You know what they say about the way to a man’s heart? The stomach! However, this way seems to be the very way to every human’s heart. Often, within the African context especially, one’s generosity will be measured up against how open their hands are to sharing, and food specifically. Whenever you will hear one being praised for their generosity or rebuked for their selfishness, more often than not, the point of reference will be food.
Food lies at the center of almost any gathering that you will hear of, and not in a way as to be idolized but more as a symbol of unity. It does bring people together more than it can separate. People will argue about politics, what’s trending, where the world is going socioeconomically etcetera. But when it comes to food, all these differences will be stripped off, put aside, and every mouth will simply be savoring the meal set before them; and this, regardless of where the meal is served.
And so, brings us to the point of food for/or at ceremonies, and more specifically weddings. How exactly does a couple go about choosing the food vendor for their big day. As earlier alluded to, food is an integral part of any ceremony and weddings are no exceptions. It is every couple’s desire to give their guests a time of their life and an experience they will never forget.
So here goes a few pointers to how to choose a food vendor for your wedding.
It is true that you want your guests to experience your hospitality. After all, this is the very first meal you are sharing with them as a couple, and expressing generosity in the typical African way is really through the food. While this is a significant factor, let your budget govern what you will ultimately serve. And so, as you look for vendors to work with, consider one that can work with you to accommodate your budget, at least one who understands your vision and is able to advise in the best way possible, what your budget can accommodate.
Hand in hand with the budget is the menu. You may desire to deliver a five- course meal to your guests but the budget may just be the only hindrance. A good vendor, however, can advise on how you can still deliver a great food experience without necessarily incorporating all the elements you may have desired but are financially constrained to do so. On the other hand, if your budget allows, you want to work with a vendor who has an understanding on the kind of menu you want to deliver to your guests. This should come out clear in the first few moments of your discussion.
As you go hunting for a food vendor, a great place to start is to seek referrals. It always helps when you get a vendor who comes highly recommended by others. This will not only save you time but will also give you confidence in the kind of work to expect from the choice vendor.
It is absolutely important to openly discuss what exactly the vendor is offering. Do not assume that cutlery will be part of the package, Serving tables, tents etcetera. These are elements that are essential to the serving of the food and may be hired sometimes separately from the food. Feel free to directly ask what the package includes or excludes so that you are not ill- prepared for the D-Day.
A team of trained staff can go a long way in proficiently serving your guests as well as effectively managing any emergency situation. While no one may plainly admit that they have just hired a team of untrained staff, perhaps to cut on expenses, it would be prudent to do your due diligence to ensure that you work with a vendor who has a well-trained team. Medical insurance is a key element to this preparedness as well, so try get a vendor whose staff at least have a medical insurance cover at least for readiness in case of any medical emergency at site.
Do not give a deaf ear to word on the street about any particular vendor. It is important to consider the reputation of the vendor you are scouting and hoping to work with. It is possible that any business can face a a challenge or two but when negative reviews or reports circulate about a potential vendor, it is important to look into it and consider all possibilities, and of course with all fairness.
Well, food does not talk, but the hands that are serving, the mouths that will be eating sure have to communicate or meet. It is therefore key that whoever the food vendor you intend to work with, you are able to communicate your vision, and they will be able to understand and deliver on the agreed vision. There is no doubt that weddings are themed differently, and this can very well come out in the food being prepared for the guests. Great communication will ensure that every aspect including the food service will bring to life your desired vision. It is easy to tell from the get-go if your food vendor is in the same rhythm as you before you are served with chaos on one of the most significant days of your life.