"Choosing the Right Wedding Caterer: Why Saving a Few Bucks Could Cost You Big (And Our Favorite Picks)"
Let’s talk about food. No, not the “last-minute pizza delivery” kind of food (although, shout-out to that savior of many a late-night), but the kind of food that will grace your wedding tables, keep your guests happy, and keep your stomach from growling through your vows. Yes, I’m talking about choosing your wedding caterer. It’s one of the most crucial decisions of your big day — because, let’s face it, what’s a wedding without a fantastic meal?
Now, while we all love a good deal, be careful of the too-good-to-be-true budget options. I know, I know, you’re trying to save a few bucks here and there. But sometimes, the “discounted” caterer can turn your dreams of an elegant, mouthwatering feast into a half-baked disaster that’ll leave your guests reminiscing about the food… and not in the good way. It’s time to talk about how being too budget-friendly with your caterer could end up costing you more in the long run (like in awkward conversations about why the chicken was as dry as the Sahara, or why the salad tasted like cardboard).
1. The "Budget-Friendly" Caterer Who Just Disappears... Literally
You know that feeling when you spot a caterer offering a wildly low quote, and you think, “Wow! This is my lucky day!” Well, spoiler alert — that lucky day could soon turn into a nightmare. Sure, they may have a decent website, but once you sign the dotted line, things start to get… weird. No reply to emails. No answer to calls. And suddenly, the “chef” who was supposed to prepare your food shows up wearing flip-flops and a "Let’s Get This Over With" T-shirt. Not exactly the fine dining experience you were hoping for.
The thing is, you don’t want your wedding to be the test run for a caterer who’s just figuring it out. Trust me, paying a little more for someone with experience and a proven track record means peace of mind and a much happier day.
2. The “Surprise” Menu
We’ve all been there. You sit down for a meeting with a low-cost caterer, and everything seems fine. You chat about what you want — maybe some delicious hors d’oeuvres and an elegant entrée. Then, a week before your wedding, you get a call saying, “Hey, we’re out of salmon. Is it okay if we replace it with tuna casserole?” Uh… no.
You don’t want to find yourself in a panic wondering what happened to your fancy chicken marsala and why you’re now getting a pasta salad with mystery dressing instead. A reliable, experienced caterer will keep you informed, keep the menu consistent, and, most importantly, keep your wedding guests raving about the food.
3. The “Meal-Size Mysterious Disappearing Act”
In the world of wedding catering, portion sizes are crucial. You’ve seen it happen — you’ve been to weddings where the portions are so small, your guests need to stop by a fast food drive-thru on the way home. On the flip side, there’s always the caterer who serves you a "tasting" portion that seems to be about the size of a pea… and then, on the big day, it turns out they’ve scaled it up to a mountain of food that could feed an army. This is when you’re left trying to explain why Grandma has 17 potatoes on her plate while the vegan guest is gnawing on a tiny piece of lettuce. Not ideal.
When selecting a caterer, it’s important to find someone who understands balance: the food should be delicious, plentiful, and appropriately portioned. Otherwise, you risk either embarrassing your guests with tiny bites or throwing away tons of uneaten food.
4. The “Mystery Ingredients” Platter
Sure, we all want to try something new and adventurous at our wedding. But when your caterer suggests a “mystery ingredient” dish that no one has ever heard of — and doesn’t bother to provide any details about — you might want to pause. (Especially when your cousin’s allergic to peanuts, and you’ve never even seen the word “fennel” before.) While experimental food can be fun, your wedding day is about making sure everyone eats and enjoys the experience. You don’t want guests to be stuck Googling “What the heck is this?” rather than savoring every bite.
5. Why Splurging Is Actually Saving
Here’s the deal: when it comes to wedding catering, sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Choosing a caterer who offers reasonable prices and high-quality food might cost a little more upfront, but trust me, it’ll save you in the long run. You won’t have to deal with the stress of last-minute surprises, you won’t have guests complaining about the food, and you’ll have amazing photos of your food, which you’ll want to show off on social media. (Because let’s be honest, people are going to want to know where you got that perfect charcuterie spread.)
And as much as we all love a bargain, no one wants their wedding meal to feel like it came from the dollar store. Invest in a caterer who’s going to treat your wedding like the five-star event it is. And remember, your guests will be talking about your wedding meal for years to come — so make it memorable (for all the right reasons)!
A Few of Our Favorite Wedding Caterers:
If you’re ready to stop stressing and start tasting, here are a few of our top recommended caterers that know how to wow your guests with fantastic food and seamless service:
Art of Catering: For those with more formal tastes, Elegance in Every Bite creates exquisite fine dining experiences that will make your guests feel like royalty. Perfect for a chic, sophisticated event.
Devil’s Food Catering: Known for their fresh, seasonal ingredients and perfect portion sizes, Feast on the Go delivers exquisite meals and impeccable service.
Grand Cru: If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous but still top-tier in taste, The Savory Spoon’s farm-to-table approach will wow your guests and keep them coming back for seconds!
Biscuits & Pickles: From casual buffets to elaborate plated courses, Fork & Knife Catering will curate a menu that suits your style and exceeds expectations.
Choosing the right caterer is about more than just the price tag. Think about your guests, the atmosphere you want to create, and most importantly, your own enjoyment of the big day. Don’t let a few extra bucks now turn into a whole lot of regret later — invest in a caterer who’ll make sure the food is something everyone will talk about (in a good way!).
Happy wedding planning, and remember: there’s no such thing as too many appetizers.
