Finding the Best Wedding Caterer

When attending the bridal show you will be pleased to find excellent caterers.  A bridal show is a great way meet and taste test the caterer you might plan on hiring for your wedding day, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or any other wedding related event or celebration.

Here are the caterers in  Jacksonville we can recommend; Davoli’s Catering, Anthony’s Gourmet Catering, The Capital Grille, Black Tie Catering and Events, d’Vine Cuisine, A Vision Events, and PJ’s Catering.

Caterers in Southern Georgia; Southern Soul Catering, Straton Hall Events, and King and Prince Beach Resort.

Keep in mind that many reception venues also offer off-site catering too!    

A professionally catered meal can be the crowning glory of your wedding celebration, so choose your caterer with care. If you want to hire a caterer, make sure you book a reception venue that allows outside catering.  Many reception venues keep their catering in-house so be prepared to ask those questions depending on your preference.

Here are the wedding reception venues in Jacksonville that allow outside catering; Jacksonville Marriott, Diamond D Ranch, River Cruise Annabelle Lee, River Cruise Lady St. Johns, The Keeler Property, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Suwannee Weddings, Cummer Museum, The Downtown Library, Ribault Club and In the Garden.

Here are the wedding reception venues in St. Augustine that allow outside catering; Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, River House, and the Lightner Museum.

Here are the wedding reception venues in Amelia Island that allow outside catering; Ocean Club of Amelia, The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Mansion.

Here are the wedding reception venues in Southern Georgia that allow outside catering; Horse Stamp Inn and The Club at Osprey Cove.

Most restaurants and hotels will have to use their catering service. Some facilities will include catering charges in the rental cost, and some won’t. Know the score before you book and always comparison shop.

Many good private catering concerns will cater meals at any location. As you investigate these possibilities, determine what extras are included in their charges: table linens, plates, glasses, crystal, silverware and service pieces. While these are usually included, it is something you will want to confirm in advance, not find out on your wedding day.

Also ask the caterer if they have a alcohol license and can provide the bar services at your wedding.

Almost all caterers can generally work within any reasonable, agreed-upon budget. Determine your food budget by deciding how much you will spend on each person. Simply multiply the cost per person by the number of guests. Get in writing which menu and the number of guests your money will cover. Then mentally add an additional 10 percent for overage and 15 to 20 percent for a gratuity, if appropriate. Your caterer will know, from formulas and experience, how much of each item to allow per person.

As you visit the different caterers we have at the show, taste test their food, set up a consultation and ask questions!