Nashville Event Catering

Catering can make or break your wedding or other event. The cost of your catering is important as it can consume one third of your budget. Yet there are other considerations: food selection/quality, catering presentation/event decor, catering staff. The best caterers combine aesthetics, taste and outstanding service at an affordable price.

Catering Food Selection

When planning the event decide what type of catering you desire. Factors to consider include: formality, time of day and budget. Your catering could be a simple cake and punch reception or a multi-course dinner. Buffet catering is less formal and allows guests to mingle, while seated dinners give your event an upscale feel. The choice is yours, but the need for a qualified catering professional remains the same.

Catering Presentation

A good caterer will provide setup at your venue. Every location is different and provides different items. Your caterer can fill gaps with rental equipment and can tell you the items you need (and don’t). Some caterers handle this aspect completely, meaning they, not you, are responsible for returning items after the event. The decor for your event and the setup for your catering should be complimentary.

Catering Staff

Often overlooked is the impact the catering staff has on your event. Does your caterer use staff who understand service, or ‘cheap labor’? The level of service depends on your formality, but at all times you want courteous, well-groomed servers for your event. The professionals of TWESA offer options at every level of service and menu. Additionally, our members are fully licensed professionals who take pride in their catering.

Nashville Wedding Catering

Many of our members specialize in wedding catering, check out their sites. When planning your wedding do not skimp on the catering. After the ceremony, your guests will remember the food. Make sure your catering matches the theme and style of your wedding. Find a caterer who will work with you not just someone who can prepare food. Presentation and taste are both important.

Nashville City Club Bay Shrimp Cocktail Shooter

Catering ‘Need to Know’

• Know your budget and the type of event as well as the date, time, location and approximate guest count
• Make sure your caterer is licensed and insured
• Compare the level of service the caterer offers
• Ask about options for children
• Few caterers offer tastings. Ask for references instead
• Make sure you get everything in writing, including time of arrival, start time and length of service
• It is customary to provide meals for the vendors that will be on-site for the length of your wedding, i.e. the photographer, musicians, and coordinator. Be sure to discuss your options on this with your caterer. Some will offer special vendor meals at a reduced cost