On the countdown to your wedding, there are plenty of planning considerations for you to juggle, which can make it difficult to see the wood for the trees. The food and drink that you offer on the big day will be a key talking point for your guests, making this an understandably vital element of your big day.
That’s why today, we’re discussing some considerations for future brides and grooms when it comes to wedding catering. From accommodating dietary requirements to offering wider inclusivity and maximising eco-friendliness, we’ve got it covered so you can organise the responsibilities of all involved, and ensure everything runs like clockwork on the day.
Plan and think ahead
Ensure that you read through all of the information the caterer sends you as they’ll usually bring all the appliances and food that they require, but if there’s no kitchen, they may request a catering tent to work from. If your reception is set to take place outdoors in the country, consider where your water and electricity are coming from ahead of the event to ensure there are no hiccups on the big day itself.
We also suggest checking the times of when you’re allowed into your chosen reception venue if you’re hiring a tent or a marquee to ensure you’re fully prepared, in enough time, for the big day. From decorating the space to laying the tables, by being prepared, you can make sure the area looks its best ahead of the day with time to change things, should you need to do so, to ensure everyone will be well catered for. Planning ahead will also mean you can allocate any additional responsibilities early on, so the small but important details can be finalised in advance of the event.
With the advancement of technology, a site visit might not be necessary – but if it puts your mind at ease, then your chosen caterer could meet you at the location so you can run through everything ahead of your day. By planning in advance, you could save both time and money while minimising any unforeseen mishaps before they occur so your day will run as smoothly as possible.
Cater for all of your guests
Your menu can be as unique as you want it to be, gone are the days of aligning with a strict etiquette when hosting a wedding reception. From a series of tasting stations to a traditional sit down meal, you have the freedom to make your wedding catering as simple or as elaborate as you fancy.
These days, it’s rare that there are no specific dietary requirements for parties, events and weddings, therefore it’s important for your caterer to provide your guests with a delicious alternative from the off, instead of leaving them to be just an afterthought. So, make sure you discuss alternatives with your caterer before the event. If there are going to be little ones at your wedding, it’s worth considering a caterer who offers food that the kids will want to dig into as well. With all of this considered, you can ensure that everyone from the youngest flower girl to the oldest grandparent is catered for.
Think eco-friendly
Choose a caterer with the environment in mind to ensure your wedding also accommodates doing your bit for the planet. Picking a caterer who buys their produce locally means their food transport miles will be reduced when sourcing ingredients, which is the biggest step you can take to improve sustainability while also boosting the local economy.
If your caterer disposes of food waste using an environmentally friendly method, this could also be very cost-effective – and donating leftovers from your event is a great way to ensure you’re putting the planet first. However, you could minimise the leftovers from your event by really thinking about how much food you need, discussing this with your caterer, and adjusting your order accordingly.
Using disposable serveware may seem like a great idea initially, however can become a large source of pollution in nearby oceans, lakes and landfills if not disposed of correctly. While opting for single-use plates and cutlery may save time during the clean up after the event, it’s important to consider the impact on the environment. Biodegradable disposables that offer a sustainable alternative to foam or plastic products are not only environmentally friendly, but will provide a rustic and trendy aesthetic. From biodegradable cups to bamboo utensils and bowls, opt for these eco-friendly alternatives to ensure you’re protecting the environment as much as possible.
Caterers don’t necessarily always provide staff to serve your drinks, so instead of offering guests individual cans of soda or bottles of water, use beverage dispensers alongside your sustainable utensils to limit your use of disposable plastics. While also saving you money on hiring staff, this planet-friendly option can even allow you more creativity in what you serve. For example, why not try infusing beverages like tea or lemonade with fresh fruit and herbs for a more personalised finishing touch?
Photo by Kelly Jean on Unsplash
Catering for a wedding is no casual affair, and getting it right is a must. With advanced planning, catering for all your guests needs and thinking more sustainably will help your wedding day run a lot more smoothly. We hope you’ll be inspired by our catering considerations to help you on your way to creating the wedding you have always dreamed of!
Author bio:
Elizabeth Raw is the web sales manager for R+R Packaging, providers of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials for businesses within a wide variety of industries.
Feature Photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels
