only half the problem is my lack of a clue

so, our friend that we were hoping to talk into catering isn’t able to do it.  so….  i’m scouring the internet and the yellow pages for potential caterers.  i’ve found a LOT of people that i’m sure we DON’T want to cater our wedding.  and maybe one potential possibility (i AM feeling optimistic aren’t i?).  he sounded quite cool and laid-back on the phone, and was willing to explain some basic stuff to me.  i got his info packet in the mail on friday and it seems not too bad.  i’m going to try to get us an appointment for next weekend.

the prices seem reasonable (ok, seriously?  what do i know?), and he seems to be into using local products.

i didn’t see one single vegetarian possibility listed, however.  (and while i think it might just be entertaining to serve a steak or something to our meat-hating guests — who account for almost half the list — apparently, that’s not terribly polite.  who knew?)  so, i need to see what his level of flexibility/creativity is on that one.

what i’m thinking is:   heavy appetizers during the cocktail  hour(s) (vegetarian and non, and including snails and foie gras!!), very small salad/appetizer at table, main dish (with vegetarian alternative), cheese course.  my mom’s trying to promote the buffet idea, but i have some trouble seeing it.

then (i guess?) coffee and (maybe) non-cake dessert?  wedding cake (american and french) a little later?  hey — anyone got any ideas about this?  it’s been about 10 years since i’ve been to a wedding, and i’m really fuzzy on a lot of the practicalities!