A great amount of thought and deliberation goes into the wedding caterer. What kind of food do you like? What's the theme of the wedding – does this call for a specific type of food? What time of day is the reception? Do you want your guests to have a choice when it comes to the main course? The questions go on and on. Before you start to search for a wedding caterer, you may want to sit down and write down all of your questions and answers. This will help you narrow the search before you begin to set up appointments with various catering companies.

Getting your thoughts organized is an essential step. However, you may need to look at some catering companies online or browse through cooking magazines beforehand in order to get a better idea of what it is you're looking for. It's difficult to know what you want without guidance! Ask your friends about Albuquerque caterers they've used in the past; perhaps they know someone that they would highly recommend, or else, tips they have for you or things they wish they would have thought of when they were hiring their caterer. People who have some experience in the department are always very helpful.

When considering the Albuquerque caterer, also keep the bar station in mind. Some catering companies offer the bar services in the wedding package, while others do not. It's much easier to hire one company who can take care of everything for you; imagine trying to coordinate the food and drink with three different vendors! Plus, it may be cheaper to do everything through them. Play it smart and ask about their wedding packages.

El Pinto (505-898-1771; www.elpinto.com)
El Pinto has some of the best salsa in all of Albuquerque! If you're having a more casual wedding affair, let El Pinto cater! They are ready to bring some heat to your wedding reception! Call them or email them at elpinto@elpinto.com. You can also stop by for a food consultation: they're located at 10500 4th Street NW.

JR's Barbecue (505-268-1676; www.jrs-barbecue.com)
This company was founded in the 1980's, built off of homemade recipes that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds. Their ribs are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and their shrimp has helped to earn them their unanimous outstanding rating. Stop on by for lunch or dinner and see if JR's can do your wedding reception justice! They also make a terrific chicken and beef brisket! They're located at 6501 Gibson SE in Albuquerque.

Mykonos Cafe & Taverna (505-291-1116; www.mykonoscafeandtaverna-2.com)
If you're having a Greek-themed reception, there's no better restaurant than Mykonos. Some of their specialties include moussaka, fresh grilled fish, lamb, and spanikopita that's out of this world! Their wine and desserts are also one of a kind. Their food is delicious and affordable – but don't just take our word on it, see for yourself! Their cafe is located at 5900 Eubanks Blvd in Albuquerque.

Savory Fare Bakery and Cafe (505-884-8514; www.savoryfarecafe.com)
If you're looking for a experienced professional, this is the company for you. Their food is made from scratch by way of the finest ingredients around. They can cater to any type of food you have in mind: Japanese, German, Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Italian, Cajun, Chinese, Mediterranean, French, and Southeast Asia. They also make wedding cakes! Find everything that you need and more here at Savory Fare Cafe! Their catering schedule fills up quickly, so make sure that you call them way in advance to ensure that they're free on your special day! They're located at 7400 Montgomery NE.