How to Choose a Wedding Caterer
Choosing your wedding caterer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Food and service play a huge role in how your wedding is remembered, so it’s worth taking the time to ask the right questions and do a little research before committing.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding who you trust to feed your guests.
Have you been to their place?
If possible, visit your caterer’s premises. This gives you a real insight into how they operate behind the scenes. Is the kitchen clean and well organised? Does everything feel professional and well maintained?
Don’t be afraid to ask about food hygiene ratings and certifications! A reputable wedding caterer will be happy to share these with you. You can also check food hygiene ratings online through your local authority’s website for extra peace of mind.
What do their clients say?
Testimonials and reviews are essential when choosing a wedding caterer. Take time to read what past couples have said about their experience with the caterer.
Consistent positive feedback is a great indicator that a caterer delivers what they promise, even under the pressure of a wedding day.
Are they award winners?
Awards aren’t everything, but they can be a good sign of quality and recognition within the industry and can add another layer of confidence when making your decision.
What about customer service?
Wedding planning doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll likely be in regular contact with your caterer over many months, so good communication is essential!
Are they approachable? Do they respond clearly and promptly to emails and calls? A strong working relationship will make the planning process far more enjoyable and stress-free.
Can you taste it?
Tastings are a must. You should always try your caterer’s food, as menus can look great on paper but you want to see the vision brought to life! A good wedding caterer will be proud of their food and more than happy to invite you to a tasting or event where you can experience it for yourself.
What’s their team made up of?
Behind every successful wedding caterer is a strong, reliable team. Ask about who will be working on your wedding day.
Do they have an in-house team or rely heavily on agency staff? How large is their team? Having a consistent and experienced team is essential for the day to run smoothly.
Where can they be seen?
A visible caterer is often a trusted one. Do they attend wedding fairs? Do they have a strong online presence through their website and social media?
It’s also worth asking other suppliers (venues, photographers, planners) for recommendations. These professionals see many caterers in action and can point you in the right direction based on their first-hand experience.
Can you read all about them?
A good wedding caterer will proudly showcase their work. Look for brochures, testimonials, blogs and social media that highlight previous weddings and events they’ve catered. This not only gives you inspiration but also reassurance that the caterer has experience delivering weddings similar to yours.
So who looks after the guests?
On the day itself, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. Ask if your caterer provides a dedicated front of house manager.
Having someone overseeing service, timings and guest experience ensures everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your special day without stress.
Clarity in what is offered
When you receive a quote, make sure everything is clearly explained. What’s included in the price? Does it cover equipment, crockery, glassware, staffing and set-up up?
Contact us
If you’re looking for a wedding caterer who cares just as much about the experience as the food, we’d love to chat. Take a look at our testimonials to see what our couples have to say, then get in touch to start planning something special!
Have a date already? Enquire through our website to secure your date.
Just want to chat? Email us on [email protected]
