Wedding Tasting Cheat Sheet
It’s time for your Wedding Tasting! Each venue plans their tasting differently: some do one-on-one tastings with full detailing’s and others do large group tastings with buffets. This quick, cheat sheet will help you determine the best direction to go with your menu choices!
Your tasting should include a couple salad choices to try (with dressings), a few entrée choices (with sauces) and a few side choices. Please offer upfront all of your overall Wedding ideas and themes.
Cred: Kelsey Chance on Unsplash
Tip #1- Who to bring-
Bring only a small group. While it sounds fun to have a large group of people there, multiple opinions can get overwhelming. We suggest sticking to a core group that will help you narrow down your choices.
Tip #2- What to bring?
Notepad & pen
Currently Hired Vendors’ info (company, name, email & phone number)
Any particular questions you might have for the venue.
Answers for your Decor- such as napkin and linen color, chair choices, etc. The more details you can decide on at the tasting, the easier the planning process will be.
Ideas on your general timeline (Ceremony start time, Cocktail Hour Time, End of Night time)
Cred: Austin Distel on Unsplash
Tip #3- Take Notes!
Take notes on everything you decided on (even if the person conducting the tasting is taking notes). Remember to jot down your choice of salad (and dressings), choice of entrees with the sauces, etc.
Tip #4- Ask Questions-
This is your time to ask questions- here are a few questions we recommend.
General Questions:
If you have any questions on their packages- this is the time to ask.
When is the final count due? How do last minute guest additions work? What if someone cancels and can’t make the wedding last minute?
When is the final payment due?
Cocktail Hour- **Most often caterers and venues do not offer tastings of the Hors d’Oeuvres. However, this is still a good time to ask questions about it.
How many pieces (per person) will be served during cocktail hour?
Do you ever run out of food or have suggestions on how to ensure there's enough for everyone?
We suggest 2 Hot Hors d’Oeuvres and 1-2 Cold.
Ex. Hot- Beef Slider, Coconut Shrimp, Cold- Bruschetta, Cheese & Crackers
Photo by Lefteris kallergis on Unsplash
Dinner- Make sure the caterer knows of any preferences and/or allergies you might have, right away.
What type of service (plated, synchronized or buffet) do you feel your venue (or caterer) does best?
If we want to customize an item, is there an additional cost?
How are your wait staff dressed? How many will be working that evening?
For Plated-
Do you require individual seating cards with meal choices or can we group by couple?
For seating cards: do you have a preference of look and style for the best service possible?
Do you offer Vegan or Vegetarian (specialty meals) and how do we tell you who they are and where they are sitting?
For Buffet-
Do you ever run out of food?
How long will the process take for guests to go through the buffet? Are the items served or do guests serve themselves?
What if we have a vegan or vegetarian request?
How are kids' meals served?
Tip #5- Bar Suggestions
If allowed with your venue, we suggest a hosted bar (middle shelf) for the first 3 hours of your reception. Then go to a bar on “consumption” for the last couple hours.
A way to take “pressure” off of the bar when cocktail hour first begins is to tray pass a signature drink. Ask the venue if they offer this at no additional cost and if they suggest a type of beverage to be tray passed.
What are my bar choices for liquor? Beer? Wine? *If we want somethingspecific can we request it?
Do you offer shots if my guests want to order one?
How many bartenders & barbacks will be working the wedding?
If we want to add special straws or garnish to drinks, can we provide it?
Cred: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Tip #6- Setup
We will work with you on the particular setup but please make sure you know-
What linens (color and are they floor length) are offered?
What napkins (color options?) are offered?
What the chairs look like and are offered?
What does the overall table setup look like?
After the tasting-
Send a full email to your planner with your meal choices, decisions and left over questions. We will follow up with the venue for a copy of the Banquet Order and Layout. Please let us know if there are any outstanding questions or decisions that are needed.
