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is set and the venues secured, obtain the list of caterers from the venues and begin menu selections for the events. Caterers have a wide variety of menu items from passed appetizers, buffet stations, dinner buffets and seated dinners. If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, choose a buffet dinner or buffet stations. A buffet dinner can be simple or elaborate ranging from a choice of salad, two entrees, sides and desserts to hand carved meats and gourmet displays. Stations such as Carved Meats with rolls and condiments, Pastas with several sauces and toppings, and miniature dessert stations brimming with all the favorite sweets are a terrific way to treat your guests to a feast but still keep that airy, relaxed feeling during the evening.

For a more elegant presentation, a seated dinner with a salad course, entree and dessert served tableside is the way to go. Decide on your style of dinner and let the catering professional design a custom menu for the event after you have chosen from their menu ideas. The catering proposal should include information on the food cost, bar cost, any amenities such as floral decorations for the table, service charges and tax. After the menus are agreed upon, the caterer will draw up a contract and require a deposit. The deposit is usually a percentage of the total estimated food bill.

Most caterers have full service operations. Most will include services such as set up and break down of buffets, tables and chairs. They will pass champagne to guests, coordinate the flow of the evening and take special care of the wedding party. They can also plan for special table linens, decorations, ice sculptures and buffet decor.

The dresses, the tuxes and the meals are planned. Next step is to find a cake baker and a florist. Visit the bakers and look through their portfolios and taste their wares. Most bakers will be able to supply a small version of the big cake in several flavors. They will ask for the quantity of guests attending the reception and deliver a cake large enough to serve all of the guests and save the top for the first wedding anniversary. It is customary for the catering staff to cut the cake and serve to the guests as the dessert course of the seated wedding dinner or serve buffet style from the cake table.

When it comes to the flowers, visit several florists. Most florists specialize in weddings and will require a consultation. The florists can provide floral decorations

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