When you dream of celebrating your wedding day in Chicago, the food and drink you serve is likely not the very first thought on your mind. But, think of the weddings you’ve attended. Chances are you remember how good (or not so good!) the food and beverage options available to you were! And for good reason. A wedding guest’s taste buds are a direct channel to his or her memory bank! Surprise and delight your guests by offering some of the best food and drink in Chicago—you, and your guests, will be glad you did.

Plan to book your Chicago wedding caterer around 12 months from your wedding day. Book early to reserve your preferred wedding date. When you live in a popular metro area like Chicago, event venues will likely be booked for weddings up to a year in advance. Catering costs are dependent on the menu, venue and set up, but for a starting point can run between $35-$85+ per person not including any alcohol, linen or decor upgrades. It’s important to consult with your Chicago wedding venue about the possibility of bringing in an outside caterer for your event. With some Chicago wedding venues, it may not be possible or even necessary to contact independent caterers for your wedding.

Once you have an idea of timing and budget in mind, the fun begins! Selecting the menu for your reception is an exciting step in your wedding planning process. Choosing a menu that reflects the season and your wedding day style will create a memorable event for your guests. To get started, you’ll want to schedule a tasting with your caterer or venue to finalize the menu. Before your tasting day, you will likely get a menu to review and make selections from. Typical wedding caterer tastings are not like what you see in the movies! You will get to sample a select number of dishes that interest you. Also, be prepared to pay for this tasting—your caterer will discuss cost per person attending ahead of time.

Once you attend your tasting, you will feel comfortable choosing the items to be served at your Chicago wedding during the cocktail hour and reception. But the decision-making process doesn’t end there. Consult with your Chicago wedding planner about how you should serve the meal to your guests. There are a vast array of wedding catering presentation ideas to choose from. Passed appetizers, appetizer stations, late-night treats, buffet dinners, and sit down dinners all have a time and a place at a wedding—your Chicago wedding planner will know exactly what type of presentation suits your big day best.

Whether you’re dreaming of serving an exquisite surf and turf sit down dinner or legendary deep dish Chicago pizza as a late night bite, these Chicago wedding caterers will make your event truly unforgettable.