Meeting with a wedding caterer is often a task on the to-do list for many couples leading up to their big day. You'll be able to sample mouthwatering meals from the menu to determine what food to offer guests at the wedding reception. To know what to expect during a tasting, here is a brief overview of the process. 

What Happens During a Wedding Tasting?

What the process entails largely depends on the type of wedding venue. If you host a reception in a venue with in-house wedding catering, you will likely sample cuisine from a fixed menu. The food might be served buffet-style in a banquet hall where other couples are also trying out the fare for their weddings. 

If you choose off-site catering services, the tasting will likely be a private experience. The catering service will provide selections from the permanent menu or meals created specifically for the event. The wedding caterer will ask for feedback on each dish. This way, they can make the necessary modifications to ensure the food is delicious. If you've already signed a contract with the wedding caterer, the tasting might be complimentary. Otherwise, you might have to pay a fee. 

How Does the Tasting Menu Work?

Prior to the tasting, look over the catering menu with your fiancé. Let the wedding caterer know what items you'd most like to try, as they might not have time to create every dish on the menu. 

Generally, the catering service will provide sample-size portions of a few appetizers, salads, entrées, and desserts. Any items featuring main ingredients that will be out of season by the time of the wedding won't be included in the tasting. 

What Are the Next Steps to Take?

During the tasting, take notes on what you like and dislike about each menu item and take pictures of each dish. This will help jog your memory later when finalizing the selection. When whittling down the choices, take into account what type of food will be served at the rehearsal dinner and other festivities leading up to the wedding. Try to avoid overlap, so guests have something new to try at the reception. In addition to your preferences, take the dietary restrictions of guests into account as well.  

Find out how far the kitchen is from where food will be served, as some foods travel better than others. Knowing the room temperature of the area where food will be stored could also affect the decisions. However, the catering company will provide the proper temperatures and storing directions to ensure each meal is up to perfection. 

For catering services for your wedding reception in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area or Northern Kentucky, contact the professionals at Lother's Catering. Based in Hebron, KY, the wedding caterers have over 40 years of experience creating memorable menu items for clients' cookouts, weddings, and other special events. See the menus online and call (859) 689-4030 for assistance.