Choosing Your Wedding Caterer

For couples who prioritise exceptional cuisine, what are seven key steps to finding a caterer like yourselves?

1. Research (and enquire). Everything begins with thorough research. Utilise the internet extensively as it's an invaluable resource. Create a shortlist of independent venues and caterers that initially resonate with your vision. Evaluate their presentation - does it reflect genuine care? Consult with your social circle about their personal experiences.
2. Responses. Submit multiple initial enquiries and monitor both the quality and timing of their responses. Consider this: if they're sluggish during the sales process, how much longer might they take once they've secured your booking (and have less incentive to be prompt)? During the crucial pre-wedding period, you won't want to send countless follow-up messages for simple answers. Seek out a responsive, client-oriented team who've shown their dedication to communication from day one. Assess whether they're merely sending generic brochures or crafting personalised responses that demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their craft.
3. Meet. Arrange meetings with one or two caterers who genuinely inspire you and create a connection. During these encounters, observe if they're simply going through standard procedures. Do they exhibit authentic interest in you and your wedding cuisine? Can you place your trust in them? Are there potential concerns to address?
4. Are they flexible? Flexibility is paramount. Unless you're content with a fixed menu or being confined to pre-set options, ensure early on that they can genuinely create exactly what you envision. Test them with a hypothetical menu (it needn't be your final choice) to identify those who might impose limitations. Many advertise 'bespoke menus', but often this translates to 'select one starter from twenty options, one main from another set' – quite different from truly unrestricted choice.
5. Ask – who prepares the food? Numerous caterers reduce expenses by utilising 'catering solutions', pre-prepared chilled or frozen portions from external suppliers, explaining why you often encounter set menus or restricted choices. If food quality is crucial and you desire truly exceptional cuisine, seek caterers who prepare everything in-house. Clarify this through specific questions about their ingredients and processes: Who supplies your meat? Is your mayonnaise house-made? What about the custard? The pesto? Are all components prepared from scratch using raw ingredients?
6. Are they creative cooks? If you've specific menu preferences, splendid. If not, evaluate whether your caterer demonstrates culinary innovation and expertise. Do they understand seasonal ingredients corresponding to your wedding date? Are they knowledgeable about local produce availability and peak harvest times near your venue? Consider their creative flair - do they genuinely comprehend flavour combinations, or are they prone to peculiar pairings (reminiscent of that amusing scene in 'Life is Sweet' featuring the bizarre combination of lamb's liver with beetroot!).
7. Ask what's in (and what's out). Request a detailed written quotation clearly outlining inclusions and exclusions. Don't overlook crucial details like corkage fees and whether staff costs are incorporated in the price. Ensure you understand precisely what elements might incur additional charges or are specifically excluded from the package.

Are we looking at premium pricing?

Indeed, budget considerations are paramount. Whilst financial constraints are absolute, it's wise to establish a priority ranking for your wedding elements. If culinary excellence ranks lower on your list, a hotel package might suffice, allowing you to allocate more funds towards floral arrangements or transport. However, if gastronomy is a priority, be prepared to invest appropriately – quality commands its price. Much like comparing automobiles, one can't expect Rolls-Royce quality at Mini Cooper prices.

What essential queries should we pose to potential caterers?

• Are all dishes, including condiments and sauces, prepared in-house?
• Which suppliers provide your meat products?
• What are your sources for fresh produce?
• Is the menu fully customisable, or are there limitations?
• How do you accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and dietary restrictions?
• What seasonal specialities are available in our chosen wedding month and location?
• What are your policies regarding corkage fees?
• Is service staff included within the quoted price?
• Do you provide beverage service, and what are the associated costs?
• Which significant additional expenses should we anticipate?
• Do you charge for menu tastings?
• Would you permit serving a pudding prepared by a family member?

What final considerations before making a financial commitment?

Withhold any deposit payments until you've personally contacted recent clients. These individuals offer the most reliable testimonials and typically appreciate being consulted as experienced advisors.

Don't limit your enquiries to culinary matters. Exceptional food quality becomes irrelevant if timing and service are poor – imagine your carefully crafted dish waiting whilst you're delayed with photography, or experiencing sluggish, disorganised service. Such aspects can't be evaluated beforehand except through previous clients' experiences.

Additionally, enquire about their organisational capabilities. Could they adapt to last-minute changes? How meticulous was their planning? Was service delivery seamless with professional staff? Did they provide adequate support during the crucial final weeks when tensions typically rise? Were they accessible and accommodating? Could they handle moments of heightened emotion gracefully? Most importantly, did they ensure a stress-free celebration where you felt completely supported?

What should we ask their previous clients?

• Was the food quality aligned with your wedding day expectations?
• How efficient was their operational management during the event?
• What was your assessment of their service delivery?
• How accommodating were they during the planning phase?
• Were they thorough in gathering necessary information?
• Did they provide consistent support throughout the process?
• Would you consider their services for future events?
• Did the quality justify the cost?
• What feedback did you receive from your guests regarding the catering?

Should we arrange a menu tasting?

If you desire absolute certainty about the culinary quality promised and referenced, requesting a tasting session is advisable. Nevertheless, a glowing recommendation from a previous client with discerning taste typically suffices. You might prefer to reserve the tasting opportunity (typically offered once without charge) for finalising menu selections closer to your wedding date.

Any concluding insights?

British culinary appreciation and standards continue to evolve as our exposure to diverse cuisines grows through increased travel, broader experiences, and greater disposable income for gastronomic exploration. Quality cuisine has become increasingly significant in our society. Today's skilled caterers can create remarkable, flavoursome, and visually impressive dishes using local, seasonal ingredients, even in the most remote locations with minimal facilities—success lies in selecting professionals who share your culinary philosophy.

For those who view food merely as sustenance, numerous caterers can readily meet basic requirements. However, if you envision your wedding breakfast as the pinnacle of your celebration, investing time in identifying the perfect culinary partners will prove immensely rewarding, especially if the caterer is Jeeves Catering.