| s are costly affairs these days. There are so | | | | costs. |
| many wedding must-haves that more and more | | | | For some wedding caterers the option of having a |
| Brides and Grooms are seriously considering | | | | buffet station is a more cost effective alternative |
| budget for certain services; the venue, the | | | | to table service. Rather than individually plated |
| catering, the drinks, the dresses, the rings, the | | | | meals being served to seated guests, guests are |
| honeymoon to name but a few. One of the | | | | invited to the buffet and choose what they wish |
| major costs of the wedding reception will be the | | | | to eat ie, prepare their own plates. Indian wedding |
| wedding catering, very often this can account for | | | | caterers often use the Karahi Stand which is an |
| up to 50% of the total bill. Therefore the selection | | | | individual buffet stand for each table. This makes |
| of wedding caterers may be a price sensitive | | | | it possible for the guest select preferred menu |
| issue. Hiring a professional to take the stress out | | | | items without having to leave the dining table. |
| of food planning, food preparation and food | | | | Very often the cost of a grand buffet and Karahi |
| service comes with a price tag. | | | | Stand service can be quite similar. Silver service is |
| Know your guest numbers. If the caterer has an | | | | obviously more expensive. The number of dishes |
| accurate idea of the number of people to cater | | | | you choose will have an impact on catering costs. |
| for, the bill can be agreed in advance. As wedding | | | | Keeping the menu simple will save money but |
| caterers usually charge on a per head basis, the | | | | remember that the caterer will be mindful of the |
| cost of wedding catering will be dependant on the | | | | fact that the same amount of food will be |
| final number of guests. Asian wedding caterers | | | | consumed regardless of how many dishes are on |
| usually deal with larger numbers, the guest list can | | | | the menu. |
| be in the hundreds. They can generally cater for | | | | The cost of cutlery, crockery, linen and glassware |
| extra guests at short notice but agree the charge | | | | can be saved if the venue has its own. Many |
| per head beforehand. | | | | Indian caterers will negotiate a set fee which will |
| A vegetarian menu will be less expensive than a | | | | include tables, chairs and perhaps even crockery. |
| combination menu. It may be a good option to | | | | It is best to ask the venue and the caterer to |
| have one vegetarian course to cut down on | | | | get the best deal. Staff-guest ratios should also |
| wedding catering costs. Many Asian weddings are | | | | be confirmed prior to booking. |
| 100% vegetarian and Asian wedding caterers can | | | | Although price is an important factor, think about |
| offer great vegetarian menus at a cheaper price. | | | | the whole package the caterer has to offer. The |
| It is customary to have options for all dietary | | | | caterers’ service, reputation and quality of |
| requirements. | | | | food are all vital matters, because you may end |
| There are certain types of food items which are | | | | up paying more later on. |
| bound to be more expensive for example, | | | | For more information on the Karahi Stand service |
| lobster, prawns, salmon and quail. Avoiding these | | | | and catering packages, please contact Curry |
| or only serving as a canapé should save on | | | | Special Ltd on 020 8518 3003. |