Request Free Cake and Catering Tastings
Cake and catering can eat up 25-30% of your total budget, so tasting before you sign a contract isn't a luxury — it's due diligence. A free tasting session tells you far more than a portfolio photo or a five-star review ever will.
Book tastings before deposits
Most bakeries and caterers offer a complimentary tasting for couples who are seriously considering booking, usually after you've narrowed your list to 2-3 vendors. Ask directly: "Do you offer a tasting, and is it included if we book?" Some caterers charge a small fee ($20-50 per person) that's credited back if you sign, so always confirm the policy before scheduling.
Compare apples to apples
Try to schedule tastings within the same two-week window so flavors stay fresh in your memory. Ask each vendor to prepare the same handful of items — your top cake flavor, a chicken and a vegetarian entree — so you're comparing consistent dishes rather than each vendor's best showcase piece. Bring your partner and take notes on texture, seasoning, and portion size, not just taste.
Ask about substitutions and allergies
Use the tasting to test how flexible a vendor really is: request a swap or a dietary accommodation and see how they respond. A caterer who improvises smoothly during a tasting will likely handle guest allergies and last-minute changes just as well on the wedding day itself.
Key Takeaways
- Ask specifically for a complimentary tasting once you've shortlisted 2-3 vendors
- Confirm upfront whether any tasting fee gets credited toward your final contract
- Request the same menu items across vendors so comparisons are fair
- Bring your partner and take written notes during each tasting
- Test flexibility by requesting a substitution or allergy accommodation on the spot
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Source: www.theknot.com