Choosing a wedding caterer can be a stressful process, especially when you are unsure where to look or the types of food you are needing. Then there’s the budget and your guest’s dietary needs to consider too. It’s enough to push hiring a wedding caterer to the bottom of your to-do list! However, if you do, you risk not being able to hire one at all. We’ve put together a few tips to make choosing a caterer for your wedding a piece of cake!

5 Tips to Help you Choose a Wedding Caterer

There’s no need to stress when it comes to choosing a caterer for your wedding! Here are five tips to help you pick the right one:

  • Check with your wedding venue - Some venues have an arrangement with local caterers, while others may have their own. Ask them for a list of wedding caterers that have used that venue and the ones they recommend.
  • Identify your budget – It’s vital that you know what your budget is and how much you have to spend on food and drink. From there you can meet with the caterer and create a plan. What options can they offer for your budget?
  • Do your research – A personal recommendation means far more than a blurb on their website. Check their reviews and customer testimonials. Do they respond promptly to your communications with them? How flexible are they with their menu?
  • Food needs – Find out if your guests have any food requirements including gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian. Check with your potential caterer how they can adapt their menu to meet these needs. It’s also okay to ask for a tasting session to help you choose the food you want. This should be provided free of charge in most cases.
  • Contract - When you do find a caterer, sign a contract as soon as possible to ensure you both understand what needs to be provided. This includes things such as the food delivery, serving staff, provision of cutlery and plates, plus the collection of the used platters if necessary. Make sure that all the costs are written in black and white, so there are no nasty surprises after your wedding day.

A great wedding caterer is one who is flexible, enthusiastic about providing great service at the right price and has fantastic food! Your reception food plays a significant role in the success of your wedding, so take the time to choose your catering team wisely. Check out our wedding services directory for our fabulous collection of Wedding Caterers in and around New Zealand. For more advice about Wedding Catering, check out our Bridal Tips section, it’s well worth reading!