When planning your big day, finding the right wedding caterer is a must. The perfect combination of tray-passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, cake, and dessert bar will keep the celebration going and supplant memories that last a lifetime. After perusing menus, you'll do an official tasting to confirm your offerings with your on-site catering team. Here are a few recommendations to ensure the tasting is productive. 

5 Tips to Maximize Your Wedding Caterer Tasting

1. Discuss Dietary Restrictions & Requests in Advance

Before your tasting, talk to the chef about any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Finding crowd-pleasing items and tasting special dishes geared toward individuals with allergies will give you peace of mind that all will be satisfied. If there's a meaningful dish or theme you want to be carried through your wedding reception, make those requests ahead of time. 

2. Focus on Plating & Flavors

During the tasting, pay attention to how each item is presented on the plate. Appetizers and meals should look appealing since it's a very special occasion! Put your food critic hat on when tasting each dish, so you understand the flavors, ingredients, and whether they suit your event. Cleanse your palate in between dishes with a sip of water to avoid confusing your taste buds.  

3. Take Notes & Photos

As each dish arrives during your tasting, take a photo. Make notes on the menu to help recall what each dish is and how you felt about the presentation, texture, and flavors. When you go home and finalize the menu, this information will help jog your memory and direct the decision-making process. 

4. Communicate Openly

Your catering service team wants you to be happy with every dish you serve. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions respectfully during the tasting. Ask questions about ingredients, preparation, and options. If, for example, you fall in love with a dish but want to change one ingredient or the protein, talk about the customization process. 

5. Don't Forget the Drink Pairings

At a wedding, cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks are essential to the celebration. You'll want to serve craft cocktails and wines that pair nicely with each dish. Request a tasting that includes drink pairings to understand better what the full experience will consist of.

If you're engaged and looking for the perfect wedding caterer, Lother's Catering is ready to serve delicious and artfully designed food to your guests. With four decades of experience serving clients in greater Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky, this skilled on-site catering team can tackle receptions and private events of all sizes. Call (859) 689-4030 to schedule a complimentary consultation. To browse their menus, from cookouts to tray-passed hors d'oeuvres, visit their website.