Questions to Ask Before Your Food Tasting

So it looks like Shawn and I will be doing our food tasting near the end of March. In preparation for this big day, we’ve been asking a lot of questions, some of which you’ll want to ask your venue/caterer:

• How many people can I bring?


• How long will it last?


• Will it just be us or will there be over couples? (Unlikely but it could happen)


• How many hors d’oeuvres can we try? How many appetizers? How many entrees? How many desserts? (You get the idea)


• We want something that’s not listed on the menu. Can that be made for us? (Note: this is really the type of question that should be answered before signing any contracts since many places don’t allow for custom requests)


• How much can we change/substitute items? For example, salad B sounds great but we’d prefer it with pecans instead of walnuts.


• Does the tasting include a wine pairing?


• Will the table be set like it will be set for our meal? If not, can that be arranged?

If specific costs have yet to be given to you, do get this information before you try any food. Also find out if it costs more to offer three meal choices instead of two, if there are any allergy-related substitution costs (generally there isn’t), etc. Basically you want to have the money side all figured out before you put anything in your mouth.

Food tastings are one of those things that really vary from venue/caterer so be prepared to ask way more questions than the ones above. Of course, maybe you’ll luck out and get a company with such amazing communication skills that all of the above questions and more are answered before you can even think of them (hey, it could happen).

If you’re not getting answered, or you’re not getting answers that make sense/match what you were originally told, do speak up and push the venue/caterer for better communication. Now, I’m not saying you should harass them but do make it clear that you won’t be ignored or pressured into something you don’t want. There’s nothing bridezilla about making sure you’re properly informed, especially when it comes to your big day’s food!