If you’re getting married in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland (at a wedding venue that DOESN’T insist on providing all your catering), then the problem you might be facing is:

How the heck do you choose from among the ZILLIONS of Vancouver wedding reception caterers?

Here are some ideas to help you find the RIGHT Vancouver wedding reception caterer for your wedding!

1. Determine your wedding reception catering budget.
This is a very important first step — since caterers can range from homestyle, cheap, and cheerful… to extravagant and VERY pricey!

2. Decide upon the style of your Vancouver wedding reception.
Will you have a formal, sit-down dinner with plated dinners served individualy to each wedding guest? Or a buffet table? Or “family style” dining where platters of food are passed around at each table? Or a stand-up cocktail wedding reception?

3. Think about food preferences.
While most wedding caterers can be flexible as to their wedding menus, some offer only the usual suspects (chicken, beef, salmon, and a vegetarian option). If you want to try something a little more unique, you may need to find a unique caterer.

4. Ask about alcohol.
Some wedding caterers will want to provide the alcohol for your event — with a markup that will make your alcohol costs much more than they need to be. Most will allow you to purchase your own alcohol straight from the liquor store, but many will charge “corkage” fees and other serving fees. Make sure you ask prospective caterers what their alcohol policies are!

5. Check location.
Some wedding caterers prefer to stay within their immediate area and are not willing to commute from Vancouver to Surrey, for example. Your best bet is generally to find a Vancouver wedding reception caterer in your area.

6. Check references.
Good wedding caterers should be able to provide you with a long list of their happy customers — some of whom you should be able to contact for direct feedback. There’s nothing like asking a former bride about the catering details of her wedding to reassure you about your own wedding!

7. Taste test!
Good wedding reception caterers should also allow you to sample their wares before you hire them. If you are not able to do a taste test, ask why…

To find a list of Vancouver wedding reception caterers, log in at www.myperfectwedding.ca.

I’m sure most of you think that Vancouver outdoor weddings are restricted to the fair-weather summer months.

… And you have a very good point!

But brides, what if you have your heart set on having a Vancouver outdoor wedding, but the venue you want is already booked up for summer 2010…

Or what if your favourite season has always been early spring, when the buds are just starting to bloom…

The fact is, you CAN have a Vancouver outdoor wedding — even during the chillier months in Vancouver!

How?

Simple: Have your Vancouver wedding reception at a venue that has a good quality outdoor tent set up all year round. The tent must have walls, flooring, and lots of heat lamps to keep your guests warm and cozy. Additional heat lamps can be used outdoors for smokers and those who just want a breath of fresh air.

There are some great venues around town that have beautiful tents that you can use at any time of year. It’s an unusual request, though, so you may need to talk them into it!

Check out our reviews of Vancouver wedding reception venues with tents for Vancouver outdoor weddings – in all seasons!