When you embark on the journey of planning a wedding it can often be hard to know where to start and what to do. The list of tasks can seem overwhelming and endless. Here at Eat the Street, we have curated a selection of our best Do’s and Dont’s to help you plan your Big Day with minimal stress, and maximum effect.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Wedding Catering
The Do’s to creating a culinary masterpiece
- Plan early
It is common knowledge that caterers get booked up years in advance, therefore it is important to start your planning timeline early on to ensure you secure the caters you desire. Not only this, but knowing what you are looking for helps your caters provide a much smoother service as they can advise more tailored guidance for you. This proactive planning approach can lead to much smoother planning than you could ever have imagined. - Choose a caterer that feels personal to you and your vision for the day
It can be really hard to pick a caterer when you have only had a handful of phone calls or emails with. You can be inundated with quotes from numerous different companies, all with a different offering and USP. Do your research and discover what they can do for you – what are their values and how do they align with your vision of your wedding day. At Eat the Street, we have 13 years of industry experience that can help guide you through the planning process, and we have core values such as sustainability and using locally sourced seasonal produce. We want to put the very best food on your wedding day table – whether it a relaxed street food affair or a sit-down feast. - Go to a food tasting!
Your food tasting with your caterer not only allows you to meet them face-to-face but also to try the dishes they offer. This gives you a good indication of what to expect on your big day – what the food will look like, their style of presentation, the flavours they like to use.. Not only this, but it also allows for you to try the menu you have selected so you know for sure the meal you have chosen will be exactly how you imagined it. - Set a budget
Setting a budget is crucial for all your suppliers to give them an idea of what you are looking for and what can be achieved. It sets the parameters on which your quote and menu can be built. It’s important to work out what your priorities are – what you want to spend a little more on and what you feel you can cut back on. Being honest with your caterers about the budget will result in a more relevant and more useful quote. - Communication is key
When it comes to planning, creating a relationship with your planner is an absolute must. We want you to view us as your personal wedding mentor; by your side the whole way to guide you through every step of the planning process with skill, passion and genuine care.
The Don’ts to ensure stress free planning
- Don’t wait until the last minute
Try to be as organised as you can and get the big ticket items booked up as far in advance as possible. This will mean you can secure all your favourite suppliers, and will have time to deal with any wedding curveballs that may be thrown your way! - Don’t forget your guests with allergies or dietary restrictions!
There is nothing worse than getting to your wedding day and your long lost Aunt can’t eat her main because she hasn’t been accounted for on the dietaries list. When compiling your wedding menu, remember to include options that cover all of your guests dietary restrictions, and to ask your guests in advance of any allergies they may have. Don’t worry, at Eat the Street we are here to help you every step of the way and if this is not at the top of your worry list it is definitely at the top of ours so it will not be forgotten! - Miss out on the beverages
Catering isn’t always just about the food – your drinks matter too! Picking signature cocktails that represent your relationship can be a great way to include personalisation on your wedding day, whilst also including mocktails or flavoured water for those who don’t drink to ensure everyone is included. - Don’t stress on the Big Day!
And finally, don’t stress on your wedding day, trust your suppliers, you chose them for a reason. Enjoy the day and dance the night away!
Eat the Street transforms your wedding ideas into an unforgettable day, by following our crucial do’s and don’ts you can savour every moment of your special day that mirrors your love and creates cherished memories for all your guests. With the right wedding caterer and your well-thought-out plan, your day is bound to be spectacular. For more wedding inspiration, check out our blog post on unique evening wedding food ideas.