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Wedding Catering - An important part of the guest experience
The most successful and memorable weddings are those at which guests leave happy and satisfied. This has to be the ultimate goal of all brides and grooms to be. The host must ensure that guests are looked after and the limits of hospitality know no bounds. In short, this means to provide food and drink aplenty. Although for the bride and groom, the day will flash by, for guests it is inevitably a long day. The wedding catering therefore needs to be spot on and needs of those arriving to share the special day have to be carefully considered throughout the program of events.
One of the biggest expenses will be the food and drink, so here are a few tips on how to make sure that you get your money's worth and your guests feel thoroughly pampered. Firstly, it is important to plan the day itself, decide on ceremony and reception timings. Will there be refreshments on offer prior to the ceremony or immediately after? Is there more than one ceremony on the day? If so, how will guests be looked after during this time? An experienced wedding caterer will be able to advise you expertly on how to factor in time for refreshments and the main dinner. Remember the wedding caterer has the know-how and has experienced countless weddings days, they will know what works well. For example, it is awful to be waiting for a bride and groom to finish their photo shoot so the main reception can begin. However if this takes place during a cocktail hour, guests won't even notice the time. Good feedback from guests is by far the most valuable praise wedding caterers can attain, as it will no doubt result in word of mouth recommendations.
In many cultures the offering of refreshments on guest arrival is essential. If there is time for refreshments prior to the ceremony, will this be a beverage or will there be accompaniments? Will there be a light snack offered? Canapes are usually served alongside beverages after the main ceremony or on arrival of the main body of guests. Wedding catering is not just about the main sit down meal at the reception, it is much more intense. Especially true if guests have travelled great distances to share the occasion, then it goes without saying that they need to experience a certain standard of hospitality from the moment they arrive. Yes, valet parking is great, a wedding program is useful and a lovely keepsake but a glass of juice or wine on arrival will be much more appreciated and the gesture will be remembered. Discuss service options with your wedding caterer, whether tray service at particular times or a drinks bar will be more effective.
If the day is going to be long and guests will be arriving at different times, ensure the wedding caterer is aware and the correct arrangements are made for their welcome. During the more formal cocktail reception hour, canapes are a must if your guests have been present for the ceremony. A small selection of bitesized delicacies, the wedding caterer will usually advise on the most popular non-veg and veggie choices, will go down a treat and it is important to serve hot canapes alongside cold ones. If a reputable wedding caterer has been selected, the main meal will no doubt be delicious. A point to be noted at the time of choosing menus is not to forget those who have specific dietary obligations and also to stress to the caterer that the food must be served hot and in as little time as possible. It is such a disappointment to watch people around you enjoying their food while waiting for your table to be served. Ensure your guests leave totally satisfied and your wedding will be the talk of the town.