What are some wedding catering tips?

Start by agreeing your budget and guest numbers, then ask your venue whether you must use their caterer or can bring your own. Book early, as popular caterers are often taken a year or more ahead. Send out your invitations with a dietary requirements section, and collect allergies and preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal. Ask your caterer how they handle these, and whether they can offer a separate menu for those guests. Arrange a tasting session with your caterer a few months before the wedding, and bring your partner or a trusted friend to help you decide. Choose dishes that hold up well when served to many people at once, such as slow-cooked meats or tray-baked dishes, rather than fiddly plates that go cold. Think about the timing of the meal, and build in time for speeches, photos and dancing. Plan for evening food too, such as pizza, chips or a late-night snack bar, especially if you have guests arriving after the meal. Finally, confirm final numbers with your caterer about a week before, and remind them of any last-minute dietary changes.