Planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming with all the details to consider for your big day. Finding a caterer should be at the top of your to-do list, especially since the best catering companies are often booked well in advance. Fortunately, following a few simple guidelines to ensure your wedding reception’s food is the absolute best quality for your guests while custom tailored to your unique budget can narrow the many catering options down dramatically.

Before you even begin the process of looking for a caterer, you will need to know your budget limitations. Knowing what percentage of your overall wedding budget you can commit to your menu and food service will help you narrow down your search. Be sure to keep in mind that some larger reception halls and venues will have in-house caterers that may have the ability to provide you with a higher quality menu at a price included in the rental.

If the reception hall does not have their own in-house caterer, you can ask the manager for a list of caterers they have worked with in the past. Glowing recommendations from people who they have had experience with are a good indication that the caterer will be able to provide excellent service for your event. You can also do a simple Internet search to help you locate a catering company in your area that you can evaluate first hand.

A great way to decide on your menu is by thinking about some of you and your future spouse’s favorite meals. Is there a local restaurant that you frequent? You may want to ask if that restaurant offers catering services. Restaurants who also provide catering services may be able to give you a more affordable price than caterers who specialize in weddings only.

If you have recently attended a friend or family member’s wedding and enjoyed the food that was served, ask them for the name of the caterer. This is a great way to have a guarantee that you and your guest will receive the great service and food that was served at the past event.

If you are having a hard time finding caterers in your area, you should consider contacting a caterer’s guild like the National Association of Catering Executives or the International Caterers Association. These organizations will provide you with a list of catering companies in your area.

When you contact your potential caterers, be sure to schedule a tasting to get a feel for their culinary skills. Make sure that your catering options are able to provide you with an estimated cost per person and a mock-up of the menu for your wedding reception.

Finding a catering company for your wedding may seem like a frustrating task, but with a little research and determination, you will be certain to find a caterer that can work within your budget to create a memorable meal for your to share with your guests on your special day.