If there’s one business that is consistently busy, it’s the Utah wedding catering industry. The state experiences possibly the highest rates of weddings in the United States and with the holidays right around the corner, hundreds (perhaps thousands?) of beaus will be popping the ultimate question. Whether you foresee such a request in your future or if you’ve already got the rock on your finger, choosing the perfect Utah wedding caterer will be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make through the course of planning your wedding. Check out these five tips that will help you make the right decision for your perfect day.

Ask for Recommendations
Being a Utah resident, it’s possible you have attended at least one (if not several) weddings in the past year. You might even have a few close friends or family members who recently tied the knot. Ask around to find out which caterers they used; they’ll definitely be a great resource for reliable recommendations since they’ll be honest and candid with you.

Ask Other Wedding Vendors
Whether your hair stylist or photographer, ask your other wedding vendors if they have any recommendations for caterers. Or many venues have a list of preferred caterers in the state they work with. However, be aware that some wedding vendors have referral commissions, so they may be making some money of their recommendation. Be sure to ask if this is the case to ensure you’re getting an unbiased, honest referral.

Search the Web
Some of the best Utah wedding catering companies will have their own websites with many portfolio photos of weddings they have actually catered. Do your homework and spend some time perusing these sites; while you obviously won’t be able to taste the food, you can pinpoint the local caterers that create the ambiance and food presentation you’re seeking in your caterer.

Set up a Meeting
After you’ve compiled a list of potential caterers through your web search and recommendation inquiries, set up a meeting to see which caterers can fit within your budget but also meet your needs. Be prepared with an approximate guest count and know what type of catering service you want, such as a cocktails, buffet style, a formal sit-down dinner and hors d’oeuvres.

Schedule a Tasting
Before you sign that dotted line, schedule a tasting with the few caterers who passed your initial meeting. You need to make sure the food is exactly what you want and meets your expectations.

If you are a bride-to-be in the midst of creating your dream wedding, you’ve most likely got everything when it comes to the catering covered…or so you think. Here are ten unique wedding catering tips that you may have left off your list. 
•    Talk to other vendors (e.g. the DJ or band, wedding planner, photographer, etc.) if they would like a meal; if so, make sure you include them in your final head count. Let your caterer know which meals are specifically for vendors. Some caterers charge less for “vendor” meals, so make sure to let them know.
•    Make sure to ask your caterer to provide a “bride-and-groom basket” that is filled with samplings of the food at your reception. It’s very likely you and your new husband won’t have a chance to enjoy and eat all the wonderful food at the wedding, so the basket can provide a late night, tasty snack.
•    Inquire about minimum or guaranteed numbers. Some catering companies provide price quotes based on a minimum number of guests such as 100; if you have fewer guests, you may be charged more.
•    Consider the dietary restrictions of your guests; are there vegetarian or vegan preferences or do certain guests have allergy restrictions?
•    Make sure to know what the catering staff will be wearing and if their attire is appropriate for the formality (or non-formality) of your wedding.
•    One thing many brides might forget to do is to confirm a particular wedding caterer has all the proper licenses, health permits, and insurance coverage to make sure both the caterer and you are protected should anything happen.
•    If you and your new spouse are all about being environmentally friendly, make sure your caterer is too. Many caterers (including one renowned Utah catering company) are choosing to employ green practices that aregood for their delicious cuisine, as well as the Earth. From recycling everything to buying local, find out if a caterer utilizes green practices.