A wedding catering tasting is an opportunity to sample various foods and design the perfect menu for your big day. Tastings are important events, as the food you serve plays a big role in creating a memorable experience for your guests. And they're also a lot of fun. Below, discover a few etiquette tips for getting the most out of your tasting.

A Guide to Wedding Catering Tasting Etiquette

1. Limit the Tasting Party Size

A large entourage can pull your attention in several directions and away from where it needs to be: on the food and the flavors you're sampling. Aim to have no more than four others accompany you to the tasting, and choose individuals whose tastes and opinions you trust. Include the wedding planner, if you're using one; a planner typically has an eagle-eye for quality and taste, so they will likely have valuable insights to share.

2. Be Prepared

Treat the tasting like the event it is by getting ready beforehand. Refrain from eating a heavy meal prior to the tasting to ensure you have plenty of room for all the foods you will be enjoying. Typical tastings are the equivalent of a full meal, which means you should come hungry—but not so famished that you eat quickly without tasting the various flavors and textures. Also, keep your smartphone easily accessible, so you can take photos of and notes about the dishes. 

3. Tip Your Server

Good tasting manners should include a tip for the person who served you, even if the tasting was complimentary. Figure a rough estimate of what the food would cost at a restaurant, and tip accordingly; most people leave a gratuity of around 20%. 

Also, if the food was good, you may want to ask to speak to the chef and give them your personal thanks. While not mandatory, this is a nice gesture that shows you appreciate their work and effort.

When you need a wedding caterer in the Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky area, contact Lother's Catering. For over 40 years, they have been providing on- and off-site catering services for a variety of functions. From weddings to corporate events, from cookouts to pig roasts, they offer a range of options for any occasion and budget. Call (859) 689-4030 or visit them online to learn more about their menus.