Bon Soir Caterers

Originally Posted On: https://www.bonsoircaterers.com/2025/12/19/why-scheduling-tastings-is-the-most-important-step-in-choosing-wedding-catering-in-nyc/

Surprising fact: over 70% of couples say a tasting changed their final vendor choice. That one number shows how pivotal a tasting can be for the food and the whole guest experience. We guide couples through a clear process. It starts with a conversation about your story. It ends with a tasting that matches taste, budget, and venue realities in New York.

At Bon Soir Caterers, 1421 E 63rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11234, we use tastings to show how our team plates, pace, and presents. That rehearsal helps you see how timing affects the day and how staffing shapes service for guests. We also discuss dietary needs, rentals, and bar options. Then we give clear next steps so clients can compare options with confidence. If you’re hunting for wedding catering near me, you want a partner who shows you the real thing—before you sign.

Quick personal note. I’ve sat with couples who looked certain on paper—until a tasting flipped the script. One night, Maya and Luis tried a citrus-herb chicken two ways. First run had heat that crept up a little too fast. We tuned it, tweaked the garnish, slowed the pace between courses…and they both went, “Oh. That’s it.” Tiny adjustments. Big calm. That’s the point.

We’re a New York City wedding catering company that treats tastings like a dress rehearsal—because your guests won’t remember perfect spreadsheets; they’ll remember how it felt.

Key Takeaways

● Tastings turn ideas into reliable food and service choices.

● They reveal pacing, plating, and timing for the big day.

● We test dietary and cultural requests to design inclusive menus.

● Early alignment on guest counts and service styles cuts stress.

● Call 718-763-9420 to book a tasting and move from research to an authentic experience.

Start With a Tasting: The Key to Confident Wedding Catering Decisions

A tasting lets you test flavor, pacing, and staff performance before you commit. It makes choices concrete and reduces last-minute surprises. If you want the confidence that comes with seasoned wedding catering, this is where it starts.

We begin with a short discovery call to learn guest count, service style, and budget. That helps us build a tasting menu that reflects your priorities.

See, taste, and compare—before you sign

We invite you to watch plating, course timing, and garnish work. You also sample a compact bar plan to compare beverage options and staffing needs without juggling vendors. This is where our gourmet catering standards meet your specific tastes—calm, transparent, and hands-on.

From first consultation to tasting day: what to expect

Expect a draft menu and a clear timeline that mirror your actual event; options for plated, family-style, and stations so you can choose the best way for your guests; and staff walkthroughs that show room transitions, toasts, and late arrivals handled with care. This is how great service feels—steady and dependable, the kind you’d call the best catering experience because nothing feels rushed.

Focus	What we show	Why it matters
Menu	Seasonal samples and portion sizes	Tests flavor and portion expectations
Service	Staff flow, timing, and plate delivery	Shows how events will run smoothly
Bar & Rentals	Sample bar plan and tabletop options	Aligns glassware, staffing, and décor with your venue

Wedding Catering in NYC: What Matters Most on Your Big Day

We focus on the pieces that shape your day: food, service, venue readiness, and bar programs. Each one affects how guests feel and remember the celebration.

Food that reflects your story: seasonal, local, and tailored menus

We design food with seasonal ingredients and personalized menus. This keeps flavors fresh and ties dishes to your story. Menus include cultural favorites and modern touches so guests find comfort and surprise at the same time. For couples exploring ideas for wedding food, tastings help you taste the difference between “sounds good” and “this is exactly us.”

Service that flows: staffing, timing, and guest experience

We plan staffing and timing so service moves naturally from ceremony to dining. Smooth pacing keeps guests comfortable and engaged. Staff rehearsals and clear timelines reduce stress and ensure consistent service quality.

Venue fit: kitchens, rentals, and raw-space readiness across the boroughs

We assess kitchen access, power, and load-in windows early. For raw spaces, we bring the right equipment and rentals to make the day run on schedule. We coordinate rentals and tabletop styling so the presentation matches your design and photographs well—perfect for couples looking for wedding Brooklyn caterers who know the neighborhoods and the logistics.

Bar programs: licensed beverage service and signature cocktails

We align bar options with licensed service and signature cocktails. Proper glassware, staffing, and pacing keep lines short and the mood high. Options for plated, stations, or family-style to suit your room and timeline; and dietary accommodations at the same quality level as the rest of the menu—ideal when you’re comparing wedding NYC catering providers with real bar expertise.

We connect venue rules, rentals, and load-in windows so dining feels effortless. Bon Soir Caterers | 1421 E 63rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11234 | 718-763-9420

How a Tasting With Bon Soir Caterers Works

A tasting session is our working rehearsal—where ideas meet real plates and precise timing. We begin with a short conversation about the theme, guest count, and budget. Then our team curates a focused menu that reflects those priorities and the season. This is also how we protect your budget—clear options, no guesswork—because great doesn’t have to be complicated if you want genuinely affordable catering without sacrificing standards.

Collaborative menu planning based on your tastes, budget, and theme

We set clear goals for the tasting: compare two entrées, test a station, or tweak spice levels. You taste, comment, and we adjust on the spot.

Dietary preferences covered: vegan, gluten-free, and cultural cuisines

We bring vegan, gluten-free, and cultural options so you can verify flavor and portion sizes. Ingredients and presentation get the same care as any classic dish.

“We refine menus with real feedback, so clients leave confident about the plan and pricing.” Seasonal ingredients matched to your date and venue style. Service formats, pacing, and portion sizes shown in a real-room scenario. Rental and tabletop suggestions that pair with your selections.

Step	What we show	Why it matters
Planning call	Theme, count, budget	Creates a tailored tasting plan
Tasting	Samples, service demo, swaps	Confirms taste and timing
Recap	Final selections and pricing	Simplifies next steps for clients

What to Evaluate During Your Tasting

A tasting is your chance to see how each dish performs from kitchen to guest plate.

Flavor, temperature, and texture across passed bites and plated courses

Test food for seasoning, temperature, and texture. Take bites at the start and end of a course to check consistency. We present side-by-side plates so you can compare quality and variations clearly. We also note how dishes travel from kitchen to floor—critical for any catering event with a tight timeline.

Presentation and décor alignment with your event design

We set sample tablescapes to match your décor. Check plate size, garnish, and color against linens and centerpieces. See how the presentation reads in the room and how photography might capture each plate.

Staff attentiveness, pacing, and bar service standards

We time each course and observe staff flow. Attentiveness and pacing define guest comfort. We demonstrate bar flow with sample glassware and pacing to keep guests happy and lines short. We adjust portions and garnish on the spot so the final plan suits your guests and schedule. Bon Soir Caterers | Talk to us: 718-763-9420

Beyond the Plate: Full-Service Support for NYC Weddings

When food, rentals, and timing work together, the whole day feels effortless. We bring planning and execution under one team so you avoid juggling vendors. This saves time and reduces stress across every event—exactly what you want when managing catering and events with multiple moving parts.

Rentals, linens, and tabletop styling—coordinated for you

We handle rentals, linens, and tabletop styling so your party looks cohesive and on-brand. Our team sources flatware, glassware, and chargers to match your design without extra work for you.

Logistics and timelines: from rehearsal dinner to day-after brunch

We build a master timeline that links rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and brunch. Clear load-in and load-out windows keep the floor clear and the schedule on track. We plan backup equipment for raw-space events to ensure execution stays consistent across venues. Staffing levels match guest flow across parties so service never feels rushed. We map bar, kitchen, and seating layouts for efficient movement and guest comfort.

Serving New York With Care—Book Your Tasting Today

See how taste, timing, and service fit your day by scheduling a hands-on tasting with our team. A tasting helps you move from ideas to a plan you can taste and trust. We serve New York with care and efficiency. Our seasoned team knows the pace and personality of each borough. That local know-how saves time and reduces stress.

Proudly serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby metro areas. We offer licensed bar programs and experienced logistics for a diverse range of venues. Our approach supports couples, families, and people across communities. Book a tasting now at 718-763-9420 to see our bar and service standards in action.

Conclusion

A tasting bridges planning and reality, so your event runs as imagined. We use that session to align food, menus, and service with your vision. That hands-on review protects pacing, temperature, and guest comfort on the big day.

Our team brings staff standards, timing playbooks, and rental coordination to each tasting. You judge experience where it matters—under real conditions—so decisions feel simple and clear. We turn options into one cohesive plan for rehearsal dinner, reception, and brunch. Ready to start? Bon Soir Caterers | Book your tasting today: 718-763-9420 | 1421 E 63rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11234

FAQ

Why is scheduling a tasting the most important step in choosing a caterer?

A tasting lets us demonstrate menu quality, portion sizes, and pacing. You see how ingredients work together, taste real samples, and confirm that flavors match your vision. It reduces surprises on the day and helps us refine a menu that fits your budget and guests' needs.

What should we expect during a tasting appointment?

Expect a short consultation followed by sample dishes prepared to event portions. We discuss timelines, staffing needs, bar programs, rentals, and any dietary restrictions. You’ll also learn about service flow and how our team manages timing for plated meals or passed hors d’oeuvres.

How many people should attend the tasting?

We recommend having the couple and one or two decision-makers attend. That keeps feedback focused while ensuring key preferences—like bar selections or special dietary needs—are covered. We can make accommodations if more guests need to join.

Can we try seasonal and local menu options during the tasting?

Yes. We build sample menus using seasonal, local ingredients so you can taste items likely to appear on your final menu. If you prefer a themed or cultural menu, we include representative dishes to match your event’s tone and flavors.

How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies?

We cover vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and other dietary needs. During the tasting, we present alternatives and discuss cross-contact prevention. We also provide written menu options and labeling for guests to ensure safety on the day.

What should we evaluate about service during the tasting?

Pay attention to staff attentiveness, timing of courses, portion temperature, and bar service style. Ask how many servers and bartenders will be assigned per guest count and how we handle setup, clearing, and guest requests.

How do you coordinate rentals and venue logistics?

We coordinate with venues on kitchen access, setup windows, and rental delivery. We handle linens, tabletop styling, dinnerware, and any specialty rentals. If the space is raw, we plan logistics for power, staging, and staffing to ensure smooth service.

What are the common bar program options we can taste and choose from?

Options include open bar packages, limited bar, beer and wine only, and signature cocktails. During the tasting, we can sample a few cocktail ideas and discuss licensing, staffing, and beverage budgets to match your preferences.

How do you ensure consistency between the tasting and the event?

We document recipes, plating guides, and service timelines from the tasting. Our team runs rehearsals and communicates details with venue staff and vendors. This preserves the look, flavor, and flow you approved at the tasting.

When should we schedule a tasting relative to the event date?

Aim to schedule a tasting 3–6 months before the event. That gives time for menu revisions, vendor coordination, and ordering specialty ingredients. For off-season dates or complex menus, book earlier to secure slots and rentals.

Do you provide tastings for rehearsal dinners and post-wedding events?

Yes. We can design tasting sessions for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and day-after brunches. Each tasting focuses on that event’s menu to ensure cohesion across all celebrations.

How are costs and packages explained at a tasting?

We review sample package levels, per-person pricing, rental fees, and staffing charges. You’ll get a clear written estimate based on your guest count and menu choices, plus guidance on where to prioritize spending for the best guest experience.

What geographic areas do you serve, and can you accommodate venues across boroughs?

We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby metro areas. Our team knows venue layouts across the boroughs and plans for kitchen access, parking for vendors, and neighborhood regulations.

How do we book a tasting with you?

Contact us by phone or email to check availability. We’ll ask a few questions about date range, guest count, and menu preferences, then confirm a tasting appointment and send a tasting agreement with the next steps.

Saturday, December 20, 2025