Choosing a caterer for your wedding day may not be as straightforward as you would have hoped. There are a lot of factors to consider when making your decision, and you need to ensure that everyone is catered for.
Have a look at our checklist below so you don’t miss anything!
Positive reviews
The first thing to look at when checking out catering options is previous reviews and recommendations. These speak volumes, so have a look before making a decision. Facebook reviews are a good place to start – if they have positive reviews it’s likely you’re going to get a good service.
Caterers may also post testimonials on their website, so don’t forget to look out for these too. If you find some negative reviews remember that there are always two sides to a story; if the company has responded with a reasonable explanation and/or apology, then it’s probable that they’re doing their best to satisfy every customer.
A taste test
Once you’ve done your research and narrowed your choices down, try before you buy. If you don’t, you could end up with some unhappy wedding guests.
Sometimes caterers may charge you for a tasting or only agree to offer you one after you choose them as your caterer. When you get in touch for a quote, ask how their taste testing works – otherwise you may be landed with an unexpected fee.
Variety
Not everyone will have the same taste as you and your other half. The sooner you realise you’ll need to be able to cater to a hundred (or more!) different tastes, the easier it will be to choose a caterer that offers just that.
Always ensure your caterer offers a vegetarian option, and if you have friends or family who are vegan, find a caterer who offers a vegan option too. If you can’t find one caterer to provide for everyone, you may have to sacrifice some of your budget and hire a couple.
Transparent food sourcing
If it’s important to you that the food on your wedding day is sourced responsibly, you should ask your caterer where they source their food from.
A good, reliable caterer will happily point you in the direction of their suppliers and tell you where their ingredients are sourced from. On the other hand, a less trustworthy caterer may refuse to disclose the information. In this case you should steer clear and look elsewhere.
Style
If you’re hosting a themed wedding, the style of the catering service may be a big factor in who you choose. While this may be particularly important to you, remember that you don’t have to compromise on quality just to get a caterer that will look the part.
For those looking for a festival themed wedding, food vans offer a great outdoor portable service that can pitch up in the middle of an outdoor area and serve your guests some great food. Or if you want to try something exotic, Spanish paella stands are also a popular wedding option.
Fancy some alternate wedding catering for your special day? Get a quote from Juicy Jackets and enjoy some delicious jacket potatoes from a photogenic and charming Victorian oven!