Booking a caterer for your wedding can seem like a stressful process at times. However, we have five hot topics from Greenleaf Catering to consider when choosing caterers to make sure you have all the right information and no hidden surprises are waiting for you.

For which locations is the caterer accredited?

Not all caterers can work in every venue, and many venues have an approved list of trusted caterers. If you have a preferred caterer, but do not yet have a preferred wedding location, always ask the caterer which locations he has a relationship with. Alternatively, if you have a preferred venue or hotel, check with them first to find out who their approved caterers are.

If you want your caterer to work with a new venue or hotel, be aware that they will typically need to go through an approval process that will allow the caterer to provide their catering at the desired venue.

It’s always a good idea to check the caterer’s website to find out which venues they work with on a regular basis, as reputable companies usually feature their partner locations with pictures, videos, and event information on their website.

If you have special culinary or dietary requirements, check with your caterer during the inquiry phase.

Your caterer should be able to customize their dishes and recipes to suit your preferences and requirements. However, if you have something very specific in mind, it is a good idea to discuss this with your caterer in the early stages of your inquiry so you can make sure they can meet your needs within your allotted budget. You don’t want any hidden surprises further down the line! The caterer can arrange a tasting menu for you once your booking is confirmed. Use this opportunity to discuss the dishes and their presentation in detail with your caterer.

Will the caterer’s event manager manage your event and your suppliers?

Every caterer has a manager who “runs” your wedding and makes sure that everything is as it should be. It is important to understand from the start whether they are just running the catering team or other aspects of the event. For example, your caterer can help you recommend and book other suppliers. This will help you assess how much support they offer and whether you might need a wedding planner that day as well.

Who will be your main point of contact at each stage?

To make sure you are always speaking to the right person, it is important to know who your primary contact is at every stage of the planning process and on the big day. Understanding this will enable you to meet your expectations for the booking and planning phases of the process.

What insurance coverage does your caterer have?

Companies operating in the events industry should have business, company and product liability insurance. Caterers are almost always required to take out insurance due to the risk of injury to customers and guests as well as possible damage to venue property. This also shows their reliability and credibility. A reputable UK based company should have at least £ 10m in coverage. If a caterer does not have liability insurance or has less than the recommended coverage level, use this as a guide to conduct further due diligence.

All of the above are important questions to ask yourself when booking your wedding caterer to ensure that you are choosing the best possible company for such an important and magical day.

* Greenleaf Catering has grown to become one of the UK’s premier Asian cuisine caterers. With an emphasis on exquisite catering, bespoke event management and a proven track record in first class service. Catering has been Greenleaf’s passion for over thirty years, constantly introducing new and imaginative menus with a contemporary flair to highlight the exquisite tastes and flavors of Asian cuisine.