What to look for in a Wedding Caterer
It’s going to be the event of your life; everyone you care about is going to be there, and they are going to get hungry, so making sure the food is as lovely as you are on the day will be crucial. The wedding feast plays a hugely important part in making the day run smoothly. You need your guests to be well looked after and you want the meal to be memorable and substantial it’s got to soak up the booze! Finding a firm you can trust to guide you through the planning beforehand as well as the preparation and serving on the day, is essential. These are our top tips to getting it right:
Budgeting
A good caterer will work to your budget, whether that’s modest or blowout, but you do need to know in advance what that figure is before you can discuss menu options. Once you’ve decided your budget, simply divide it by the number of guests you plan to invite to work out a price per head to discuss with your prospective catering firms.
Format
Consider your preferred format and timetable for the day. Are you planning a served, seated meal or a buffet, for example. Two courses or three? Or something quirky like a hog-roast?
Quotes
It’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least three different caterers. Make sure you have the quotes in writing or by email, not just over the phone or from a website.
Venue experience
Assuming you have already decided on your venue, make sure your caterer is familiar with it. Find out if they have worked there before and know how to help you get the best from the setting.
Reviews and recommendations
Your chosen venue may have recommendations. Check online for reviews and feedback as well as asking friends which firms they may have used. Consider their catering credentials and the experience of the chef(s).
Licences and certificates
Check your proposed caterers have the appropriate legal requirements, such as Food Hygiene from the Food Standards Agency and license to sell alcohol.
Staff
When you are comparing quotes, find out how many staff each caterer is planning to provide for your wedding. The more staff, the better looked after your guests will be on the day. Try to find out how many of the staff are regular employees and how many are drafted in just for special events. Remember, a professional team that works together all the time is likely to be slicker.
Sampling menu
Good caterers will give you the opportunity to try selected dishes to help you make your menu choices.
Instinct
There’s a lot to be said for trusting your instinct too. If you find a firm to be responsive and friendly, willing to help and keen to make innovative suggestions you may not have thought of, then it’s likely their passion for food and good service will shine through on the day.
Many thanks to David Swade of Blue Pepper Catering.
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