How to Select a Professional Caterer for Your Event

Organising an event, be it a wedding, corporate function, or a private party, involves numerous decisions. One of the most critical aspects that can make or break your event is the catering. 

Good food and excellent service can leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here’s a guide to help you select a professional caterer for your event, ensuring it’s a resounding success.

1. Determine Your Needs

Before you start your search, outline your specific needs:

Type of Event: Is it a formal corporate event, a casual party, or an elegant wedding?

Number of Guests: Have a rough estimate of the number of attendees.

Budget: Define your budget range for catering.

Type of Cuisine: Decide on the type of food you want, considering any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Service Style: Buffet, plated dinner, food stations, or family-style service?

2. Research and Recommendations

Start by researching local caterers. Use the following methods:

Online Reviews: Websites like Yelp, Google, and social media platforms can provide insights into the caterer’s reputation.

Recommendations: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal experiences can be invaluable.

Venue Suggestions: Many venues have a list of preferred caterers they have worked with before.

3. Check Credentials and Experience

Ensure the caterer has:

Proper Licensing: They should have the necessary health department permits and certifications.

Insurance: Liability insurance is essential in case of accidents.

Experience: Preferably, choose a caterer with experience in similar types of events.

4. Request Proposals and Tastings

Contact a few caterers and request proposals. Look for:

Menu Options: Diverse and customisable menus.

Pricing: Detailed breakdown of costs, including any additional fees (service charges, taxes, gratuity).

Services Included: Check if they provide linens, tableware, serving staff, etc.

Arrange for a tasting session. This allows you to evaluate the quality and presentation of their food. A professional caterer should be willing to accommodate a tasting.

5. Evaluate Their Communication

Effective communication is crucial. Pay attention to how promptly and clearly the caterer responds to your inquiries. They should be willing to listen to your ideas and offer suggestions. Good communication often translates to better coordination on the day of the event.

6. Review Their Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of past events. This will give you a sense of their style and capabilities. Look for:

Photos of Previous Events: This helps you gauge their presentation and attention to detail.

Client Testimonials: Positive feedback from previous clients is a good indicator of reliability and quality.

7. Flexibility and Customisation

A good caterer should be flexible and willing to customise their offerings to suit your event’s theme, dietary requirements, and preferences. Whether it’s a special menu item or a unique presentation style, they should be able to accommodate your requests.

8. Finalise the Details

Once you’ve selected a caterer, finalise the details in a written contract. Ensure it includes:

Event Date, Time, and Venue

Menu Details and Service Style

Total Costs and Payment Schedule

Cancellation and Refund Policies

9. Conduct a Site Visit

Arrange for a site visit with the caterer to discuss logistics, such as the kitchen setup, serving stations, and any potential issues that might arise on the event day.

10. Plan a Timeline

Work with your caterer to create a timeline for the event, including:

Setup and Breakdown Times

Serving Times

Coordination with Other Vendors

Conclusion

Choosing the right caterer requires careful consideration and planning. By following these steps, you can ensure that your event features delicious food, impeccable service, and a memorable experience for your guests. Remember, the effort you put into selecting a professional caterer will be reflected in the success of your event.

DIY Guide: How to Arrange and Cater Your Wedding Reception Without a Professional Caterer

Planning a wedding reception is an exciting endeavour, but it can also be daunting, especially when it comes to catering. While hiring a professional caterer is the conventional route, opting for a DIY approach can add a personal touch and potentially save you money. 

In this post, we'll explore how to arrange and cater your wedding reception without relying on a professional caterer.

1. Plan Your Menu Carefully:

Start by planning your menu well in advance. Consider dishes that are easy to prepare in large quantities and can be made ahead of time. Opt for a mix of appetisers, mains, sides, and desserts to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

2. Enlist Help from Friends and Family:

Don't be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family members who are willing to lend a hand in the kitchen. Delegate tasks such as food preparation, cooking, and serving to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

3. Keep It Simple:

Simplicity is key when catering your own wedding reception. Focus on dishes that are straightforward to make and require minimal ingredients. Consider options like pasta dishes, salads, BBQ spreads, and finger foods that are both crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly. You might have a friend or family member who is a dab hand at baking cakes and icing them. Reach out to them and see if they can help make a simple wedding cake.

4. Rent or Borrow Equipment:

If you don't already own the necessary equipment, consider renting or borrowing items such as chafing dishes, serving platters, and utensils. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring you have everything you need to serve your guests.

5. Set Up Self-Service Stations:

Create self-service stations for certain food items, such as salad bars, dessert tables, and beverage stations. This allows guests to help themselves, reducing the need for additional staff and simplifying the catering process.

6. Embrace Buffet-Style Dining:

Buffet-style dining is an excellent option for DIY wedding receptions as it allows guests to choose their own portions and helps streamline the serving process. Set up buffet tables with a variety of dishes and encourage guests to serve themselves.

7. Don't Forget About Dietary Restrictions:

Be mindful of guests with dietary restrictions and allergies when planning your menu. Offer a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options to ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal without worry.

8. Focus on Presentation:

While you may not have the skills of a professional caterer, you can still impress your guests with thoughtful presentation. Use decorative platters, garnishes, and serving utensils to add a touch of elegance to your dishes.

9. Prepare for Cleanup:

Factor in time for cleanup after the reception. Enlist the help of friends and family members to assist with clearing tables, washing dishes, and tidying up the venue so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your special day.

10. Enjoy the Process:

Above all, remember to enjoy the process of catering your own wedding reception. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and share homemade dishes with your loved ones. With careful planning and teamwork, you can create a memorable and delicious dining experience that reflects your unique style and personality.

Catering your own wedding reception can be a rewarding and budget-friendly alternative to hiring a professional caterer. By following these tips and embracing the DIY spirit, you can create a memorable dining experience that celebrates your love and brings joy to all who attend. Cheers to a happy and delicious wedding day!

Plan your wedding wine list with Aldi. And get free wedding day wine!

Newlyweds-to-be will be in with a chance of having their wedding wine absolutely free in Aldi’s newest competition which is open until 11th September.

With the average UK wedding costing nearly £20,000, Aldi is offering cheaper alternatives to help couples during the cost-of-living crisis.

Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn gives top wedding wine tips including whether you should or shouldn’t match wine with your food.

Getting married has never been pricier, with the average wedding now costing £19,1841 and alcohol alone taking something like 10% (£1,800) of the budget.

Aldi, which is The Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year, says shoppers can make big savings on their big day by sourcing their wine from Aldi, which can cost as little as £2.25 per person.

Proving that you really can’t put a price on love and to celebrate these impressive savings, the discounter is offering three lucky couples ‘to be’ 60 bottles of award-winning wine to contribute to their special day – FOR ABSOLUTELY FREE!

To be in with a chance of receiving a mix of white, red and rosé wine supplied by Aldi, all budding couples need to do is send an email to aldiweddingwines@clarioncomms.co.uk with the below details:

Full name

Proof of age

Date and location of wedding

150 words explaining why you think you should receive a selection of Aldi’s wines for your wedding.

 

Sam Caporn, Mistress of Wine says: “I know myself when you’re planning a wedding, there’s so much to think about and decisions like choosing the right wines can be daunting and a bit overwhelming, especially when budgets are tight. 

"Together with Aldi, I want to show happy couples they don’t need to compromise on the quality of wine at their wedding to get a bargain and by following these few simple tips, it can be a lot easier than couples might think.”

Sam Caporn, Mistress of Wine’s I dos and don’ts of choosing wines for weddings:

Don’t try to match it with the food – A common mistake people make is focusing on matching the wine with the food when actually guests will prefer to stick to one wine throughout. Plus, the meal is very much just one part of the wedding. 

It’s better therefore to opt for easy-drinking wines, i.e. not too oaky or acidic, not too high tannin or rich. A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Freeman’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc £6.79, 75cl) or a soft Pinot Grigio such as Aldi’s Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, available for just £4.49, are sure to be confirmed crowd-pleasers!

Do match the wine to the season Whether a relaxed outdoor summer gathering or an elegant indoor winter wedding, the season can drastically change what wine to serve. For a winter wedding upweight easy-drinking but well-bodied red wines such as a Shiraz (Cambalala South African Shiraz £4.75, 75cl) or Malbec-I would recommend60:40 red to whites. Whereas for summer weddings, introduce rosé into the mix (30:30 rosé to whites).

Do opt for alternatives to Champagne – Couples often assume you need champagne for their wedding toast. However, Champagne for a wedding can get very pricey. Think of fizz alternatives like a Crémant, which is a delicious alternative, this premium French fizz is made in the same style, by the same methods so you might be surprised how few people will notice the difference, especially as often bubbles are pre-poured or obscured by a white napkin. Aldi’s Specially Selected Crémant du Jura (£8.99, 75cl) is a purse-friendly alternative to luxury brands, but equally as tasty. Available in store 11th September.

Don’t splash out unnecessarily. You really don’t need to spend lots of money for a delicious wedding wine. Focus on good-quality but great-value favourites rather than expensive, premium bottles. The style of wines like Premier Crus are often not to everyone’s taste, so do focus on more approachable wines. A Spanish Rioja Reserva like Aldi’s Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva (£5.99, 75cl) or Argentinian Malbec like the Specially Selected Argentinian Malbec (£6.59,75cl) are great choices for red wines.

But please don’t forget the non-drinkers. Whether they're a designated driver, pregnant, abstaining or just generally prefer not to drink alcohol, having fun no or low alcohol options will make everyone feel included. Aldi’s 0% sparkling, Zerozecco is just £2.99, tastes delicious and is perfect for the toast.

Entries to the competition are now open until Monday 11th September. To enter now and view the full terms and conditions, visit the Aldi Wedding Wines page on https://www.aldi.co.uk/free-wedding-wine