The food is an important element in any party. Thus, it's essential that you pick food that you believe the majority will favor. It will do you no good to choose a seafood-only menu when more than half of your guests dislike fish. Remember: your happiness is dependent upon theirs, so be as accommodating as possible without completely sacrificing your desires. If you must have fish, have a combination steak/chicken/salmon menu. Give your guests a choice. This is the best, and only way to satisfy everyone.
"By giving your guests a choice, you ensure their satisfaction."
True, having more than one entree to choose from can be more costly than a rudimentary menu. Whether or not the additional fee is worth it, is entirely up to you. But believe us when we say that a dozen discontented guests can wind up dampening an entire celebration. A good hostess makes sure that she's covered the basics: salad, entrée, dessert; whereas, a great hostess goes out of her way to cater to more specific requests.
The example of a great hostess: getting each and every guest's opinion and preference on the food. This could be as simple as putting in an additional form in each wedding invitation envelope. Give them 3 different choices and see what type of cuisine they favor: Italian, French, American. Next, inquire about any possible food allergies they or their kids may have. Ask if they like beef, chicken, or fish, or if they're a vegetarian. You want to make sure that there's a vegetarian alternative for those guests who can't eat meat. Otherwise, all they'll end up eating in 7 hours is a bowl of salad and some wedding cake.
Questions to Ask your Hartford Caterer:
- How much advance do I need to make my booking?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Can your menu be modified?
- What are your specialty dishes?
- How will the servers and chefs be dressed?
- Can you provide refrigeration if the reception site doesn't have any?
- How much time will you need to set up and prepare the food?
- What are your overtime and cancellation fees?
- What are your policies on tipping – or is this included in the overall fee?
- Do provide the tableware and linens?
- If not, how much are they to rent?
- Will you coordinate with the florist and in setting the tables?
- Will you be able to cater to the photographer, wedding band, and limo driver?
- Do you also provide the wedding cake?
- Do you have bar services?
- Is there a corkage fee?
- Based upon the menu I've selected, how much will it be per each guest?
Some Hartford Catering Companies . . .
Carbone's Ristorante (860-296-9646; www.carbonesct.com)
If you're looking for unbelievable Italian cuisine, look no further. Carbone's was a family dream that began in 1938. The company has been owned and operated ever since. In addition to fantastic fettuccine and spaghetti, they've also perfected their Southern-fried chicken recipe. Their motto is thus: “We're not the best because we're the oldest; we're the oldest because we're the best.” But don't just take their word on it - drop and by and sample some of their tasty recipes. Call or email carbonemb@earthlink.net for more information or to obtain a price quote.
Myles Catering (860-951-1680; www.mylescatering-ct.com)
Although a fairly new company, they are known for going the extra “myle” for all of their clients. They take pride in maintaining a prominent reputation in Connecticut and New York, and offer delicious specialty meals, made with only the finest ingredients. In addition to superb dinner and lunch entrees, they also provide wedding cakes, mini cakes, and ice sculptures. Well what are you waiting for? Email info@mylescatering.com for a price quote.