A wedding caterer specializes in providing food and drink for wedding receptions, accommodating a wide variety of customers and preferences. They often offer a wider variety of menu items and amenities than general caterers and must be diplomatic in guiding couples towards compatible options. Tasting sessions and clear contracts are important for success, and experience and satisfied customers are key for building a successful career.
A wedding caterer is a professional who specializes in providing food and drink for the receptions that traditionally follow marriage ceremonies. He can specialize in specific cuisines or locations or cater to the needs and tastes of a wide variety of customers. The supplier can work independently or have a team that supports him. Some wedding caterers only hire to service small groups, and others have no limit on the number of guests they can successfully service.
What distinguishes a wedding caterer from a general caterer is often the variety of menu items and extra amenities options. A general caterer usually has a limited menu and relies on its customers to dictate themes and decorations, the latter two of which it may not be equipped to provide. A wedding caterer often listens to potential clients’ needs and decides to do what it can to accommodate them.
Diplomacy is normally considered a great asset for a wedding caterer. If a couple chooses favorite food items that would be unpleasant to the palate when paired together in the same meal, a wedding caterer is expected to gently steer them toward more compatible options. In a similar vein, he might be asked to gently explain that the potential couple’s budget cannot bear the financial burden of a fancy sit-down affair for the number of guests on their list.
Tasting sessions are often part of the work of a wedding catering. After the food and cake options have been narrowed down to a few, he traditionally asks the couple to taste each item and make final choices. This session usually includes the couple also finalizing their choices of centerpieces, guest favors, and tables.
Engaged couples frequently change their minds about food and beverage options at the reception, and pre-wedding anxiety often results in misunderstandings. Typically, the supplier should establish timeframes for when these final choices must be made. Generally, he is expected to fulfill them with patience and understanding.
Having a solid contract with your clients often equates to success as a wedding caterer. Typically, the contract is expected to clearly specify fee terms for cancellations, extra guests, wine corks, and cake cutting. Each agreed food and beverage item must be clearly listed in the contract, with prices for each.
Being a wedding caterer requires no specific education. People in this profession typically have training and experience in food preparation and service. To flourish in this job, you usually need a list of satisfied customers to use as references. Testimonials from these satisfied customers are generally considered the best tool for success in this career.
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