Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162471
realadvice Catering 101 Call in the pros to ensure your wedding guests will eat, drink and be merry By Lauren Kramer Illustration by Rachel Gordon Q&A Once you make the call, be prepared for the caterer to ask you lots of questions, says Debra Lykkemark, CEO of Culinary Capers Catering & Special Events in Vancouver. "A competent caterer needs this information to fully understand your vision, so that they can plan and execute a flawless and fabulous event for you," she explains. "If you don't have all the answers, ask for their advice and guidance. They will likely have years of experience planning events and can help you create a seamless event while getting the biggest return possible for your budget." Chemistry Matters N o question about it, your own wedding may be the biggest event you'll ever have to organize. And for most couples, providing the food and drink can be the trickiest part to plan. At the very least, you don't want guests to go home hungry, but wouldn't it be great to wow them with a spectacular spread, too? A superb caterer can easily make this a reality — but the challenge is finding one who can work within your budget and help you craft the perfect menu for your needs. Before calling a caterer, you'll first need to settle on the key details: the reception venue and time, number of guests, style of reception (cocktail, buffet or sit-down meal), choice of theme if any, and most importantly, your budget. 24 As with any vendor you select for your wedding, how well you can communicate with the caterer is the key to a successful relationship. "Find a caterer that you connect with — someone that listens to your needs and uses their expertise to create an event that is a joyful experience that you and your guests will remember," Lykkemark suggests. If you don't feel that a prospective caterer is going to be your ally, keep looking elsewhere. Honesty is Best It's important to be upfront from the beginning and tell the caterer that you're looking for wedding services, says Donna Wadsworth, head honcho at Savoury City Catering & Events in Vancouver. "I've seen countless brides-to-be inquire about a 'cocktail' party when it is actually a wedding they are planning," she says. "Generally, caterers don't charge any more for a wedding than they do for a cocktail party; however, the planning can be intense and involve numerous meetings and site inspections with both the client and other vendors, as well as countless proposal revisions." R EA L WEDDINGS pg22-31_Real_Experience_Advice.indd 24 12-09-24 12:36 PM