Calling all beautiful brides-to-be! Between the venue arrangements, dress finding and flower arrangements, the last thing you probably want to be doing is finding a character that meets the needs of a room full of guests. But let’s be real, finding the best caterer can truly be the piece de resistance at a wedding. Giving your guests a delicious meal to talk about for years to come makes going the extra mile that much more worth it. You and your guests need to have full, satisfied bellies to keep moving on the dance floor for the whole evening. But how do you find the best caterer? And what should you be looking out for? Well, in this blog we will cover just about everything you need to consider to find the culinary experience that tops your perfect day. Use this guide as a road map to say “I do” to the perfect caterer for you!

Setting the Budget and Ambiance

First things first, you need to know what your budget is to streamline your search. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding catering. Know what your budget is, and have a maximum and minimum spend to filter out any caterers that do not match the criteria. Plus, there is no shame in trying to keep budgets to a minimum. It’s a wedding, after all, the whole occasion will be costing you an arm and a leg!

Now, let’s talk about the vibe. Are you picturing a classic, elegant affair? A sit-down dinner with a multi-course meal and crisp white tablecloths is perfect for a sophisticated ambience. Or maybe you’re dreaming of something more relaxed? Food stations with interactive elements like carving stations or pasta bars are a great way to create a lively and fun atmosphere where guests can mingle and fill their plates with their favourites.

 

Finding Your Flavour

Now for the best part of your search, the food itself! Speak with your partner about what you both would like first of all. This is your big day, having foods that you and your soon-to-be husband/ wife love is the most important thing. Do you both love Asian fusion foods or is a comforting gastro-pub feast your ultimate go-to meal? If fancy is your thing, perhaps find a caterer that can provide a 5-star-inspired meal. Do not feel limited by what others have done before you.

 

Here are some additional other things to keep in mind:

  • Dietary Diversity: Make sure your menu caters to your guests’ needs and preferences, as much as they do your own. Many caterers are pros at creating delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that won’t compromise on flavour.
  • Signature Touches: Want to personalise your menu? Do you have a family recipe that holds special meaning? Talk to your caterer about incorporating a signature dish that reflects your background or love story.

 

Menu Customisation

Most caterers are happy to collaborate with you to create a bespoke menu that reflects your preferences. Especially as you will be paying a certain price. They might charge more for certain additions, but just make sure this is all factored into your budgeting. Don’t be afraid to ask about customising menus to include your favourite flavours or accommodate dietary restrictions.

 

Tastings are Your Best Friend!

The only thing better than choosing food is eating it! Tasting days are your time to truly get a feel for your caterer’s style and what they are capable of. Bring your partner, or a friend if you would prefer, to tasting days at your caterer’s kitchen. Take notes, and photos, and be sure to ask as many questions as possible about the ingredients and possible alternatives for dishes that may not be to your liking. Be sure to have pallet cleansers between each dish to ensure your judgement is not distorted. You might have to visit a few different tasting sessions with various caterers to get it right, but hey, what is better than having delicious food served just how you like it?

 

Finding the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right caterer for you is like finding the right dance partner. You need to find a caterer that complements your style, listens to your vision and can execute the dishes flawlessly within a time-sensitive situation. Keep in mind that not all wedding venues have catering kitchens readily available, so you need to make sure that your caterer of choice either has a section to do their magic, or they have a transportable kitchen in which the food can be meritoriously transported to guests. Smooth coordination is the key to avoiding food disasters on the big day.

 

Beyond experience, pay attention to the caterer’s professionalism and communication style. Here are some key aspects to consider:

  • Do they listen attentively to your ideas and preferences?
  • Do they answer your questions thoroughly and address any concerns you have?
  • Are they enthusiastic about your vision and do they offer creative suggestions to elevate your menu?
  • Can they accommodate your wedding date and timeline? Do they have enough staff to handle the size of your event?
  • Do they provide both food and beverage supply, such as wine and ready to drink cocktails to pair with the meal?

 

Feeling comfortable and confident with your caterer is essential. They’ll be a crucial partner throughout the planning process, so a good rapport is key to a stress-free and successful wedding reception.

 

Have Food Allergies in Mind

Last and certainly not least, you need to be certain that you choose a caterer who is able to make many adjustments as per your guests dietary requirements. The last thing you want is to book in with a caterer who is not able to change recipes to suit certain guests. Ask him about each item on the taster menu, and consider what guests might arrive with variable dietary requirements ( vegan, allergies, religious food requirements, etc). If they are able to make a diverse range of adjustments, then you can be certain that you are dealing with experts who know what they are doing!

 

Bottom Line

Overall, finding the right wedding caterer is an extremely personal decision to make. It is possible to rush the decision and end up with a caterer who does not understand your vision. Take your time, and enjoy the experiment by tasting different foods and getting to know the work of various caterers. Use this experience to grow with your soon-to-be wedded partner, and have fun! Wedding planning is stressful. Allowing yourself the time to relax and have someone cook delicious food for you is often the best part of wedding prep!