Blog Layout

How to Choose The Right Wedding Caterer

Roku Agency • 29 August 2023

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so you’re going to want to make sure it’s memorable for you and your guests.


One vital part of the day is catering because the wedding breakfast is the point where everyone can sit down, relax, enjoy amazing food and drinks, while listening to the speeches.

However, there is a lot more to wedding catering than meets the eye, so we are going to provide you with our expert advice that will help you choose the right wedding caterer.

Before contacting a catering company


Make sure you've left yourself enough time in advance to reserve the caterer of your choice. It can take some time for you and the catering company to plan out an overall menu that meets your requirements. The wedding season can be quite busy, so you want to make sure that you have a few options in case the caterer of your choice is fully booked on your date.

Researching the best wedding catering company for your wedding


The first step is researching which wedding caterers you might consider working with. To find them, you can search on Google (use Google Maps and look for "wedding catering near me" or similar phrases), explore social media platforms, and don't forget to ask your friends and family for their recommendations.


Once you have a list, you can start to narrow it down by looking at the caterer’s:

  • Reputation - Have a look online for reviews, testimonials and customer feedback.
  • Menu options - Look into what kind of dishes they offer, are there enough options to please everyone? Are there any dietary requirements or allergies that need to be catered for? Are they tailored or can they tailor to your style of wedding?
  • Price - Do they offer a fixed price menu or a la carte options? This is where you may have to start contacting each company individually for quotes.

How to start working with a catering company for your wedding: details you will need


Now that you have a list of potential catering companies, it’s time to move onto the next step and start working with them. When you start getting in touch with each, be sure to have a few details ready such as:


1. Date and time of reception and number of guests


To begin with, you will need to make sure that your chosen caterer is available. You will need to provide your caterer with the date and time of reception as well as the number of guests. Furthermore, you’ll need to explore the level of hospitality you want to provide and the cost per head that they charge.


2. Style of food and drink, sustainable practises, to the general aesthetic and vibe


You should discuss everything that you are looking for. From style of food and drink, sustainable practices, to the general aesthetic and vibe. This will help to create the ideal foundation for further discussions as well as exploring your options. Think about what kind of personalised menu that you and your guests will enjoy, as well as any dietary needs you may need to also take in consideration i.e vegan, vegetarian, gluten free etc. 


If you're uncertain, collaborate with a seasoned wedding caterer as they will also be able to offer you valuable culinary expertise on the most effective choices for various wedding venues.



3. Your budget considerations


Determining a budget for catering is a crucial step in your wedding plan as it will directly influence the type of food, service, and quality you can afford. Start by understanding what is included in the caterer's package, such as appetisers, main courses, desserts, and beverages. Remember to account for additional costs like serving staff, equipment rentals, and gratuity. 


It can be helpful to have a per-head budget in mind as you start your conversations with potential caterers. However, be flexible as costs can vary based on your menu choices and service style. Always ask for detailed quotes to compare different caterers and choose one that provides a balance of quality, service, and affordability that aligns with your overall wedding budget.


When you meet wedding caterers, you should expect a consultation where they gain an understanding of who you are and what you are looking for. This can be handled over the phone or you can arrange to meet somewhere.


What should you look for in a wedding caterer?


After contacting them, it's important to:

Make sure they understand your needs and values


What you are looking for is a catering company that understands your needs and values, and what you want to create on one of the most important days of your life. 


Therefore, they should have no issues customising their menus or meeting any dietary requirements. Some caterers, such as ourselves, create totally bespoke menus for guests, this is what sets us apart. 


We believe it is very important to be as sustainable as possible. Do not be afraid to ask your caterer about where they source their food, for example, we favour local and seasonal produce and always keep food waste to a minimum.

Make sure they are happy to serve the food you want


Every couple has different needs when it comes to catering. Some might want traditional dishes that are still extremely delicious and indulgent but others might choose something more exotic or something that reflects their interests or passion such as travel.


When searching for a caterer, it makes perfect sense to explain everything that you want as part of the catering. We pride ourselves on serving seasonal and local dishes, and would be happy to discuss this in more detail with our clients.

Read their case studies and reviews again


When choosing a caterer, it's a good idea to look at case studies and reviews, even if you have already done so. These will help you to make an informed decision and understand their level of creativity and the customers’ experiences. This way, you can ensure that they are able to provide what you need for your special day.

What is included in wedding catering?


Different caterers will offer different options, taking into consideration your budget, your guests, your venue and your tastes… Many caterers, such as Caiger & Co. can organise staffing, hire (such as marquees, crockery and linen) as well as flowers and all the other little details of the day. 


However, this is all part of the discussions that you will have with caterers when exploring your options.

Wedding planning: can I taste the wedding food menu before my wedding?


This is a really important part of the process and it is really important that you get to try the dishes before the day. Sure, wedding caterers will have all the reviews and photography that showcase their dishes, but you still need to make sure that they can deliver the stunning dishes that they promise.


Sampling the menu is a great way of ensuring you have made the right decision. So, you will be given a taster of all of the dishes they plan to cook, alongside the wine and cocktails. This will be small samples of each dish, starting with the canapés, starters, mains and dessert. All of which will help you to make an informed decision on the dishes you want your caterer to provide.

Can I book a wedding catering service with vegan options?


Yes, almost every wedding caterer will cater for all dining options. You might not have any vegan guests but it helps to know that your caterer can take care of this should you have guests who are vegan.

Do they offer evening food and how much will I need?


If your wedding is taking place in the day then you are going to need evening food as some guests are going to be there all day. So, how do you determine how much food you will need?


There is a general rule of thumb which is to order enough food for 75% of the guests. This should ensure that there is enough food for everyone to enjoy.

When it comes to choosing wedding catering, you should ensure you select a caterer who can deliver a personalised experience that is unique to your day. There might seem a lot to consider but that should be seen as a positive as it will enable you to make the right choice.

Caiger & Co.: the best bespoke wedding catering in London and surrounding areas



At Caiger & Co. Catering we pride ourselves on offering highly personalised catering services, adapted to any concept or theme you might have for your event. We are a bespoke & luxury caterer based in London & the Home Counties.


We specialise in bespoke briefs and menu creations, and would love to work with you to design a menu specifically for your wedding day! We can do everything from BBQ banquets, festival style cuisine to refined fine dining; offering something unique with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal food menus. You can take a look at our gallery and case studies for inspiration.

We don't just do great food - we help make memories


We can also do more than the delicious food side of things; from styling to event management and entertainment, to creating a personalised artisan cocktail, we can assist with all aspects of your day!


Book your day of fantastic food and outstanding service with us today to start your wedding day off the right way with your own personal touch! If you have any questions or would like to arrange a meeting, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Share by: