How to choose wedding catering

1. Start well in advance

Quality catering companies have their calendars full months ahead, especially during peak wedding season from May to September. Ideally begin your search 6–12 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time for personal meetings, comparing offers and tastings.

If you are planning a wedding on a popular date (Saturday in June, July or August), expect that the best companies may be booked up to a year in advance. Do not postpone reaching out to the last minute — the earlier you start, the more options you will have.

2. Define your budget

Catering typically makes up 30–40% of the total wedding budget.

When building your budget, don't forget to include not just food, but also beverages, staff, transport, equipment (tableware, tables, tents) and any surcharges for special requests. Ask the catering company for a complete price breakdown including all items to avoid unpleasant surprises.

3. Choose your catering style

The catering style should match the character of your wedding and venue. You can choose from several main formats:

Buffet — guests choose from a varied selection of dishes. The advantage is variety and the ability to satisfy different tastes. A buffet is ideal for less formal weddings and larger guest counts.

Served menu (seated dinner) — an elegant option where courses are served directly to each place setting. It creates a more formal impression and is suitable for small to medium-sized weddings.

BBQ & grill show — a modern trend that combines great food with entertainment. Live grilling in front of guests is an experience in itself. Perfect for outdoor summer weddings and as an evening program after a formal lunch.

4. A tasting is essential

Never order wedding catering without a prior tasting. Most reputable companies offer tastings as part of the preparation — either free of charge or for a symbolic fee that is then deducted from the final price.

During the tasting, focus not only on taste but also on the presentation of dishes, portion sizes and serving temperature. Good food should look appealing and be served at the right temperature. Don't be afraid to give feedback — a professional caterer will gladly incorporate your comments and fine-tune the menu to your wishes.

5. Ask for references

Ask the catering company for references from previous weddings. Ideally contact former clients directly and ask about their experiences. Key questions to ask: Was the food served on time and at the right temperature? How did the staff coordinate with other vendors? Were there any on-site issues and how quickly were they resolved? Did the final price match the original quote?

6. Address guests' dietary needs

At every wedding, there will be someone with a food allergy, intolerance or special dietary regime. Plan for gluten-free options, vegetarian and vegan menus, and allergens such as lactose, nuts or seafood. A professional catering company should be able to prepare alternatives without compromising on quality.

7. Don't forget beverages

Beverage package (flat rate) — for a fixed price per person you get unlimited drinks for the duration of the event. The advantage is a predictable budget.

Open bar — you pay for drinks actually consumed. Can be cheaper or more expensive than flat rate, depending on your guests' drinking habits.

Combination — for example, unlimited wine and beer, premium cocktails at a surcharge. This option is popular because it provides a base for everyone while allowing premium services.