Outside Caterer???

Bena29

Is it safer to bring in your own outside caterers to your venue or easier and more practical to use the caterer that works along with your venue??? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Soon2BeMrsTing

Some venues only allow a select list of pre-approved caterers, so check with your venue first.

For us, we went with an outside caterer who knew the location and had served there before. 

The benefits: We had complete control over everything from which appetizers to serve to what color linens would grace the tables.  Our caterer had lots of connections and local experience, and so he was able to locate anything we asked of him.

The costs: We paid a lot more by having to bring the chairs we wanted, the chef's kitchen, and every spoon and knife and fork.  To us it was worth it, because we got exactly what we wanted, but the outside caterer will cost ya!

jessicabessica

We are having our wedding at an inn and we have to use their restaurant for catering (which is fine, because they're yummy), but we looked at a place where you had to bring in outside everything.  They strongly recommended going with a caterer that had at least done events at their venue before, because they have a different alcohol policy than what a lot of caterers are used to, and they said that one time a new caterer (new to them) freaked out when she saw guests drinking beer on the grounds that they had in their cabins, and she packed up and left.  

mary9449

Most venues only allow pre-selected caterers or only their food. Look into all the options and see what's best. Usually the pre-selected are the choices for a reason (reputability). Just do some research and see what you think is the better choice.

acwm

Check with the venue to see what, if any, outside caterers they'll allow. And ditto PPs-- if you bring in an outside caterer, you may be responsible for everything, from table settings to linens to chairs. (Which is not only expensive, but may take extra labor.) If you do go with an outside caterer, it's worth it to at least look into a few that have worked with your venue before.

lthom17

Depends on your venue and how easy it would be for an experienced outside caterer to serve in your spot for the first time.

Our venue required outside caterers to go through "training" and pay a $1,000 fee...so we opted for one of the "recommended" caterers.

Bena29

I'm guessing I should stick with the venues caterer huh??? Well it was just an idea but thanks for letting me know the fine print on trying to do it. It's always appreciated fellow knotties