Weddings are costly affairs these days. There are so many wedding must-haves that more and more Brides and Grooms are seriously considering budget for certain services; the venue, the catering, the drinks, the dresses, the rings, the honeymoon to name but a few. One of the major costs of the wedding reception will be the wedding catering, very often this can account for up to 50% of the total bill. Therefore the selection of wedding caterers may be a price sensitive issue. Hiring a professional to take the stress out of food planning, food preparation and food service comes with a price tag.

Know your guest numbers. If the caterer has an accurate idea of the number of people to cater for, the bill can be agreed in advance. As wedding caterers usually charge on a per head basis, the cost of wedding catering will be dependant on the final number of guests. Asian wedding caterers usually deal with larger numbers, the guest list can be in the hundreds. They can generally cater for extra guests at short notice but agree the charge per head beforehand.

A vegetarian menu will be less expensive than a combination menu. It may be a good option to have one vegetarian course to cut down on wedding catering costs. Many Asian weddings are 100% vegetarian and Asian wedding caterers can offer great vegetarian menus at a cheaper price. It is customary to have options for all dietary requirements.

There are certain types of food items which are bound to be more expensive for example, lobster, prawns, salmon and quail. Avoiding these or only serving as a canapé should save on costs.

For some wedding caterers the option of having a buffet station is a more cost effective alternative to table service. Rather than individually plated meals being served to seated guests, guests are invited to the buffet and choose what they wish to eat ie, prepare their own plates. Indian wedding caterers often use the Karahi Stand which is an individual buffet stand for each table. This makes it possible for the guest select preferred menu items without having to leave the dining table. Very often the cost of a grand buffet and Karahi Stand service can be quite similar. Silver service is obviously more expensive. The number of dishes you choose will have an impact on catering costs. Keeping the menu simple will save money but remember that the caterer will be mindful of the fact that the same amount of food will be consumed regardless of how many dishes are on the menu.

The cost of cutlery, crockery, linen and glassware can be saved if the venue has its own. Many Indian caterers will negotiate a set fee which will include tables, chairs and perhaps even crockery. It is best to ask the venue and the caterer to get the best deal. Staff-guest ratios should also be confirmed prior to booking.

Although price is an important factor, think about the whole package the caterer has to offer. The caterers' service, reputation and quality of food are all vital matters, because you may end up paying more later on.

For more information on the Karahi Stand service and catering packages, please contact Curry Special Ltd on 020 8518 3003.