Controlling catering costs

New York is known as one of the most expensive citiies in the world, and kosher food is usually more expensive than nonkosher food.  However, the fact that there are so many kosher caterers in the New York area means that there are many competing for your business.  So don't just opt for the most expensive and don't take the cheapest if you will be sacrificing quality, taste, and service.   Select from a list of recommended and caterers and a clear idea of what you want and what you can expect.  To keep costs within budget bear the following points in mind:

 Timing is Everything:  Supply and demand determine price, so popular times could cost you more.  Check with the halls you’re interested in if they offer different rates for different times.  Certain times are very popular wedding dates, so caterers and halls will not be very negotiable for say a Sunday in June or Lag BaOmer.  However, many offer specials for weddings scheduled in the middle of the week.  Another aspect of timing that makes a huge difference in the budget:keeping the wedding running on time will help keep you avoid hefty overtime charges.  In this case, time really is money, and not just pocket change either! If the wedding drags on too long as the couple remains in a photo shoot that extends for over an hour, you run the risk of the guests having to leave even before the first round of dancing.  That would result in your dinner guests not staying long enough to even have their dinners served, which is a huge waste of money.

 Package Deals:  The “standard package” offered by your caterer  may not match exactly what you had in mind.  But that does not mean you have to go for the super premium package with all the bells adn whistles. Think about what is essential to you.  You may want to spring for a lavish smorgasbord but cut back on the choices offered at dinner.  You may want to wow your guests with a lavish dessert buffet, or you may consider that a waste if most are likely to leave right after the main course is served.  You have to take into consideration your own preferences, your guests' tastes, and the time of the wedding.  With respect to the bar, you may want the champagne to flow freely, or hold back so guests don't over indulge.  All these choices make a difference in the final bill.  For style and alchohol options, see key-terms-to-know

Equitable Distribution In dividing costs between the 2 sets of parents, as is often the case for an Orthodox Jewish wedding, there is more than one way of doing it.  While the bride's side often had to bear the greater cost when paying for everything beside the flowers, liquor, orchestra, and photography, that may need some adjustment if the groom's side has a guest list of 400 and the bride's only 75.  Come up with an agreement about proportional cost.  If one side really wants a particular frill or extra that you consider completely unnecessary, you can be gracious about it by offering them the option to include it if they pay for it.  For example, if one side wants favors for the guests, and the other side has no such desire, they can agree to allow the one who wants it to order and pay for the favors.

For the question to ask before even scheduling a meeting, see Make-it-a-dozen--questions--for-the-catering-hall and -Another-dozen-for-the-caterer

You can find additional money saving ideas on the site Wedding advice page at http://kallahmagazine.com/WeddingAdvice.html and vendors and gmachs (which can save you thousands on gowns, centerpieces, and more) at www.kallahmagazine.com/serv04.htm