To overcome this challenge, many have developed a network with others who offer complimentary services. These are people they trust and feel comfortable with. They know disc jockeys and local bands; they are connected with florists and floral designers, cake decorators, etc. They can give you helpful tips on different venues to host your wedding reception.

The more services you arrange through one wedding caterer, the better. And the bonus is that doing so can save you a great deal of stress, time and money.

Oftentimes, wedding caterers are able to help you obtain discount prices if you book a service with someone in their network. As you research potential wedding catering businesses, seek out full-service organizations. Make a list of your wedding plans and discuss them with the wedding catering sales manager.

Planning your wedding catering should be a fun, not stressful event. Consult your guest list and make note of food items they like. If you have time, give them a call or send an email asking their food choices or if they have special dietary needs. You could also create a brief questionnaire about food choices and ask them to fill it out and return it with their RSVP. This step can greatly assist you in planning your wedding reception menu.

Obviously, you need to set a budget. Be very, very stern with the budget. In fact, tell the wedding caterer that your budget is $500 to $1,000 less than it actually is. This will give you a little cushion just in case you decide to change the menu or special needs arise.

Here are some things to consider:

* When using a wedding catering service, you might go into "sticker shock" as you begin shopping around for your perfect wedding menu. However; many wedding catering services are willing and able to create a custom menu based on your budget. 
* Chances are good you will need to make some compromises on the menu. 
* Most wedding caterers charge a "per person" price and require a minimum guest count. This price can range between $10 and $100, or more depending on the menu.
* The per person price includes the cost of the wedding catering business preparing, transporting, and setting-up the food. 
* Oftentimes there is a serving charge. This depends on how the food is served. If food is served banquet style and includes meat carving; there will be a fee to cover the expense of the person carving the meat. If the meal will be plated and served by waiters and waitresses; there will be an additional expense to cover their wages.
* If alcohol is served, an hourly fee will be charged per bartender.
* Generally, a "cake-cutting" fee is charged. This covers the expense of the person(s) cutting and serving the wedding cake to guests.
* If wine or champagne is served, some wedding catering businesses charge a "corking" and/or "pouring" fee.

No matter how you slice it, planning a wedding takes time, patience, compromise, and organization. Conduct research and locate wedding planning guides via the Internet or at your local library. Doing save can save you a tremendous amount of stress. After all, you don't want to be exhausted and stressed out when you walk down the aisle, do you? Do yourself a favor and use the services of a wedding catering service. You'll be glad you did!

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