In the face of our current “new normal,” thinking ahead to the 2021 wedding season seems like a daunting task. However, we can’t let the pandemic stop us from living and planning for the happiest day of your life. While some portions of the planning process (on-site venue visits, cake tastings, etc.) are made impossible, there are still steps you can take to make sure that your wedding reception is catered to the fullest. With Catering by Mario’s, the premier wedding planner service in Philadelphia, we can help you make decisions today that will help make your late 2020 or 2021 event the best it can be. Here a few tips to help you get started. 

Set Your Budget

When sitting down with your caterer, a clearly defined budget goes a long way towards developing the perfect menu. The path created by the budget helps the caterer narrow down the types of dishes that fall within your range. They can develop a fun and exciting menu that will satisfy your guests and keep your overall wedding budget on track.

Open Bar

Many choose to have a full open bar at their weddings, but there are more cost-effective ways of doing this. If you want to par down the alcohol selection to a few key points — like a signature cocktail, a few beer options, and a small selection of wine and sparkling wine — you can! This option allows you to save some money and still provide your guests with the traditional open bar experience they expect.  

Tie in a Theme

Establishing an overall theme for the wedding will help dictate the style of food, decor, and vibe for the event. The theme should be personal for the bride and groom, and every aspect of the wedding and reception should reflect that theme in some way. 

Seasonal Ingredients

No matter what season your wedding is in, in-season produce helps to set your food choices apart. By selecting seasonal ingredients, your caterer can source these ingredients from local farms. By keeping it local, you are supporting local farmers, improving the taste of the produce, and ensuring that you can find a readily available supply in time for your wedding day. 

Dietary Requirements

Every guest will have different dietary requirements. With the rise in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free lifestyles, you need to plan your menu accordingly. Having a few selections on the menu for your friends and family that have specific dietary requirements shows that you are considering their needs and providing them with a similar experience to the other guests. 

Catering by Mario’s is also currently offering our meal prep menu to help feed you and your family for the coming week. Also, when we are allowed to come together as a community again, Catering by Mario’s will gladly be your corporate caterers of choice in the Philadelphia area to welcome your team back to the office with open arms. Call us today at 267-234-7905 to learn more!