Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and every aspect of it should be memorable, including the catering. While planning a wedding involves countless decisions, one area where couples may be tempted to cut costs is catering. However, choosing the cheapest option for your wedding catering may not be the wisest decision. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why you shouldn't go cheap when it comes to your wedding catering and a real-life example of really bad planning.
Catering Expertise:
Catering is an art that requires skill, experience, and event expertise. Professional wedding caterers have the knowledge and the training to create a diverse and delicious menu that suits your preferences and if necessary dietary needs. They have experience with different cooking techniques, food presentations, and timings for feeding large numbers of people. Opting for cheap catering services often means compromising the quality of the food and the skills of the catering team, which could impact the overall dining experience for you and your guests.
Customization and Personalization:
Your wedding day is unique, and the catering should reflect your individuality as a couple. There are many professional caterers that can offer exactly what you are looking for in the way of personalized services, working closely with you to design a menu that aligns with your vision and theme. Those that can accommodate specific dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. Create signature dishes that leave a lasting impression. If you haven't planned your wedding properly for whatever reason and cheap catering options are all you have left for the remainder of a small budget then you have limited yourself to a service that lacks the flexibility to cater to your specific desires, resulting in a generic and uninspiring dining experience.
Attention to Detail:
When it comes to your wedding day, it's all about the details. Professional wedding caterers understand the importance of presentation and pay close attention to even the smallest of details. From beautifully arranged food stations to exquisite table settings, they go the extra mile to create a visually stunning ambience. Inexperienced or cheap caterers often neglect these crucial elements, leading to a lacklustre overall experience that has no atmospheric or aesthetically pleasing elements, this in turn fails to create a lasting impression on you and your guests. In other words, you can have all the bells and whistles you want but you really don't want your celebration to end at the buffet table.
Service and Professionalism:
The level of service at your wedding can greatly impact the overall experience. Professional caterers have well-trained staff who are adept at delivering exceptional service. They understand the significance of your big day and strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for your guests. From the warm welcome to the attentive servers, every aspect of the service is meticulously planned and executed. Cheap catering services often lack the necessary resources and professional staff, leading to subpar service and potentially leaving a negative impression on your wedding day.
Peace of Mind:
Your wedding day should be stress-free and enjoyable. Choosing a reputable and experienced wedding caterer can alleviate a significant amount of stress associated with the catering aspect. Professional caterers handle all the logistics, from menu planning and ingredient sourcing to food preparation and presentation. They have the expertise to handle any last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a seamless catering experience. Opting for a cheap catering option may lead to unexpected problems, leaving you and your loved ones to deal with unnecessary stress on a day that should be filled with happiness.
This is a real-life story of bad planning
If you've read any of my blog posts then you know I've seen a lot in my 30 years in the hospitality industry in 2 countries. Catering isn't just my profession it's my passion. I've seen wedding disasters and I know what makes a wedding celebration a triumph. Your catering should be the largest expense in your wedding budget, that is a fact and booking your catering should be done as soon as you've chosen your date and booked your venue (check your venue allows outside catering for more food options). So here's the tea I got a quote request 2 weeks before the wedding, that went like this:
"Estimated headcount: 80 - 90 Looking for a wedding buffet quote, for sandwiches, quiche, pizza etc. We only want to spend £100, £1 a head would be preferable."
My first reaction was, how can anyone actually be serious with this, they're actually asking a catering professional to essentially work for free because once sandwich, quiche and pizza ingredients have been purchased, enough ingredients to feed 90 people, I'm now supposed to create them and be paid with what's left, then there was an etc. so they wanted more food for 90 people. £100 doesn't even start to cover everything you need not the ingredients, the caterer's time, overheads or even the petrol to deliver it to the venue. This is not viable, this is bad planning, and this is cutting costs on something that should be a lot more important. To find out more about this quote, why it doesn't work and what the client could have done instead please read it here >>>>
While it may be tempting to cut costs on your wedding catering, it's crucial to remember that the quality of food and service can significantly impact your special day. By investing in a professional and experienced wedding caterer, you ensure that your guests are treated to a culinary experience that matches the significance of the occasion. So, prioritize quality, customization, attention to detail, and a professional service when selecting your wedding caterer. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and providing your loved ones with a remarkable dining experience will create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Blog post by Lorna Robins at Buffet Heroes,
a family catering business in Stockport.
For more info contact us at info@buffetheroes.com
or for a quote www.buffetheroes.com