The 10 essential questions you should ask your wedding caterer

Choosing the perfect caterer can be stress invoking during the wedding planning process. Food is often central to the feel of a wedding and the thing that guests remember the most. But how do you ensure your chosen caterer aligns with your vision? Here’s a guide to the most important considerations and questions couples should ask their wedding caterers before making a decision based on the direct feedback of our wonderful caterers and customers that have booked through our platform.

1. Define Your Vision and Requirements

Before engaging with potential caterers, have a clear idea of what you want:

• Type of Cuisine: Are you leaning toward classic British, fusion, or something more exotic?

• Dietary Needs: Our data shows increasing demand for vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly menus. Be clear about any such requirements.

• Service Style: From formal plated meals to buffet-style service or trendy food stations, clarify what suits your theme and venue.

Question: “Do you have experience catering for [specific cuisine or service style] at weddings similar to ours?”

2. Taste Testing Is Essential

Your caterer's promise of flavor and quality should always be backed up. Request a tasting session for the proposed menu to ensure it matches your expectations.

Question: “Can we schedule a tasting session, and is there a cost involved?”

Pro tip: Make notes during the tasting to compare later. Discuss seasoning, presentation, and portion sizes. We’ve got a whole guide to tasting sessions on our blog too.

3. Catering to Dietary Restrictions

Catering to diverse dietary requirements is no longer optional. From the 1000s of wedding enquiries we’ve received our data reveals that up to 40% of wedding guests often have specific dietary needs.

Question: “How do you accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, or nut allergies?”

Ensure the caterer can provide dishes without cross-contamination and clear labeling.

4. Evaluate Their Experience

Wedding catering is unique and nearly always tailored to individual requirements. It requires handling time-sensitive setups, large guest lists, and tight schedules.

Question: “How many weddings do you cater for annually, and do you have experience at our venue?”

We frequently survey our suppliers for first hand insight into their event experience and working with clients so we can pass on this feedback to couples planning their wedding for the first time. Venue logistics is something that is often mentioned. Prior experience at your chosen location could save headaches on the big day.

5. Understand Costs and Packages

Catering can eat into a large chunk of your budget. Our booking data suggests that the enquiry budget stated by couples when enquiring rises by 15% on average when coming to make the booking itself.

Question: “What’s included in your pricing? Are there extra costs for staffing, equipment, or setup?”

Clarify if their quote covers everything from linens and glassware to cake cutting and service charges.

6. Flexibility with Menu Customisation

Every couple’s dream is a menu that tells their story, from childhood comfort foods to travel-inspired dishes.

Question: “Do you allow menu customisation to incorporate our personal favorites or cultural traditions?”

Be sure they’re willing to make your menu unique and memorable.

7. Timelines and Logistics

Seamless service requires coordination with your schedule. Suppliers often emphasise the importance of early setup to avoid disruptions.

Question: “What is your typical setup timeline, and how do you coordinate with other vendors?”

Also, discuss how they’ll handle unexpected delays or emergencies.

8. Bar Service Options

If your caterer also handles drinks, discuss their bar offerings. There’s a wider trend of personalisation across all the events we work across, more than ever event planners want experiences that reflect them as well as unique ways to leave a lasting impression for guests. Amongst these trends, we’ve seen an increase in the number of enquiries looking for personal cocktails and interactive elements when it comes to bar hire. You might need to seek an actual bar supplier for this but sometime our caterers can cover this service.

Question: “Can you provide a bar service, and do you offer signature cocktail options?”

9. Sustainability and Sourcing

Eco-conscious weddings are a growing trend. Many caterers now prioritise local sourcing and minimizing food waste.

Question: “Do you source ingredients locally, and what measures do you take to reduce waste?”

10. References and Reviews

Lastly, always vet your caterer’s reputation. At Togather we only accept one in 20 applications for suppliers wanting to join us. Part of this process is vetting their reviews and experience so you don’t have to. The majority of our suppliers also have these reviews displayed on their profile but for piece of mind it’s always worth checking.

Question: “Can you provide references or testimonials from previous weddings?”

Check for consistent praise in areas like food quality, service, and professionalism.

Supplier Tips for Questions Couples Should Ask Their Wedding Caterers

Ask About Venue-Specific Needs

Sebs Squid Shack (Seb Southwick): "Couples should ensure their caterer is familiar with the venue logistics. Clarify if the caterer needs access to power, water, or specific facilities at the venue."

Suggested Question: "Do you require any special setup or facilities at our venue?"

Prioritise Clear Communication

Monsieur Bou: "Be clear about what's available to your caterer on the day. This helps them plan effectively and avoid last-minute surprises."

Suggested Question: "How can we best prepare our venue to support your setup?"

Focus on Budget-Friendly Options

The Rub BBQ (Harp Gill): "Keep choices simple and don't overcomplicate the menu to stay within budget."

Suggested Question: "What are some budget-friendly menu options you can recommend?"

Customisation and Creativity

Happy Plate (Kirsty Langschmidt): "Couples often ask how much food each guest will get and if there are options for more creative dishes."

Suggested Question: "Can you suggest creative menu ideas tailored to our wedding theme?"

Availability and Flexibility

Dough with the Flow (Lara Walton): "Suppliers should clarify whether they are available and what additional services they provide, like staffing or crockery."

Suggested Question: "Do you provide staff, and will you bring the necessary serving equipment?"

Final Thoughts

Your caterer plays a central role in ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. Asking the right questions and reviewing their responses critically will help you make an informed decision. Togather’s network of top-tier wedding caterers is here to turn your culinary dreams into reality, offering diverse menus, innovative service styles, and unwavering professionalism.

For more wedding planning tips or to explore the perfect caterer for your big day, visitTogather’s wedding services.