I mentioned in my last post that oftentimes, the DIY bride and friends don’t know exactly what they are getting themselves into when they embark in doing aspects of the weddings themselves. I find catering to be the most challenging. It is afterall, the one area where you can make all of your guests sick.
Before I get into food safety, let me tell you a little bit more about the responsibilities of the caterer on the wedding day. My friend Heidi Brice from Puff N Stuff Catering in Orlando helped me out with a bit of a Q & A.
Susan: On the wedding day, as a caterer, describe what you need to do when you setup for a wedding.
Heidi: Set-up for a Wedding at venues we cater at usually involves: setting up tables, chairs, moving chairs to other areas, setting the tables, glassware, set-up of beverage station with all equipment, buffet with all equipment and setting up kitchen with equipment in order to execute the meal. (Susan’s note: They also provide all the dishes, flatware, glassware, serving items, and linens for the buffets and service areas.)
Susan: What is the hardest thing about food and beverage for the bride or her friends to do?
Heidi: Service, Service, Service!!! Preparing a meal for 10 is hard enough, for 50, I cant even imagine. But most importantly, the service end of a wedding is what shows most. We take care of the guests by clearing plates in a timely fashion, refreshing beverages and offering additional services to them.
Susan: What do you think a bride is most likely to overlook if the food is not done by a professional?
Heidi:: Quantity is what is mostly overlooked. Some brides feel that just a few mini sandwiches and a cheese platter is enough, but when a guest goes through a buffet line and these are the only options, they take more than what was quantified and food runs out before everyone has had a chance to eat. (Susan’s note: I think that presentation is also a difficult part about setting up food. Making the food look appetizing, or even beautiful, it time consuming. Experience counts.)
Susan: How can a bride work with a caterer to save money?
Heidi: We don’t have a minimum! Most hotels have a minimum price for food and beverage, whereas we are happy to customize a menu to suit your budget. (Susan’s note: I have found that working with a caterer tends to be less expensive than with hotels and restaurants. The big issues that you have to consider are the fees incurred by renting a location that allows an outside caterer, and rental items like tables, chairs, dishes, etc may also be an issue. Make sure to put all of those fees in your budget before making a final decision.)
Susan: What other advice do you want to share?
Heidi: One of the biggest mistakes a bride can make is to mistake price for value. So many brides go with the company that offers the lowest price right off the bat. You have to go beyond the surface and find out what you’re really getting for your money. A lot of “extra fees” can be averted if you take a little extra time to find out the details. Or expectations are not met when pre-set iced water ends up being a pitcher of iced water with plastic cups on a table versus sparkling stemmed glasses with lemon wheels.
One of the best ways to save with a caterer is to find one that has the capacity to provide linens, decor, and service in-house as it’s much more expensive when (1) you have to find those things separately or (2) the caterer has to outsource.
Now for the really important issue… food safety.
Germs, Viruses and Bacteria which cause food borne illnesses grow in temperatures between 45 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Food should not be at these temperatures for more than four hours. It is also crucial that food be cooked to the proper temperature before serving. There are many resources on the Internet that give guidelines for the proper temperature for poultry, beef, pork, etc. Check those out before cooking for your wedding.
Tomorrow I will post a list for you to use as a guide for handling your food safely on your wedding day.
If you have any ideas or suggestions for the DIY bride, please post here or email me at susan.southerland@pwg.com.
