Australian Bridal Directory

Catering for your wedding is going to be one of the biggest, if not THE biggest allocation of your wedding budget. It is something, which is going to be talked about for some time, and will leave a lasting impression amongst some of your guests. This will be particularly important for parents amongst their friends as having face is vital, and problems with the catering will reflect on them.

So how do you choose the right caterer? Aren't they all the same? What's the average price? These are some of the most commonly asked questions asked by couples planning their big day.

Choosing the right caterer for you can depend on various factors. Because you only get married once, you should ensure that everything is special. The best advice we can give you is to ask around. Family members and friends who have attended recent wedding functions are usually good sources of information about caterers, as are receptions and function centers. Who did the catering? How was it? Some venues allow for different caterers so they might be able to offer some guidance in selecting the right caterer for your wedding needs.

Catering is not an easy task and with the number of new caterers emerging in recent years, there is a vast difference in both levels of food and service. Unless you personally know the caterer or have experienced the quality of their food and service, going with someone who you have no knowledge of can be quite risky. Many caterers out there, and more in recent years are literally back yard operators. That is, ask where food is prepared. The majority of the grounding would be done on the same day at the venue itself, but food needs to be prepared in a safe and legal manner in a hygienic food environment. Ask you cater if they have a central kitchen. How long have they been in operation? How do they transport their food?

One of the biggest factors in determining who you choose will be cost. Like with most things, you get what you pay for. The average cost of a good quality ten course banquet per person, should start at around the $60 mark. Be wary of those who can offer much lower prices. There are some caterers who, in their attempt to cut costs and reduce their price, take many short cuts adversely affecting their quality. Such things can include, smaller portions, fake ingredients such as shark fin, or non fresh produce such as lobster. Using frozen shell fish will reduce overheads but will come at another cost in being recognised by guests. In the end, go with what you are comfortable with and what you can afford. After all, it is your wedding day and you won’t get another chance at repeating it.