What Happens at Wedding Caterer Tastings? A Couple’s Complete Guide

The most crucial part of the wedding, which often leaves a lasting impression on your guests, is the food. That’s why wedding caterer tastings are such an important step in your planning process. They give you the chance to try potential dishes, explore options, and make sure your menu is just right for your big day.

Many couples in the UK place great importance on selecting the perfect dishes. A well-chosen menu can elevate the atmosphere of your celebration and create unforgettable moments for you and your guests.

In this guide, we’ll take you through what to expect during your tasting session, how to prepare for it, and how to make the most of your experience. With expert insights from real couples and caterers, we’ll help you choose the ideal menu that fits your vision and budget.

What to Expect During a Wedding Caterer Tasting

Togather is home to well over 1000 food suppliers and having helped more than 100,000 couples with their wedding enquiries they know a thing or two. Our caterers suggest prioritising tastings early in your planning process to avoid last-minute stress and to help your them fully understand your vision. Tim from Citreus Catering recommends couples to “get multiple quotes, make sure you have tastings, and make decisions based on what feels right.” 

Tastings give you the opportunity to refine your menu, explore options, and confirm that everything aligns with your preferences. While every caterer’s approach may differ, here’s what you can typically expect during the session:

1. Introduction and Menu Discussion

The tasting begins with a conversation where you’ll discuss your preferences, wedding style, and any dietary restrictions. The caterer will ask about your guest list size, whether you’re planning a formal sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet, and any specific themes or flavors you have in mind. This initial discussion helps guide the menu selection, allowing the caterer to recommend dishes that align with your vision. Many couples appreciate this personal approach as it tailors the tasting to their individual needs.

2. Sampling the Dishes

Once the groundwork is laid, you’ll move on to the tasting itself. You’ll be presented with a selection of dishes, including starters, mains, sides, and desserts, based on your preferences. This is your chance to evaluate both the taste and presentation. The food will be served as it would on your wedding day, giving you a clear sense of its visual appeal and flavors.

Guest experience is also a key consideration. Mobile bar suppliers often recommend pairing the food with drink options, such as signature cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages, to create a cohesive and enjoyable dining experience.

3. Portion Sizes and Customisation

A key part of the tasting is evaluating portion sizes to ensure they suit your event. Grace from Pink Diamond Catering suggests to be “comfortable with the size of the portions to avoid food waste or running short,” highlighting the importance of finalising this detail during the tasting.

Customisation is equally important. Our caterers often offer flexible options like shared platters or interactive food stations, allowing guests to personalsze their servings. This is also the time to request adjustments, such as accommodating dietary needs or incorporating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

4. Service and Staff Interaction

While the food takes center stage, the service you experience during the tasting is just as important. The professionalism and attentiveness of the catering team provide insight into the level of service you can expect on your wedding day. Feeling supported and welcomed throughout the process will make you feel more confident in your choice. A knowledgeable and approachable team that discusses preparation methods, ingredient options, and menu adjustments can make all the difference.

Having analysed over 5000 reviews of our suppliers, clear and consistent communication with your caterer is frequently mentioned when evaluating a smooth experience. Establishing a good rapport early in the planning process helps ensure expectations are aligned and avoids any misunderstandings. A strong connection with your caterer helps set the stage for exceptional service on your big day.

5. Feedback and Final Details

After sampling the dishes, it’s time to provide feedback on both taste and presentation. Our caterers value detailed input as it helps them refine the menu to reflect your preferences. However, it’s important to remember that a tasting is not about finalising everything on the spot. Use this time to share your thoughts and explore potential adjustments. Once you’re satisfied, the caterer will provide an updated quote on our platform before proceeding to finalising the booking.

What Questions to Ask During Your Wedding Caterer Tasting

A wedding caterer tasting is your chance to refine your menu and finalize important details. It’s also an opportunity to address the finer points of service and logistics. Asking the right questions can provide clarity on what the caterer offers and help you feel confident in moving forward with your plans.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Can the menu be customised to include personal or seasonal touches?

• How do you accommodate dietary restrictions or guest allergies?

• What portion sizes are typically served, and can these be adjusted?

• What kind of service staff will be provided, and how will they manage food service during the event?

• Are there any additional costs, such as for travel or equipment, that we should know about?

• Do you offer any creative options for drinks or pairing recommendations with the menu?

How to Choose the Right Wedding Caterer After the Tasting

Once the tasting is over, it’s time to decide whether the caterer is the right fit for your wedding. Our events team have consulted with 1000s of customers and suppliers post tasting sessions and are more than happy to support you in this process. Here’s their top tips for evaluating a tasting session:

Taste, Presentation, and Personalisation

Reflect on the dishes you sampled. Did the food meet your expectations in both flavor and presentation? Our post event surveys show that couples often prefer caterers who are flexible and open to personalising menus. Consider how well the caterer can adapt dishes to match your theme or dietary needs. Are you and your partner from different countries? How well can the caterer accommodate a fusion style? Do you and your partner want to highlight the tastes of a favourite holiday destination? An ability to customise can make the menu feel uniquely yours.

Service and Staff Interaction

The service you experienced during the tasting should give you an idea of what to expect on your wedding day. Were the staff professional and attentive? Communication is key, so ensure they’re responsive and open to your feedback. Caterers often recommend having multiple discussions before the wedding to ensure expectations are clear. This rapport-building can make the big day run much more smoothly.

Packages and Budget

Most caterers offer wedding catering packages with prices ranging between £15 and £120+ per head, catering to a variety of budgets and preferences. Costs can vary based on factors like the type of service, such as plated meals or buffet-style, and the number of dishes included.

Packages generally cover essentials like food preparation, staffing, and service, but it’s important to confirm what’s included. Hidden costs, such as storage, equipment hire, travel expenses, or venue-related fees like parking and tolls, may not be immediately obvious. Exploring package options and understanding the details will ensure you select a caterer that aligns with your vision and budget.

For more insights and tips, you can explore our wedding catering costs guide to help you make informed decisions and plan effectively.

Promotions and Discounts

Don’t forget to inquire about potential discounts, especially if you’re planning a wedding during the off-peak season. Many caterers offer seasonal discounts during winter months, mid-week events, or the first three months of the year. Having analysed over 100000 wedding enquiries we can see that promotions are often available during quieter booking periods, such as Christmas or early in the year, making these times ideal for cost-saving opportunities.

If your wedding falls during these periods, it’s worth asking your caterer about available promotions or package upgrades. Small adjustments to your wedding date or timing could lead to meaningful savings while still delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Create a Menu That Leaves a Lasting Impression

Planning your wedding menu can feel like a big responsibility. Caterer tastings can simplify this process and make it more enjoyable. They allow you to try dishes, refine your choices, and collaborate with your caterer to craft a menu that perfectly complements your big day.

At Togather, we have a network of over 1,500 of the UK’s best wedding catering suppliers, including street food caterers, food trucks, hog roast specialists, and mobile bar providers. Discuss your menu plans with us, and let’s bring your dream wedding menu to life.

FAQs

1. How soon before a wedding should you do a tasting?

It’s recommended to schedule your tasting about 6–12 months before the wedding. This timeline allows you to finalize the menu well in advance while still having time to make adjustments based on your preferences or guest list changes. If your wedding falls during the peak season, aim to book even earlier to secure your preferred caterer.

2. Are wedding caterer tastings free?

This varies by caterer. Some include tastings as part of their package, especially after you’ve made a booking, while others charge a fee. Costs typically depend on the number of dishes sampled and the size of your tasting party. It’s always best to confirm any fees upfront to avoid surprises.

3. What should you bring to a wedding food tasting?

Bring a list of any dietary restrictions, a rough estimate of your guest count, and inspiration for your wedding theme or menu preferences. Photos of your venue or wedding décor can also help the caterer understand your vision. If you’ve already shortlisted dishes, share these with the caterer beforehand to streamline the tasting process.