Eat, drink and BE MARRIED Catering questions answered Taste Caterer © www.jasonwilliamsphotography.com Do I need a wedding caterer, separate from my venue? “Not always but it depends on your venue and what kind of dining experience you’re hoping for,” Nick Bolton from Vine & Dine (www.vinedine.co.uk) shares. “Some venues include catering as part of their package, which can simplify the planning process. However, if food is a big priority for your day, or if you’re after a specific style or cuisine, hiring a separate caterer is often the better route. An independent caterer offers greater flexibility, allowing you to tailor the menu, presentation, and service to your exact vision. This is especially important if you’re working with a dry-hire venue or hosting your wedding in a marquee or private home. A professional wedding caterer also brings expertise in large-scale event dining, ensuring seamless service and delicious, crowd-pleasing food. They’ll also help guide you through logistics, from timings and dietary needs to staff, equipment, and setup. So, while it’s not always essential, a dedicated caterer can take your wedding dining to the next level and take the pressure off you.” What information do I need to have gathered together for our caterer before booking them? Jacqui Keeley from Fab Food For You (https://fabfoodforyou.co.uk) has some suggestions: •Venue facilities available to the caterer. For example, is there a fullyfitted kitchen or does everything need hiring in? The hire costs are an important consideration when booking a venue if it’s not fully equipped. •Does the venue provide crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen or does it require hiring in? •Have a preferred menu ready to discuss with your caterer. •List any food intolerances to be catered for. What questions should we ask potential caterers when approaching them for the first time? “The initial chat with a caterer is your chance to get a feel for how they work and whether they’re the right fit for your big day,” Nick says. “Start by asking if they’ve catered at your venue before or are familiar with it. Then ask about menu flexibility: can they create something custom, or do they offer set options? You’ll also want to know if they provide tastings, and whether those are included in the price. Don’t forget the practical side: do they provide service staff, equipment, crockery, cutlery, linens, and so on? Ask how they handle dietary requirements or allergies, and what they need from you before the day. It’s also worth asking how they deal with unexpected issues, like bad weather or last-minute changes. A great caterer will be transparent, calm under pressure, and full of ideas. Finally, ask about costs and payment structure, it’s helpful to understand what’s included and when deposits and balances are due.” How can we personalise our food? “As a completely bespoke caterer, the short answer is: however you like,” Steven Sanger from Taste Caterer (https://tastecaterer.com) says. “Whether you’re dreaming of a Mexican-Japanese fusion or a classic Taste feast, we’ll make it happen. “We work closely with each couple to create a menu that reflects their favourite foods, stories, and style. No stress over dietary needs either, we do those on top! Our standard service includes a choice of three starters, three mains, and two desserts, so every guest has something they’ll love. It’s your day, your way and the food should be too.” Yaz from Circa Events (https://circacirca.com) says, “Personalising your wedding food is a brilliant way to add a touch of you to the day. While our menus are carefully curated to offer crowd-pleasing favourites Circa Events © www.jofoto.co.uk Taste Caterer © www.jasonwilliamsphotography.com CATERING 49
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