Planning your wedding will be one of the most exciting times, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But of course, making these important decisions and trying to get everything right whilst juggling a budget can be stressful.
One of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding day is the food! Below we go into detail to help you decide on the best wedding catering for your special day!
Tips before you start looking for your wedding catering
Determine Your Budget
Setting a realistic budget is one of the first steps in planning your wedding catering. Consider your wedding budget and allocate a portion specifically for food and beverages. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
Define your needs and preferences
To find the perfect caterer, it’s important to be specific about your needs. Think about the theme of the wedding you’re having, such as a sit-down dinner, buffet, or using a food truck. Then, also think about other important issues, such as dietary restrictions or customs that you are using.
Estimate your guest count
Guest count is essential for planning your menu and ensuring you have enough food for everyone. Also, take into account the possibility of additional and unexpected guests. Therefore, ordering more food and drinks is better to ensure guests get food.
Types of Wedding Services
When it comes to wedding catering, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for couples. The ideal choice depends on your vision, budget and number of guests. The following are popular types that can serve as inspiration for you:
Plated Dinner
This kind of dinner is the perfect choice for those who want to organise a wedding with a formal atmosphere. Where guests are served at their tables and will be served an appetiser, main course and dessert in turn.
Buffet
Buffets are a flexible option and are used quite often for weddings. Typically, it offers various dishes to cater to all tastes and dietary needs. Guests can choose what they like and how much food they want.
Buffets are suitable for larger events and can encourage interaction as guests wander around the food stations. You can also separate snacks and heavy meals, giving guests more choice.
Food Stations
Food stations are a trendy and interactive way to bring variety and fun to your wedding. Guests can move around between stations, sampling different cuisines or themes, such as a pasta bar, sushi station, or taco corner.
This style suits couples who want a festive atmosphere and varied food options. This style allows guests to dine at their own pace while adding a touch of entertainment as the chef prepares the dishes live.
Canape Style
Canape-style weddings are great for brides and grooms who want their event to be more relaxed. Where guests will enjoy the meal standing up, guests can chat with each other, making for a warmer atmosphere. This kind of wedding is suitable for smaller venues and outdoors.
Food Trucks
Food trucks typically offer gourmet dishes with a fun twist. These trucks are perfect for outdoor or rustic celebrations, serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to burgers and gelato.
At 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, we have a dedicated pizza truck bringing authentic Italian flavours to your venue. Guests will love the theatre of freshly made pizza. It’s not just food – an experience that adds an unforgettable touch to your special day.
How to find a great caterer
Finding the perfect caterer is vital for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Seek recommendations
Word of mouth is the most powerful tool. Ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations. They may have first-hand experience with a caterer that impressed them. Such recommendations can narrow down your choices.
Online research
You can use search engines like Google to find the best local caterers. Check their websites, social media profiles and online reviews. Look for a caterer whose style and menu offerings are to your liking.
Attend wedding expos and tastings
Wedding fairs and tastings are a good way to meet caterers in person, sample their food, and ask some questions. You can compare different styles, prices, and services. It’s also a great opportunity to experience their professionalism first-hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Great caterers don’t just serve food; they also provide a great dining experience. They are organised, adaptable, and have excellent communication skills to ensure every detail runs smoothly. Most importantly, they listen to your wishes and provide a memorable experience that meets your expectations.
Profit margins in wedding catering vary depending on the menu, ingredients, and overhead. On average, caterers aim for a 10–15% margin after accounting for food, staff, equipment, and transportation costs. The key is to balance quality with cost efficiency to provide value to clients while maintaining profitability.
Focus on key elements like food quality, presentation, taste, and how well the caterer handled any special requests. You can also mention the professionalism of the staff and the overall dining experience, including whether the service was timely and efficient.
Conclusion
Choosing the right caterer can make for an unforgettable wedding celebration, from amazing food to impeccable service.
At 48h, we specialise in creating unforgettable dining experiences tailored to your needs.
Start planning your dream wedding by visiting our wedding page.