Planning your wedding should be an experience from start to finish! The best part (and some argue the most important part) is the food. If you’ve never been to a menu tasting before, there are some things you should know. We’re covering Wedding Tasting 101 this week, and hope this helps you enter that phase of the planning process.
First, every caterer and/or venue is different as to when they prefer to have the tasting. Some only offer a seasonal menu and prefer to have you taste closer to the wedding, while some allow you to taste prior to even booking their services or space. Overall, we see the Wedding Tasting occur at about 4 months prior to the wedding date, on average. This is a good time because you are starting to think invitations then, and also don’t want to taste too early and forget what your menu is (or how yummy it was!).
Tasting Setting
There are a few things that are included in this part of Wedding Tasting 101. Is it a private setting for just your party, or is it a group setting with other couples? If it’s in a private setting, how many can you have in your party total? Be considerate of that and don’t assume you can bring more than just the couple. Often, if you want to include additional people, there is a small fee to pay. If it is a group setting, will you be tasting your exact menu, or is it more of a sampling their style of food?
Choosing Your Menu
If you are doing a private tasting, you will need to choose items you want to try prior to going. This usually encompasses hors d’oeuvres, salad and entree. Keep in mind you want to like your menu, but you also want the rest of your guests to like it too! Consider more common or popular items in this case. If you choose something more unique, make sure there are multiple options for guests to decide what’s best for them. Remember to stay open minded and try things you might not have been considering if they are offered as an option!
Make Decisions
We always tell clients to be ready to make decisions at their Wedding Tasting! You will want to walk out of there knowing exactly what you and your guests will be eating on the big day (and it’s one less decision to make as you get closer!). If you have a hard time making decisions, have supportive people with you that can help you choose. You don’t only choose your menu, but often times are making decisions on other inclusions such as linens, chairs, utensils, china, chargers, etc. Pro Tip: these are meetings we usually attend with you to help you pull your design together! Having a planner there helps you make a to-do list to accomplish and answer any questions, along with the catering representative.
Make it an experience!
This is our favorite part of Wedding Tasting 101. Whether you’re going with only your significant other, or bringing loved ones along, make it an experience! Enjoy your favorite beverage, dress up and take pictures (of the food, setting, each other). You might not ever get an experience like this again and it’s such a fun & momentous part of the planning! Make sure to take notes of the menu for invitations or to share with those who aren’t present that are helping you plan.
Bonus Tip
To give the ultimate Wedding Tasting experience, why not make it as close to the real wedding as possible?! Ask your planner if they can help you arrange a full table mock up at your tasting (if the setting allows) so you are able to see your linens, chargers and centerpieces while enjoying your delicious selections!
Now that you’ve read through Wedding Tasting 101, are you ready to conquer your menu tasting? PS-are you hungry yet?!
