WEDDING CATERING

• If you want a buffet menu, can you comfortably seat all the guests and have buffet tables in the reception room. 
• Time of day - If the wedding is late afternoon and there are no evening guests, you may not need an evening buffet.
• Do you have any evening guests - you may need to consider an evening buffet.
• If you have an evening buffet as well as wedding breakfast, you may not need to cater for all your guests. 75% of your total guests is the usual figure to cater for.
• Do you want an informal buffet or formal silver service meal
• How long will your guests have to wait to eat. If the wedding is at 2pm, your guests may not have had time to get lunch beforehand. So consider serving a few canapes to keep them going.
• Consider special dietary requests, vegetarian, allergies, etc
• Are there any children - perhaps some savoury or specialist kiddie snacks on hand will keep them from getting fractious -.
• What time of year is it - Full on 4 course wedding breakfast may not be suitable for a hot summers day but a buffet would suit perfectly. Why not consider having a hog roast or barbecue if you have some outside space or holding your reception in a marquee.
• What type of location is the reception - marquee, indoor, outdoor, garden available
• Choose a theme for colours and presentation on tables

• Set a budget - and try to stick to it. Most caterers will quote you on a per head basis.
• Look at all the sample set menus. Wine may be included in the set menu. ie. cava/champagne for the toast.
• Do they cater for dietary requirements - vegan and childrens meals.
• Contact some of their previous customers for a reference.
• Good caterers will let you have a sample tasting of your chosen shortlisted menu and wines.
• Add 10% for a service tip
• Ask around - your friends may recommend someone they rate highly
• Check out the web for caterers. There are many specialist wedding directories
• Get a few quotations - they can vary enormously.
• Get everything in writing with agreed timescales for payment - usually a deposit, followed by payment in full one month before.