When you are planning a wedding, it is easy to focus on the wedding dress or the guest list.
Often left until the last minute, many people don’t really consider the catering. However, it is one of the most important decisions you might make for your wedding day. Why? It plays a huge role in matching the theme for your wedding, as well as shaping your guests’ experiences. Of course, with so many options available, it can feel hard to narrow down your perfect wedding caterers. So, here, you will be walked through how you can choose the ideal catering team for your big day.
Look at Your Wedding Style and Catering Needs
Before you reach out to catering teams, you will need to consider the dining experience you want. Are you interested in a formal plated dinner, a buffet, or even chef-managed stations to have a more interactive element? You should also look at the feasibility of what you want for your catering with the wedding venue that you choose. In many cases, venues also offer catering, so this can be something to consider when booking your ideal venue, especially if you have a specific cuisine in mind.
Understand Your Budget
Catering is often one of the largest wedding expenses, so you and your partner will need to think about your budget. You should also ask catering teams for detailed breakdowns of their costs, which will outline things such as the ingredients for the food, potential service staff, rental for cutlery, beverages, and so on. Having transparent proposals will make it easier for you to compare the catering options and prevent surprises later.
Review Menus, Tastings, and Customization Options
Next, you should look at the quality of the menu and the flavour of the dishes. The majority of wedding catering teams will offer taster sessions, so be sure to book sample menus to get a sense of the culinary style and also book taster sessions. This will enable you to judge the presentation, the seasoning, and the consistency of the food. During this process, be sure to discuss any customization needs that you have, such as dietary recommendations, cultural dishes, or even cocktails. The majority of catering teams will be more than happy to offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free alternatives.
Evaluate Service Style and Professionalism
Of course, getting a catering team that has good food is only part of the equation. You will want to ensure that all of your wedding guests feel cared for and that the day runs smoothly. So, when you meet with caterers, pay attention to their communication style. Ask about staff-to-guest ratios, any attire they will be wearing on the day, and how they may handle timing during your wedding day and reception. If you aren’t sure about this, you can look at independent reviews online of the catering team to assess how they have handled weddings similar to yours in guest size or culinary style.