cakes & catering

One of the best ways to thank your guests for attending your wedding is by serving food that they’re sure to enjoy. Choosing your menu will require a bit of a balancing act, though, because above all, you’ll want it to reflect your style and preferences as a couple.

“I always tell couples that it’s their day and to really think of what they like,” says Tony Rea, co-owner and executive chef of Creations in Cuisine Catering in Phoenix. “We find a lot of brides go back to their comfort foods, things that remind them of their childhood and also things that remind them of when they met. I always tell them to look for menus that are going to speak about them personally from a culinary standpoint.” A couple that met on the beach in Cabo might want to choose a Mexican-inspired menu. Or an Italian-themed dinner might fit the bill for a couple that got engaged in Venice.

“At the same time,” Tony continues, “you have to consider the people that are going to be there and what they eat and what they don’t eat.” Knowing your guests’ preferences will help you adjust your menu accordingly. “A good chef can take any item and make it something everyone can enjoy,” says Robert Richter, owner of Robert’s Catering, Inc. in Chandler. He explained that even basic comfort foods can be transformed into what he calls “comfort gourmet.” For example, in place of typical mashed potatoes he might serve smashed red potatoes seasoned with an assortment of fresh garden herbs.

Another way to make sure your menu will meet your needs is to schedule a tasting with each caterer you’re seriously considering. “If we’re in your budget, then I’m thrilled to do a sampling,” Robert says. “Never trust a caterer who does not do tastings,” Tony advises. If you’re planning a plated dinner, the tasting will also give you an accurate idea of portion sizes as well as the presentation. “Remember that people eat with their eyes,” Tony explains.

But if there is one area where you don’t need to worry too much about your guests’ preferences, it’s your wedding cake. As Robert says, “It’s your wedding, it’s your cake. You should pick what you want.” It’s simply a matter of taste...yours.