Choosing the right caterer for your wedding can feel like a daunting task. As a wedding planner, I’ve seen firsthand how the catering experience can make or break a big day. This year, I’ve witnessed a few absolute disasters with caterers – situations where the wedding would have been a total crisis if we hadn’t been there to manage the chaos.
I’m sharing my top 10 tips to help you hire the perfect caterer in Melbourne and ensure your wedding day is a delicious, smooth success.
1. Book Your Caterer Early
This one is a no-brainer! Good caterers get booked up fast, especially during peak wedding seasons. So, as soon as you have your venue, date, and guest list locked in, start researching your catering options. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. I can’t stress this enough: book early to avoid disappointment.
2. Decide on Your Food Style (and Budget)
Catering takes up a large chunk of your wedding budget—around 20-25%. So, it’s essential to decide what kind of food you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you’re after a formal sit-down dinner, a casual buffet, or something fun like food trucks, knowing your style will help narrow down the options. If you’re unsure, don’t worry—many caterers will offer tastings, so you can explore different options before committing.
3. Ask About Menu Flexibility and Special Requests
Make sure to ask your caterer about flexibility in their menu. Can they accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, or nut allergies? Will they work with you if you have a specific vision for your menu? I’ve had clients who didn’t realise they could incorporate family recipes or unique touches into their catering, so make sure to ask if they’re open to customizations.
4. Clarify Drink Service and Corkage Fees
If you’re planning to provide your own alcohol, you need to confirm whether your caterer charges corkage fees and if they will serve the drinks for you. Some venues have restrictions on this, so always ask about their policies in advance. Understanding this can also impact your overall budget, so get clarity early on.
5. Ensure There’s a Front-of-House Manager
When it comes to smooth service, having a front-of-house manager is non-negotiable. This person will manage the timing of food service, ensure everything is delivered at the right temperature, and generally keep the event running on time. I always make it a point to include this requirement in my contracts because I’ve seen what happens when this role is missing—chaos! Ask your caterer if they’ll provide this vital service on the day.
6. Discuss Staffing Levels
Adequate staffing is key to keeping everything running smoothly. You don’t want your guests waiting around for food or drinks. Make sure to ask your caterer how many staff members they will have for your event. A good caterer should have enough staff to manage everything from serving food to topping up drinks, especially if you have a larger guest list.
7. Understand Service Style and Timing
How your food is served will affect the flow of the evening. Will it be plated and served to each guest, or will it be buffet-style where guests serve themselves? For something like food trucks or stations, you’ll need to think about how to manage the service so that guests aren’t waiting too long. I’ve seen pizza trucks where the tables waited for ages, and guests started to get “hangry”—not fun!
8. Taste Before You Commit
Food is a huge part of your wedding experience, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the menu. Many caterers offer tastings, so take advantage of this opportunity to sample the food. However, remember that a great tasting doesn’t always translate to great service on the day. Be sure to also consider the caterer’s professionalism and reliability, not just the taste of the food.
9. Check Recommendations and Reviews
I can’t stress enough how important it is to go by recommendations when hiring your caterer. Ask other vendors, like your florist or photographer, who they’ve worked with and would recommend. Talk to your venue—some wedding venues in Melbourne have a list preferred caterers they work with regularly because they know they’re reliable. Don’t just take a caterer’s word for it; always check for reviews and past customer feedback. If a caterer doesn’t have any glowing recommendations, that’s a red flag.
10. Don’t Overlook the Little Details
It’s easy to get swept up in the big decisions, but don’t forget the little things that can make a big impact. Will the caterer provide the right tableware (cutlery, crockery, etc.)? Do you want to upgrade your plates or add charger plates for extra flair? Some caterers offer these options, while others might not, so be sure to ask about it. I had a client who had no idea they could choose colored napkins or upgrade their cutlery until after their tasting—these little touches can make a big difference in your wedding’s overall aesthetic.
ACC Catering
When it comes to finding a caterer in Melbourne that meets all of these criteria, ACC Catering is a great option to consider. With years of experience, ACC Catering has built a reputation for providing high-quality catering services that are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of their clients.
In addition to their impressive credentials, it’s worth noting that ACC Catering was awarded National Caterer of the Year by ABIA in 2017, further strengthens their position as one of the top caterers in the country. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in the catering industry, and is a testament to ACC Catering’s commitment to providing exceptional service and quality.
When you choose ACC Catering for your wedding, you can trust that you are in capable hands and that your reception will be a success.
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