No celebration is complete without a hearty meal. In the days of yore, neighbours or close friends used to chip in to cook a tasty meal. Today, due to various practical reasons, the services of professional caterers are hired. Choosing a caterer is as important as choosing a band, photographer, etc., because most people remember only two things when they go home. “The Bride and the Food”. The best way to find a reliable caterer is to ask people who have used their services before. Rates vary with every caterer depending on the quantity, quality, and service rendered. Do not allow the rates or the menu to determine your choice. It is better to choose a caterer whose food you have already tasted. ‘Great Service’, hygiene standards, and superior quality of food’ are what you should look for. Cheaper menus cannot give you all this together. You would compromise on something. You will get what you pay for. Take utmost care while selecting your dishes. Don’t get influenced by the exotic or fancy names of the freebies offered. Today, one can choose from a large variety of cuisines, e.g., Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Goan, etc. If you, your fiance, or your family have favourite dishes or prefer certain types of foods, talk to your caterer about incorporating them into your menu. Special care should also be taken when selecting snacks. There is a wide variety in this section too. Decide on an approximate mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The caterer can fix the rate once the menu is decided. Before booking the caterer, determine your guest list, since all price quotes will be based on this number. Once the guest list is ready, you can use the rule of thumb’ that 70–75% will attend.

When Bride goes for ‘Sado’ ;

1.The majority of your guests are usually idle during this session. By serving dinner early, you give your guests ample time to serve themselves, enjoy the food, and enjoy the music from their seats.

2. In the case of the ‘Sado, the ladies can take their time singing all the traditional songs and need not rush out.

3. You avoid a crazy rush and long serpentine queues at the buffet table towards the end of the reception.

4. Your guests have ample time to wish you well, having had their dinner early. establish a final count. While finalising the number of guests for the caterer, do include the musicians, compere, videographer, photographer, caretakers, and other helpers. It is advisable to have a buffer of 10% for last-minute invitees. Ice carvings are not permitted at most venues. The conditions of the venue booked should be communicated to the caterer. Most venues insist that the caterer vacate the premises by 11.45 p.m. sharp. The water connections are stopped, and most of the time the caterer has to leave without washing the dishes. Within a span of two hours, your caterer has to serve approximately 400 guests, maybe more. Hence, it is essential that you realise the importance of beginning your wedding on time. Also, it is important to discuss the sequence of the evening with the caterer: the time the couple will walk in, the time at which the cake and wine are to be served, the drinks to be served, and finally the time the dinner has to be served. Appoint a responsible person to liaise with the caterer. After you have expressed your expectations for your reception and determined the flow of your party, it’s time to leave the details of the food service to the caterer so that you can enjoy your reception. The important thing to remember is that you have planned well. The party is for you and your spouse, and you should fully enjoy it without worrying about the details that have already been delegated.