When brides dream of their wedding, the focus is mainly on the dress, the venue, and the décor. However, one crucial element that can make or break the celebration is often overlooked: the food. The truth is, no matter how stunning your venue or how beautiful your dress is, if the food doesn’t meet expectations, it can dampen the entire experience. To help you avoid this pitfall, here are some essential tips for ensuring your wedding catering is a resounding success by Henna from Frankly Fresh Catering.

1. Feed Your Hungry Guests

By the time your guests arrive at the reception, they’re likely starving. While you and your spouse are off taking those timeless wedding photos, your guests are waiting, and hungry guests are not happy guests. Consider offering a variety of light bites to tide them over until the main meal. Options like a grazing table, canapés, individual charcuterie boxes, or bamboo cones filled with snacks are perfect for keeping everyone satisfied. Don’t forget to set aside some of these treats for yourself and your new spouse—you’ll appreciate the snack after all the excitement!

2. The First Course: To Start or Not to Start?

You might consider serving a starter once your guests are seated for speeches and the rest of the festivities. This can be a plated dish brought to each guest by servers or platters placed on each table for a more communal dining experience. However, if your budget is tight, it’s okay to skip the starter—just make sure your initial offerings are substantial enough to keep everyone content until the main course.

3. The Main Event: Choose Your Service Style

The main course is where many couples face a dilemma, especially with all the opinions from well-meaning family members. A popular option is to have the protein and starch plated, with side dishes served family-style at each table. This strikes a balance between the elegance of a plated meal and the communal vibe of shared dishes. Alternatively, you could opt for a buffet, where guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes. While buffets are practical and can accommodate diverse tastes, they can sometimes lack the visual appeal of a plated meal. Choose the option that best aligns with your vision and the atmosphere you want to create.

4. Sweet Endings

Dessert is where you can really get creative. Whether you choose a traditional plated dessert, a sweet table, an ice cream station, or even a food truck, there are endless possibilities. Some couples are opting for modern alternatives like doughnut walls or a trio of bite-sized desserts, which offer variety and cater to different tastes. Remember, your wedding cake can also be incorporated into the dessert offerings, creating a beautiful and tasty display for your guests.

5. Small Details That Make a Big Difference

• Meet with Your Caterer: Face-to-face meetings with your caterer are crucial. Bring a vision board or photos to clearly communicate your expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
• Request a Tasting: A tasting menu is essential once you’ve settled on your menu. While tastings are often not complimentary, they allow you to make informed decisions and ensure everything is up to your standards. Remember that tastings are not free, caterers do a lot purchases and spend a lot of time and effort to create the perfect tasting experience for you.
• Consider Seasonality: Remember that some ingredients may not be available year-round. Take this into account when selecting your menu and wedding date.
• Ask About Dietary Restrictions: When sending out invitations, ask your guests if they have any dietary requirements or allergies, and relay this information to your caterer.
• Don’t Forget the Condiments: Check with your caterer or venue to ensure that basics like salt, pepper, and other condiments will be available on the tables or at the buffet.
• Compare Caterers Carefully: Not all caterers are created equal. When comparing quotes, consider the quality of service and reputation as much as the price. Do your research and read reviews.
• Give Feedback: After the wedding, if you were happy with the food and service, take the time to write a detailed review. This helps other couples and is invaluable to the caterers.

Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding catering should be a fun and exciting part of the wedding journey. Remember to stay true to your vision, enjoy the process, and, most importantly, savour every moment of your special day. And don’t forget—make sure you and your partner get to eat on the big day too!