- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
I don't know. It seems strange to me that the food is 'so unique' that they can't make it in advance. I had a tasting for my location, maybe someone else will have more info about not having a tasting.
Have you ever tasted this person's food? Have any of your friends? Do the alternative caterers offer tastings?
I'd be afraid to hire a caterer if I or my friends or family have never tasted their food, but if you have limited options you might need to do so.
Our venue has an exclusive caterer, so we didn't get a choice when it came to which company to use. However, before finalizing our menu, we're most decidedly going to try their food and figure out what we prefer. I'd be uncomfortable paying someone a bunch of money to provide food at my wedding if they weren't willing/able to let me try it in advance.
We didn't try the specific wedding food (it's specially made and seasonal), but we had sandwiches at our caterer's cafe and they were amazing. So, ask if you can try something! Or ask if they go to bridal shows - our caterer was at the one I went to and was serving appetizers. Otherwise don't do it unless you have to or get great recs from someone reliable.
I would never use any food vendor who cannot or will not offer a tasting before you book them. Otherwise you're setting yourself up for disaster and if the food turns out terrible, there's nothing you can do at that point.
Are there any restaurants where you live that you enjoy eating at? Ask them if they offer catering (most do with no problem for a fraction of the price of a regular wedding caterer for the same amount of food). That way, you already know what the food is like and you will save a ton of money in the process.
I would never hire a vendor whose service I could not evaluate in advance. Food is such a huge thing at a wedding, so you want it to be good. It worries me that the catering company is unwillling to do a tasting, even if it is just something simple to prove that they can cook. I would consider your other options. If you really want to go with this company, see if they can provide you references that you can contact to see how their events went.
Am I really the only one whose mind went straight to the gutter when they saw, "unable to taste caterer" instead of like "unable to taste caterer's food"?
As for the original question, I would be really worried that they say it's "so unique" that they can't make any in advance. That doesn't just leave me with no confidence in them, it sounds super-sketchy. I would never ever hire someone if I had no idea what their product was like. I would keep looking.
Our caterer offered a paid tasting if we wanted to try our exact menu or a free tasting if we wanted to try the food he was making for another wedding. We went with the latter option (which had a couple of overlapping items and a couple of others we decided to include because they were so good). Maybe you can ask to try food your caterer is making for another wedding. If he still won't let you, I agree that's a bit weird. You'll be paying big money for a complete unknown product. Can you at least speak with other clients to hear about their experiences with this caterer?
The only thing about asking other people for their opinions is that not everyone has the same tastes or expectations. What they may like and find normal, you may not and vice versa. Which is why you need to get a tasting yourself or else move on to someone else asap.
Being from a town of 900 (yes, 900) we have no caterers in my town. A friend of my mothers is my caterer, and I have no hesitation hiring her. I trust her.
As long as you have a good feeling about it, go with it. If you are a little iffy, then ask for a sample of SOMETHING. They should accomodate, even if it is coming to their place for supper (which, yes, I have done. Hick...what can I say?)
Vegan, my mind went to the gutter too!
I'd be very hesitant to book with them if you can't taste anything... at least look around at other caterers and see if you have any better options.
We were originally planning a wedding at a venue that didn't do tastings for the catering, and actually went with another place entirely. I would never rely on sight unseen (or taste untasted) for something as critical as the food. If it's bad, it's all people will remember! Or at least that was my fear. If it's so unique and individual, you might not get to try the exact wedding meal, but you should be able to try something. However, I think the caterer should be willing to make up a mock wedding meal for you to taste. After all, if it's so unique and custom made, I would think he would want to make sure it's what you're looking for!
Thanks eveyone for your help. I think I'm gonna ask if we can taste food he is making for another wedding or at least some appetizers. As for other options for caterers, I live in a town of 650 so its pretty much this or we make it ourselves or we pay a big travel/delivery fee. Any other ideas?
Our venue actually functions as a restaurant during the week, so it has an exclusive caterer, but they still let us try the food. That is pretty odd... have you read any reviews about the food?
Our caterer is the on-site restaurant for the reception hall, and is a fairly well known restaurant. So we didn't get a tasting, but I've eaten at one of their other locations before and my FIs family has eaten there quite a bit, so we knew what we wanted anyway.
EllenBliss - that sounds weird but the funny thing is, we're kinda going through the same thing. A few people have used the caterer we're using, and the food smelled great at a function they catered, and these same people (including the hall mgr) told us the caterer would set up a food tasting. Well, we called this weekend and found out they don't do any such thing - that this is the first time in 20 years anyone has ever asked that, they've never heard of it. ?!?!?!?!?!? How does a caterer not offer any kind of food tasting? We're going by recommendation, but still, like it was said above, everyone's tastes are different. Both the caterer and the hall mgr made US to look like the crazy ones for even asking - and call me paranoid but I'm afraid they're going to botch our food now out of spite. :(
Yeah, I'm don't think the food will taste bad, but I'm worried I might not like it. Like if it's spicy or something that I'm not expecting...ugh why can't he just make me the food???
Find a different caterer asap. Talk to your favorite restaurants if that is the only other option. Since food is one of the aspects that most people say they remember over anything else, it's too big of a risk to order it blindly and pray that it turns out well.
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
So we are having our wedding in an area without many catering options. We found one that makes unique and fresh meals for every client. We asked about tasting and they said because it was so unique for each person they are unable to do tasting. The menu he made us looks delicious but still kind of weird we don't get to try it.
Has anyone else gone with a caterer without doing a tasting? Is this unusual (it sure seems like it)? Any info/toughts/ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks.