3 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Wedding Caterer

Catering is a very important part of your wedding and a great chance for you to impress your guests. However, there are a few important things you need to consider before choosing a wedding caterer, as explained below.

1. Think Carefully About Your Budget

Wedding catering can be expensive, with Easy Weddings explaining that the average Australian couple spends as much as $8160 on feeding their guests. Look carefully at the overall budget of your wedding, and decide how much of it you want to spend on food and drink. Decide how important your wedding meal is to you, compared to other expenses such as your dress, photographer and venue. When you've decided how much you want to spend on catering, have a look at caterers' websites and figure out exactly which menus you can afford, and how much you'd need to spend to get what you want. Remember not to spend more than you've budgeted for, as this will affect your finances and other parts of your wedding.

2. Consider Your Guests' Needs

You know your guests well, and will probably have some idea of their dietary needs. For example, you may have religious guests who need halal or kosher food. You may have a relative with a life-threatening allergy, meaning that certain foods such as nuts need to be ruled out altogether. If a lot of children are attending your wedding, you need a caterer that can provide a good children's menu as well as great food for adults. You might have many fussy eaters or a family that doesn't enjoy certain foods. Guests may not be able to eat dairy or gluten – Big Hospitality explains that some caterers will be able to cater to gluten-free guests with a range of measures, like separate equipment and preparation areas. Make a list of your guests' requirements, and search for a caterer who can accommodate as many of your needs as possible so that everyone feels welcome. They may not be able to do everything, especially if your needs are complex, but you should choose a caterer who is willing to make an effort. 

3. Think About What Suits Your Wedding

Your choice of caterer will also depend on the theme and vibe of your wedding, as well as the setting. Wedsites explain the different types of meals you might want, such as a full sit-down meal, a family-style meal or a buffet, and the advantages of each. Think carefully about what you want and what would suit your personality. For example, if you want a fun, casual wedding, you may consider an outdoor barbeque, and if you have a small wedding, it might be nice for guests to be able to serve themselves. You might even want to match your venue and your meal; if you're in a rural country hotel, for example, you may want a locally-sourced menu from nearby farms. Search for a caterer who can provide the kind of menu you want, and who understands the vision you have for your wedding. 

If you think carefully about your budget, your guests and what you want your wedding to be like, you will be able to choose wedding catering that suits you perfectly and brings your wedding vision to life.