Avalon Caterers, Alexandria; 202-337-2000. Avalon offers ethnic cuisines including Ethiopian, Indian, and Filipino. Brides say associate Caroline Craven is attentive and creative.

Catering Company of Washington, Northwest; 202-347-8040. Specializing in gourmet American cuisine, this company’s event space, Elizabeth’s on L (1341 L St., NW), can be rented for weddings or rehearsal dinners.

Dahan Caterers, Rockville; 301-294-8445. Our top vote-getter for kosher cuisine, Dahan also offers international cuisines such as French and Moroccan.

Design Cuisine, Arlington; 703-979-9400. A top pick in our survey, this firm will design menus that include favorite foods or family recipes.

Federal City Caterers, Northwest DC; 202-408-9700. Brides like its personal touches, such as creative menu and place-card designs.

Festive Foods, North Bethesda; 301-230-2700. This company uses ingredients such as organic produce, local smoked meats, and wild fish.

Knife & Fork Caterers, Rockville; 301-670-4744. Brides praise the good service. Menus range from Asian fusion to Spanish tapas.

Main Event Caterers, Arlington; 703-820-2028. Winner of the DC chapter of the International Special Events Society’s award for best catered cuisine in 2006, this firm offers everything from authentic Indian to Chinese.

Occasions Caterers, Northeast DC; 202-546-7400. Consistently one of our top vote-getters, Occasions wins praise for its creativity. Menus often include several small plates in place of a traditional three-course meal.

Ridgewells, Bethesda; 301-652-1515. Brides like this 79-year-old company’s food and service; an “event designer” is assigned to each wedding.

RSVP Catering, Fairfax; 703-573-8700. RSVP works with organic purveyors and recently introduced local and sustainable menus.

Sara McGregor’s Capitol Catering, Alexandria; 703-739-1030; capitolcatering.com. McGregor and her team create cocktails named for the bride and groom. Her “tasting entrée” features small portions of a few dishes on one plate.

Susan Gage Caterers, Oxon Hill; 301-839-6900. Gage designs cocktails and menus to reflect the bride and groom. At a Tuscan-themed wedding, guests enjoyed Bellinis and Prosecco before a family-style Italian meal.

3Citron Caterers, Georgetown; 202-342-3400. Brides recommend this firm for its service and cuisine. Signature dishes include citrus sea-bass steaks and a trio of gazpachos served in shot glasses.

Well Dunn Catering, Southeast DC; 202-543-7878. This 25-year-old company has catered White House events. Couples like the creative cocktails.

Windows Catering, Alexandria; 703-519-3500. A top vote-getter, Windows is praised for its customized cuisine and good service. The Glatt kosher division wins raves.