Wedding catering: everything you need to know to hire catering and tips to choose the most delicious menu

Wedding catering: everything you need to know to hire catering and tips to choose the most delicious menu.

Time to begin enjoying a sumptuous cocktail and tasting delicious appetizers is one of the favorite moments for guests. That is why finding a good wedding caterer is extremely important.

Because it depends entirely on the catering how it will be the moment when the bride and groom meet all the guests, when they can relax, talk and begin to celebrate the start of family life of the couple, the moment when the music starts to play and the real fun begins!

Could you imagine a better way to do it than being in the middle of tables and trays with appetizing canapés?

When it comes to hiring the catering service for your wedding day you need to know some important aspects, and that’s why we are here today. Do you want to know how to choose the best catering for weddings and get it right? Then don’t miss out on everything we tell you below!

Wedding in Andalusia - Perfect Venue
Photo by Silvia Sánchez

How much does the catering cost per person?

The average cost of the catering is between 75 and 150 euros per person and normally, the open bar must be paid additionally.

How much does a wedding catering cost?

Taking into account the cost of catering per person, if we count on a menu of 75 euros per person and you have 150 guests, your wedding catering would cost 11250 euros. But think that each guest usually pays for his menu!

What does catering include?

Catering is more than just a food and drink service. In addition to serving delicious food and drinks, it can also provide furniture, table linen, tableware, cutlery, kitchen and cleaning staff service, etc.

So, when deciding on your catering, ask for everything that is included! 

Cortijo los Agustinos

How many types of catering are?

You can choose between three options:

The buffet

It is one of the most fashionable kinds of catering that is becoming more and more popular at weddings. A buffet is characterized by serving a large number of different dishes on a large table, where a combination of hot and cold dishes, such as pizzas, hot dogs, cheeses, sushiGuests, or diners, take a plate and serve themselves what they want to eat. This is one of the most requested types of catering when couples have a large number of guests.

Cocktail 

This means that guests are standing at all times and waiters pass hot and cold snacks as well as drinks. Food stations are also often set up, such as a fried fish table, a live cooking show, cheese tables, beer bars, etc.

Traditional banquet

Traditional catering consists of a cocktail reception first, followed by a seated banquet. Finally, it is the turn of the drinks and the party.

Castell de Santa Florentina
Castell de Santa Florentina

Tastes and requirements

When choosing the wedding menu, you have to think about your tastes, but also those of your guests, as well as their needs to make the evening as pleasant as possible for everyone.

If there are allergic people, intolerant to certain foods, people with religious beliefs

If there are guests who can’t try certain foods or products you have to ask all of them to indicate to you if they will need special menus. A quality catering service includes these types of options.

For children

Make it easy with a menu that is attractive to them, something easy to eat so that there is no need for adults to help them, something familiar so that they know the taste and won’t hesitate to make the first bite. And don’t forget to include surprises that will make them happy, such as a small toy or a sweet treat!

If there are elderly people

You have to think about their comfort, if the aperitif is outdoors, guarantee them a place with shade, in summer, or outdoor stoves and blankets, in winter. For the dinner, even if it’s a cocktail party, make sure that there are available seats for them. And don’t forget to ask if anyone has special needs.

Wedding in Barcelona - Perfect Venue
Photo by Juanlu Rojano

Decoration and furniture

Take into account some extras when looking for your catering, such as the possibility of choosing between different table linens or glassware, decide what tableware or chairs you want to use for the event. Yes, in many occasions catering companies offer the table decoration service (including tableware, cutlery and crockery), as well as the banquet furniture.

Waiter service: How many waiters are hired per table?

It all depends on the type of catering you have chosen! If it is just a buffet, 2 waiters for 100 people is more than enough, as it is not necessary for the waiters to go to each table to serve.

On the other hand, if the waiter must serve the guests, then 8 waiters per 100 people will be necessary.

And if the food must be served at each table, and also drinks, 10 waiters will be necessary for every 100 guests.

Remember, you can even ask to choose the uniform to be worn by the waiters! 

Catering for outdoor weddings

A wedding outdoors is one of the bride and groom’s favorite part of their big day. So, if you’ve been captivated by the scenery, why not enjoy it during your menu tasting?

If you like the idea, you can opt for catering among trees: the sensation of taking a few sips surrounded by nature is unforgettable. And an aperitif in the open air is undoubtedly a sure bet for success. Because wandering from stall to stall choosing the best tapas, taking part in a live cooking show and being able to do it outdoors and create relaxed atmosphere.

The same goes for a dinner under the stars, among trees with candles, lights, lamps, paper lanterns… It is a magical experience that will make your wedding one of the most talked about events of all times.

Hotel Santa Marta

Catering for themed weddings

Yes, there are themed catering services, which, without departing from the concept of traditional catering, offer attendees an exclusive and unique experience. Themed catering can be focused on different types of celebrations, such as seasons or colors. There are also themed caterings according to locations, such as countries or regions.

Have you ever thought of having an Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, American, Italian, Indian or American food catering for your wedding? We love the idea!

Decoration harmony

Decoration of the venue has to say a lot about you. That day you say “I do” there has to be harmony in everything that surrounds you and your guests have to recognize every touch that defines your essence, so make sure that the wedding caterer you choose can help you to keep harmony with the chosen style.

Personal style

Your goal should be to make your wedding truly yours. It’s the most important day of your life and you can’t miss the opportunity to make it something very special – you have to make your wedding unique and very authentic!

You will see that all your guests will notice those personal details and recognize you in them. To choose it correctly, think about you and what you want, don’t try to please everyone and feel free to design a wedding according to your needs.

La Fortaleza Mallorca. Photo by Pablo Laguia

Book your catering in advance

Planning ahead is important because it is very practical, and this is useful not only for the preparation of your wedding, but for many aspects of life.

Thinking ahead for your wedding catering allows you to choose a high-quality caterer, to book that menu you love and to hire an exclusive service to match your big day.

The season of the year is important

Yes, a summer wedding is not the same as winter one, and that is also reflected in the choice of menus. You don’t want the same dishes during hot summer and cold weather, do you? Well, think about the time of the year when you’re going to choose the menu!

Summer wedding

High temperatures make people want to cool off. So, you can’t miss refreshing drinks, cocktails or a lemonade bar to welcome friends and family before the beginning of the ceremony.

Look for light options for the meal, such as beers with different tapas and snacks or white wines with light dishes.

A good option would be to organize this moment around different stalls, so that each guest can choose what he or she likes the most at that moment. And don’t let the dinner be too heavy!

Winter wedding

The need to refresh yourself is changing into the need to warm up. So, if your wedding is in winter, take into account dishes such as broths and consommés, which can be the best option for the first meal on your wedding receptions after the ceremony. 

On the other hand, the most appropriate appetizers for weddings at this time of year are traditional stews cooked in the oven and game dishes to keep warm.

Palacio Villapanes. Photo by Silvia Sánchez

And now… Best tips for choosing the wedding menu!

First of all: choose a professional caterer. They will advise you, using their experience and know-how, guaranteeing you the appropriate level of service. The choice of the wedding menu depends not only on the dishes that will be served, but also on how they will be served at the table and how your guests will perceive the whole experience.

When you meet with them to design your wedding menu, share your thoughts, ideas and sources of inspiration. Tell them about your theme for decor and style. Let them know what your favorite dishes are, what foods from around the world you’ve tried and loved, and what ingredients you can’t miss on the most important day of your life.

And don’t worry because… everything will be fine.

 

Are you ready to start the great adventure of your wedding? At Perfect Venue we are waiting for you to help you with the choice of your catering and with everything you need.

Contact us now! +34 722 476 027

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