Hurrah! I’m finally getting married! She has spent a long time trying to get my man to propose, but he popped the question a few months ago on a beach in Cyprus. Good Guy. It really wouldn’t have been the same if he had proposed to me after coming back from the pub after a night out with the guys! However, now I am wrapped up in the sweet hell of planning the wedding. So much to do and so little time!
I can’t tell you how many wedding fairs I’ve been to for inspiration and while they were helpful for dress ideas and potential toastmasters, I noticed there was a huge lack of wedding catering services. This prompted me to do some real research to find the right caterer for my big day and consequently share the findings with you!
The first is the first. Be sure to find a qualified provider. This may seem like a no-brainer, but from what I’ve heard, not everyone has made sure that their prized wedding caterer has the right credentials. You need someone with the experience, style and talent to throw you a fabulous feast on your big day and knowing they’re qualified will put your mind at ease.
You may know exactly the type of food you want at your wedding, or you may need help with menu planning. There are many wedding caterers that offer help with this, so ask for their advice. They love to please. If you have a certain type of menu in mind, make sure they can cater to it. For example, not everyone can provide a pig roast! Any good caterer should be able to provide you with samples of their dishes to whet your appetite, so be sure to ask about this. You really should try before you buy!
Talk to each provider about their location and make sure they can provide what you want in that environment. For example, if it’s in a marquee in the middle of a field, they’ll need to provide a ‘pop-up kitchen’ that can cater to their guests. Alternatively, if you’re hosting your wedding meal in a beautiful converted old barn with an on-site kitchen, you’ll need to submit photos of the kitchen to ensure there are enough refrigerators, ovens, and of course, space to prepare food. If there are not enough facilities, catering service providers must be able to provide them. A word of warning, you will have to pay extra for this!
This is a small but relevant detail. Ask your wedding vendors what they will use. If you are having a very fancy wedding, you may not want the caterers to show up and serve in jeans or different types of clothing. Many play it safe and wear black unless otherwise requested.
So budding brides and grooms, good luck planning your wedding party. It is certainly a lot of work, but in the end it will be worth it. Just be sure to ask the right questions of providers. Leaving no stone unturned when it comes to menu and facilities means you’ll be ready for the wedding of a lifetime!