Marquee top tips – catering

Are you one of the fortunate people to have an event at home or at least in the grounds of someone that cares about you? Congratulations on having the opportunity to create an event truly personal and individual. But has the initial excitement now paved way for disorder and distress? If so you’re not alone, home weddings are DIFFICULT. It’s a much greater challenge than a hotel or venue because you have to organise everything from scratch, with no professional to guide you along the way. Over the last 7 years I have organised many home events and have become known as an expert amongst planners and clients alike. Personally I love them, yes its hard work but the results are worth it. So every Monday I will be passing on some of my top tip.
Like with all suppliers meet at least 2 caterers before making a decision on who to use. When comparing quotations check whether it includes:

• • Staff for the wedding breakfast, drink reception, bar, wine serving & clearing
  • Cutlery, crockery and glassware
  • All cooking equipment & refrigeration trailers
• I also advise asking whether their staff is agency or regular waitresses they have worked with frequently. This can make a big difference on the day.
• Check with your caterers what size catering tent they need to service your wedding proficiently
• Ensure your caterers have access to fresh water, this can be simply an extendable hose into the catering tent
• Ask your caterer how many staff they need to cater for your wedding in a timely manner, this is not an area to save costs on. As a guide for a plated service you need 1 waitress/waiter per 10 guests.
• Reiterate to the caterers that all wastage, including water from the urn should be taken off site and disposed of, otherwise you may be looking at a hefty bill for damage to the lawn

Photo credit: Nick KontouServices: If you need help planning your marquee event view our main website for more information on how we can help you.