Before you book your favorite restaurant to cater your affair, you need to have your venue all squared away. Keep in mind that many venues require couples to either use their in-house catering services or choose from a list of preferred vendors. And if you do end up bringing caterers in, don't forget to make sure the venue has an adequate kitchen and prep space first!

Since a significant portion of your wedding budget will likely go to food, setting a budget early on will help you determine what’s most important and keep you on track. Make your budget crystal clear to your caterer from the outset; a good caterer will be honest about what’s possible and what’s not, and will work within your means to create a standout menu.

While you absolutely should take the time to enjoy your engagement, there are a few vendors that you’ll want to book ASAP, your caterer being one of them. Start doing research at the same time you begin looking at venues — about 12 months before you say “I do” — to get a sense of what’s out there.

You’ll be working closely with your caterer for a long period of time, so you’ll want to make sure they’re the right one for the job. Set up meetings and tastings with potential caterers, and then spend time researching them. When you finally sit down with each one, you'll want to find out whether or not they have liability insurance and a liquor license, what's included in the package (waitstaff, furniture, etc.) and whether or not they can accommodate dietary restrictions.