In this episode of the Complete Wedding Planning Podcast, the conversation turns to one of the biggest make-or-break wedding priorities: catering. Josh welcomes Dan Nowak of Brazen Standard Hospitality in Milwaukee to break down what wedding catering includes and how couples can makesmart decisions that fit their vision, timeline, and budget.

Dan explains the service styles—buffet, plated, family-style, and interactive food stations—and how each choice shapes the guest experience. He also highlights a growing trend: couples increasingly want food to be part of the entertainment, not just a meal.

A major theme is timing and coordination. Josh notes meal start time as a key timing—food service must begin when the kitchen is ready—so couples should build their schedule around the caterer’s timing (and around sunset for photos. Unexpected speeches and timeline surprises canimpact service and food quality, making communication across vendors essential.

The episode also walks through what couples should expect when hiring a caterer: inquiry and availability, a proposal with menu ideas and pricing, a consultation call, a tasting, and thenongoing support from contract signing through the wedding day. Dan walks couples through comparing catering quotes by checking what’s truly included—linens, china, glassware, tables/chairs, staffing, cleanup, trash handling, and gratuity—and to ask questions if any line items are unclear.

Finally, hear about tipping norms, including differences between food service gratuity and bar service (tip jar vs. included gratuity). The episode wraps with practical guidance: prioritize what matters most, know your budget range, and choose transparent, collaborative vendors who help you create a great guest experience—because guests may forget the details, but they’ll remember how well they were fed and how much fun they had.