Of all the ingredients that go into the perfect wedding, few are as important as the food. A great selection of delicious dishes from a respected catering company will ensure all guests leave happy and satisfied. Below are a few tips for planning a spread that everyone will be talking about for days afterward.

5 Tips for Catering a Wedding

1. Set a Budget

Budgeting is one of the essential facets of wedding planning. Knowing in advance how much you can spend will help your caterer design a menu that fits your budget and satisfies the tastes of your guests.

2. Talk to Caterers Before Making Your Choice

Talking with a caterer over the phone and in person will give you an impression about how invested they are in your wedding. Pay attention to the types of questions they ask and whether they offer samples to eat at the meeting.

3. Match Food to Your Theme

A wedding theme helps tie together all the different elements of the event. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top or obvious. Whether your theme is spring love or inspired by your favorite city, tell your caterer so they guide menu choices that blend seamlessly with your color scheme and music choices.

4. Tell the Caterer About Any Dietary Restrictions

If you or any wedding party members have any dietary restrictions, tell your caterer as soon as possible. They’ll need the time to design a menu with options to satisfy everyone, including vegans, pescatarians, and those with food allergies.

5. Nail Down the Guest List

The number of guests you’re expecting has a significant impact on the cost of catering and the menu a caterer will cook up. If you’re only expecting a few close friends and family members, you may be able to spend a bit more on extravagant extras. On the other hand, if you’ve always dreamed of a big wedding, your caterer will probably recommend a buffet where guests serve themselves.

If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in the Cincinnati Tri-State area, you can trust Hammann's Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli to make your event a success. For over 25 years, they’ve served up delicious, customized menus for every taste, from Texas-style BBQ to traditional royal buffets. Visit their website now to browse their wedding catering menus, follow them on Twitter, or call (513) 858-3237 to discuss your special event with one of their experts.