Etiquette Matters – Food Questions

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Food. What most people will remember from your event – whether it be a finger foods reception to a four course meal, people will talk about what they eat. If they don’t like it, they’ll talk about it even more! While you can’t please everyone all the time, there are some things you can do to help ensure your guests have a wonderful time and enjoy the food at your reception.

Let’s answer two questions today that come up pretty frequently regarding food. Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings {http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/}

1. “I’m having lots of children at the wedding and reception. Do I have to feed them the same food everyone else gets?” The answer to this one is a resounding “it depends.” If your menu is kid-friendly, then you certainly may choose to do just that. Many caterers will provide a special children’s menu for your event. A plus is that the food usually costs less than the meals they are providing for your other guests. A big downside to them (in my opinion) is that you are then paying $15.00 for mac and cheese. And, if you’re having a buffet, many parents will just feed their children from that because they can pick and choose for them. Ask your caterer if they will discount your regular food for the children. If you plan appropriately- a buffet is great for this- you should have something that they would like to eat (or at least eat if they’re hungry!).

2. “Do I need to feed my vendors?” My answer to this one is absolutely yes. Not only because I am a vendor, but because we (all wedding vendors) are there for several hours and need to eat at some point. This isn’t as big a question as it has been in the past, but with everyone so budget conscious, I want to make sure you don’t cut this as part of your belt tightening. You want to make sure that your vendors are fed, but you don’t have to provide them the same meal as your guests. While it is very nice and I have never been fed anything other than what the other guests have been served , you can choose to serve a lesser priced meal to them. One thing I feel very strongly about, though, is that a table be reserved for the vendors at your reception. Even if it is out of the way, we do need a place to eat!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think.

Catherine