What Sort of Catering?

Hiring Caterers

When choosing a caterer, ask for recommendations from family and friends. It is difficult to judge the standard of service on offer just by looking at brochures.

Caterers can supply table linen, crockery and cutlery. They can also provide drinks. If the caterers are supplying the drinks they may only charge for bottles opened. If you are providing the drinks they may charge a little extra to serve drinks.

The caterer should visit the site of the reception to allow them to decide what further equipment and facilities they will need to provide. For a small buffet they will bring the food already prepared and may only need washing up and coffee making facilities. For a larger event the caterer may need to bring a cooker and a fridge.

Most caterers will clear away. Discuss with the caterer when the clearing away will be done and if serving staff will be required after the meal to serve drinks. Also, ask if a member of staff will act as Master of Ceremonies and if they can organise the cutting and serving of the wedding cake.

Self-Catering

Preparing food for a reception is a major task and should only be undertaken after serious thought and planning. You and your family will have many other arrangements to deal with in the period leading up to the wedding. The day itself is for the family to celebrate the wedding and they may not wish to spend a major part of the day preparing food and cleaning.

A buffet is the easiest food to serve. Food can be prepared in advance and guests can serve themselves.

Draw up a plan with a list of food to be prepared and tasks to be done and then decide who will do which task and when.

Ensure that you have adequate storage space for food. You may have to borrow fridge or freezer space from friends. Some items can be ordered from caterers and delivered on the day.

As fridge space is at a premium at this time drinks should be chilled in bins filled with ice (bought from supermarkets or off-licences to save freezer space). Many off licences will lend glasses for events if you buy drinks from them.

Arrange to borrow cutlery, crockery, serving dishes etc. from friends. These may also be hired. Using disposable plates, cutlery and table coverings will result in less cleaning afterwards.