Food for Thought

The catering for your wedding is likely to eat into a huge portion of your wedding budget, so it's vital that you ask the right questions before committing to a caterer.

FOR STARTERS
Do you have my wedding date open? Your guests are attending your nuptials to watch you tie the knot, but let's face it; they’re also there for the free food! Being double booked could lead to all manner of mishaps - mixed up dietary requests, poor presentation or low quantities of food are just some of the scenarios that come to mind. Unless your chosen caterer is a large, well-established firm that has the resources to handle multiple weddings, you'll be better off with a company that promise you their undivided time and dedication on your Big Day.

FOR THE MAIN COURSE
When can we have a tasting? It’s imperative that you try any dishes before hiring any caterer. What sounds delicious on paper could differ dramatically to what is presented on a plate and a tasting allows you to adjust spiciness levels so you don’t get any surprises on the Big Day. Bear in mind though that the chef will have more time to carefully prepare a handful of dishes for you and your fiancé during a tasting than they will on the day itself, so the level of quality could dip slightly. For this reason, also ask if you can pop along to a wedding they’re doing to see your caterer in action firsthand.

AND TO FINISH
What does your quote include? Quite apart from the food, if you’re bringing external caterers in to your wedding venue, you’ll need to know if they provide extras, such as waiting staff, linen, cutlery and crockery and serving equipment. Is setting and clearing up included? What about drinks? Many companies offer these services at an additional cost, so be clear on exactly what you’re getting for your money. Get a final quote on email and in writing to eliminate possible confusion during payment.