Catering Tips

Weddings are really just great big parties - albeit celebrating one awesome occasion - and parties need one thing to be truly fantastic: FOOD! This week on the QB blog we're going to look at some food related queries and help you make some tasty choices.

Here are some simple tips to help you plan your reception catering. A lot of the details will resolve themselves when you look at your theme, budget and guest list. So think about that first before make any decisions. 

1. Choose the right caterer

If you are planning to have your reception in a private home, garden or venue that doesn't offer an in-house catering service, then you might just find choosing an independent caterer or catering company slightly confusing and difficult. There's a plethora of talented and professional catering services available out there, and it is a decision that deserves careful thought. Find a caterer who can work within your budget without forsaking taste, style and variety. 

Image from the wedding of Alexandra and Fortunato

2. Don't be afraid to be adventurous

When choosing the menu for your reception, don't be afraid to be adventurous - having a variety of cuisines and some sophisticated dishes can give your guests a great culinary journey. Be sure to make suggestions to your caterer if you have a favourite recipe or dish you would like included as they are more often than not willing and able to interpret your ideas into the menu. 

Image from the wedding of Sheridan and James

3. Don't forget about dietary requirements!

Don't forget that some of your guests could be vegetarian or have allergies to nuts or dairy, so be sure to include some alternatives to cater for this increasingly common possibility! It is a good idea to make a note of this on your invitations and ask guests to let you know if this applies to them so that you can better estimate what dishes will be needed, or avoided entirely. 

Image from the wedding of Troy and Johanna

4. If you don't like it, don't serve it!

When you think about what kind of reception you want to have, think about how you want to serve food. For example, if you're having a casual outdoor wedding, a relaxed BBQ could be a fun idea. On the other end of the scale, a more formal affair could be the right time to have a traditional sit-sown dinner. Whether it be buffet, cocktail, sit-down, or even BBQ make sure your food suits you - the couple. If you don't like the food, don't serve it!

QB x

Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.