Planning Wedding Catering: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning the catering for your wedding is an important part of the big day. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a caterer, there are a lot of things to consider. From the type of food you want to serve to the number of guests you're expecting, planning is key to ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly.

Choosing a caterer

First, decide whether you want to self-cater or hire a catering company. If you choose to self-cater, remember that you will need help from your partner, friends, and family. You should also choose a food service style that can be prepared in advance to minimise stress on the day.

If you decide to hire a catering company, research different companies in your area and set up a time to meet with them. They will have a selection of wedding catering packages and be able to tell you the estimated cost for each package. Before finalising anything, go over the catering contract, sign it, and make a deposit.

Once you've chosen a caterer, start planning the details with them as soon as possible. Communicate your expectations clearly so they can meet your needs and make your special day run smoothly.

Planning the menu

If you're self-catering, it's important to remember that you'll need help from others. While you should do everything you can to prepare in advance, you will still need assistance setting up and breaking down your food stations on the day. Ask your partner, a close friend, or family member to assist in the organisation and delegation of tasks.

It's recommended to find a wedding caterer six to eight months before the wedding. Once you've chosen a caterer, start planning with them as soon as possible. They will have a selection of wedding catering packages and be able to tell you the estimated cost for each package.

Before finalising the details, go over the contract, sign it, and make a deposit. Get a final count of all the wedding guests who plan on attending the reception. Communicate your expectations to the caterers so they can meet your needs and ensure your special day runs smoothly.

DIY catering

Planning your own wedding catering can be a great way to save money, but it's important to keep things simple and prepare as much as you can in advance.

First, decide on the style of food service. If you want a full-course meal, you'll need to prepare multiple small dishes, whereas an action station will require you to consider various toppings and add-ins. Choose a style that you can prepare in advance to minimise stress on the day. You will either need to have the food ready before the ceremony starts or hire people to carry appetizer trays and clear plates.

Next, get a final count of all the wedding guests who plan on attending the reception. This will help you determine the amount of food you need to prepare. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of your partner, close friends, or family to assist in the organisation and delegation of tasks. They can help with setting up and breaking down food stations on the day.

Finally, remember that self-catering doesn't mean solo catering. You are one person, and your wedding day will be busy and filled with fun. Food may not be at the forefront of your mind, nor should it be. Delegate tasks and rely on your support network to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Budgeting

If you're hiring a caterer, you should find one six to eight months before the wedding. Once you've determined which wedding catering companies you want to use, set up a time to meet with them and discuss your wedding reception menu. They will have a selection of wedding catering packages and be able to tell you the estimated cost for each package. You'll need to get a final count of all the wedding guests who plan on attending the reception, and double-check your list and headcount from both sides of the family before contacting your wedding reception caterers.

The way you plan to serve your meal will affect the food items you select. If you want a full-course meal, you'll require multiple small dishes. If you're creating an action station, you must consider all the toppings and add-ins you want to offer. Choose a food service style you can prepare in advance to minimise stress on the day of the wedding. You will either need the food squared away before your ceremony starts, or you will need to hire people to carry appetizer trays and clear your guests' plates.

Finalising the details

Once you have chosen a wedding caterer, start planning with them as soon as possible. The more time you give yourself, the greater your chances of success on the big day. You should find a wedding caterer six to eight months before the wedding.

If you are self-catering, remember that you are one person. You are one very busy person around the time of your wedding, so rely on your partner, a close friend, or family to assist in the organisation and delegation of tasks. You should prepare in advance, but you will still need assistance setting up and breaking down your food stations on the day of your wedding.

If you are using a catering company, set up a time to meet with them and discuss your wedding reception menu. They will have a selection of wedding catering packages and be able to tell you the estimated cost for each package. Before anything can be finalised, you will have to go over the catering contract, sign it, and make a deposit.

Get a final count of all the wedding guests who plan on attending the reception. Once you have double-checked your list and have a headcount from both sides of the family, contact your wedding reception caterers.

Go through the details with your wedding caterers one last time. Communicate your expectations so they can meet your needs.

Frequently asked questions