercream. PHOTOS BY FOTOLIA 22 | Complete Weddings 2013 p21-24_Catering.indd 22 B 12-12-03 3:37 PM C 44 V m ca C 28 V in ca C C 88 P co co Sp oc C Fi 60 35 25 m cu In C co