1. Be aware that many wedding venues provide a catering service. These venues often require you to use their services. If you already have a caterer in mind, you will need to contact your potential reception locations to make sure that you can hire an outside catering service. Many venues that hold a great deal of weddings will probably have a wedding coordinator. This coordinator will help you chose either the menu that their service will provide or will help you chose from a list of catering services that they work with.

2. Ask friends, family, your wedding planner, and the wedding venue coordinator for recommendations for a caterer in that area. Both the wedding planner and the venue coordinator should be very familiar with local catering services. If the venue does not provide a catering service, and you don't like any of the local caterers, you may be able to find a catering service that is willing to travel. Depending on far they have to travel, there will probably be an extra charge for this service. You will have to decide if the price is worth it.

3. Price ranges can vary widely among wedding caterers. Much of the cost depends on the size of the reception and the chosen menu, however, the education and reputation of the chef may also play a part in the price. It's best to know your catering budget limit before you being to talk to caterers. This way you can eliminate those that are well out of your range. It's easy to go over budget on your reception menu. Stick to your budget here and you won't have to give up something else because you are out of money.

4. Be sure to tell potential caterers about any special dietary needs, food allergies, or special menu items that you require for your wedding reception. Some caterers have a fixed menu plan that they do not want to deviate from. A good caterer will be able to accommodate any special requests. If you are dealing with food allergies, make sure the caterer understands about cross-contamination in the kitchen and while serving.

5. Any decent caterer should schedule a tasting so you can sample their food. Most will give you samples of your chosen menu before the menu is finalized so you can tell ahead of time what items will taste like. If a caterer refuses to do a sampling, it's probably best not to hire them.

6. Create a list of potential caterers where you can keep note and rate their food, price, menu, etc. This will help you remember each caterer and will help you decide which one is right for your wedding reception.

Give yourself time to interview several wedding caterers before your wedding date. With the right caterer and menu, your wedding reception will be remembered for a lifetime.