NYC Wedding Caterer - Some Things To Consider

NYC Wedding Catering. Wedding Caterer in New York City. Affordable Wedding Caterer in New York City. Three terms brides and grooms often find themselves googling once they’ve said YES to the big question. This day is only going to happen once (ok maybe a few times for some) but for many they see it as the most important day of their life. Everything needs to be perfect. From the flowers, to the band, the photos, the seating charts (oh those seating charts) and of course the venue, the drinks and the food.

Anyone that knows the brand of What’s The Kitch knows that we don’t do the traditional wedding. Our identity of a company is FOOD FUN & FLAVOR. We don’t think the seated wedding meal says fun. We do of course marvel at some of the amazing creations our industry colleagues create for these events – but the format doesn’t fit our brand. When you search NYC Caterer or Wedding Caterers in New York – many times it means you’ve decided to go with a chic venue as opposed to a catering hall.  You’re no longer searching Catering Halls.

NYCs best caterer? I see it on trucks, websites, menus of maybe 20 different caterers in New York City Alone. Maybe awarded - maybe self proclaimed- maybe a good review once said it: I know many of ours have. I also know there are NYC caterers with 40 years more experience than us. I know there’s NYC Wedding Caterers that could provide an experience we couldn’t. Again-the sit down wedding meal. I don’t think we will ever offer it but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fantastic route to go. Some people like less traditions. More formal. More fun weddings. I believe that’s where we thrive. I believe that’s why some of our happy customers call us NYCs Best Caterer.

But in the end it’s all subjective. Like many things in life.  It’s all about what menu, what aesthetic, what level of customer service, what additional services and many times what price level seems to make the most sense to you. If you’re not going with a catering hall but a raw venue - I encourage you to read the contract clearly.

Did you know many venues don’t allow you to actually cook there? Many don’t have Kitchens which means everything has to be cooked hours ahead of time and brought in chafers. That doesn’t fit our brand identity. As our brand lives on the “Pan to Plate” motto – everything is cooked and prepared to order. Some have kitchen spaces but actually no equipment. If you need an oven or a fridge your caterer will most likely charge you for that. Things you’d never think of.

Most venues make you have you rentals picked up the same night and all rental companies charge sometimes a 500 percent up mark for a specific time same night pick up. You should ask about that too. You always hear wedding costs go up astronomically and fast. Since a Google review calls us NYCs best wedding caterer - we try to live up to that name by giving the client as much insider information as possible. At the end of the day a lot of companies consider the venue your problem - as your partner we consider it our collective problem.

Always ask your caterer to do a venue walk through so they understand the ins and outs. Where to load in. What the power breaker and circuit lines look like (often overlooked)...controlling foot traffic so making sure the bar isn’t next to your food stations. And so on.

There’s so much more to say about NYC wedding catering. And surely, we will say more. But no matter what caterer you go with....ask them as many questions as possible. Push them to make it as fun as possible. And always remain flavorful.