How to choose a wedding caterer

Learning how to choose a wedding caterer is really about learning what to ask. The food is the part of the day guests remember for years, and the caterer sits behind almost every hour of it, from the first drink to the last plate cleared. This guide sets out how we think couples should compare caterers across Buckinghamshire, London and the home counties, drawn from what we do at Blame Frank.

Start with the day, not the menu

A good caterer asks about your day before they talk about dishes. Guest numbers, the venue, the time of year and how you want the day to feel all shape what belongs on the table. We cater one wedding a day, so the team that plans your food is the team that cooks and serves it.

If a caterer sends a fixed menu before they understand your plans, treat that as a signal. Your menu should follow your day, not the other way around.

Ask how they actually work on site

Ask where the food is cooked, what equipment they bring and what they need from the venue. We bring our own cooking and serving kit and can work from a venue kitchen or a gazebo kitchen, so we are not limited to venues with fitted facilities. We need power, water and parking, and we arrive hours ahead to set up and stay to clear down.

Ask about service style too. Plated, tray and buffet each change the pace of the day, and the right choice depends on your numbers and your room.

A tray of wedding canapes — Canapes plated to order, not held under lamps

Book a tasting before you commit

A tasting tells you more than any brochure. You see how the food is cooked, seasoned and presented, and you meet the people who will run your day. The tasting is the most useful step you can take before committing to a caterer.

Bring your questions on dietary needs to the tasting. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and halal diets, and we handle allergies with care.

Compare quotes on the same terms

Quotes are only comparable when they cover the same things. Check whether staff, setup, clear-down, hire and drinks are included, and whether the price holds for your final numbers. We take a 20 percent deposit to hold the date, with the balance due three weeks before, and numbers can be adjusted up to four weeks before.

Read recent reviews as well. Our reviews hold a 5.0 rating on Google, and past couples are the clearest guide to what working with a caterer is like.

Frequently asked questions

Most couples book their caterer six to twelve months ahead, and popular dates go first. We cater one wedding a day, so an earlier enquiry gives you the best chance of holding your date. If your date is close, it is still worth asking, as we can sometimes accommodate shorter lead times depending on the diary.

A tasting is a run through of the dishes you are considering, so you can judge the cooking, seasoning and presentation before you commit. You also meet the team who would run your day. It is the most useful step before booking, and we talk through any dietary needs while we are there.

Yes. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and halal diets, and we build these into the menu rather than treating them as an afterthought. We also handle allergies carefully in the kitchen and on service. Share your guests' requirements early and we will plan dishes that work for the whole room.

How to choose a wedding caterer in Buckinghamshire