The New York Institute of Art and Design offers online wedding planner courses and because we do, we like to provide free tips for wedding planners. Enjoy!
If you want to start your own wedding planning business, one of the most important aspects of the job you’ll need to familiarize yourself with is the catering industry. Getting started, you should know that there are typically four types of catering services you can choose from. Depending on the needs of your client, you’ll need to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each:
1. Food only- For more budget-minded couples, this option is the least expensive. However, it’s important for you know remember that ‘food-only’ excludes more than just the bar (a common misconception). If you book a food-only service, you’ll also be responsible for providing your own linens, dinnerware, tables and chairs. You’ll also need to hire a separate staff of servers and bartenders (as well as purchase your own alcohol).
2. Food, Drink and Serving Staff- With this option, the only responsibilities left unattended by the caterer will be the linens, dinnerware, tables and chairs. This will be slightly more expensive, but will save you a great deal of time on the planning end.
3. In-house- This is the option most commonly offered by hotels, country clubs or special event facilities. The only thing potentially not provided with this booking would be the wedding cake, but some caterers can actually take care of that as well if you ask them to. In-house catering is typically the safest option as far as avoiding issues and mistakes- because everything needed is on-site, there’s no chance of crucial items being forgotten at a distant location, and any problems can usually be quickly accommodated as all necessary supplies are usually on hand.
4. Full Service- With this option, the caterer arranges absolutely everything for the big day- the music, the flowers, photographer, videographer, etc. This is clearly the most expensive choice, but many couples feel it’s worth the investment. As aspiring wedding planners however, it’s important to realize that many couples who go with this option then find it hard to rationalize working with a planner as well, considering that the caterer seemingly fills those shoes.
Want to learn more? The New York Institute of Art and Design offers online wedding planning courses that can teach you how to plan and execute the perfect wedding. Request your free course catalog today!
