Key Questions To Ask Your Bar And Caterer

Now food and drink has to be one of my favourite topics and are two major elements which can help to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. That’s why I’m sharing some key questions to ask your bar and caterer to help you ask all the things you really need to know. That way you can make sure your choices complement your day…

A tray of red berry bramble cocktails ready to be served to guests during the drinks reception at Middleton Lodge. Image credit – Freya Raby Photography

1. Will our welcome drink be served as a station or roaming?

Will guests come up to a table/bar/drinks wall and help themselves or will bar staff be mingling and serve drinks from trays? Or will they do a mixture of both? It’s good to know what to expect on the day!

2. Will canapes be served roaming?

In my personal opinion it’s a great idea to have canapés served roaming. The waiting team can then make sure everyone has had some and that it’s not just the guests by the table/kitchen door who end up eating them all. Don’t forget to ask your caterer to bring you a separate couples canape board so you don’t miss out on any tasty treats while you’re mingling.

3. How will our starters/mains/desserts be served?

This will all depend on the menu you choose, so it’s important to ask. Service style will vary depending on whether you choose sharing, plated, BBQ, buffet etc. You may even opt to switch between a few menu styles, so knowing what to expect is key.

4. Do your menus change depending on the season?

Your food and drinks menus may change depending on the season you choose to get married, especially if your caterer/bar use locally sourced produce. This can therefore, have an impact on your choices.

5. Do you provide cutlery, crockery & glassware? If so, what does this look like and is this included in our quotation?

This will depend on your caterer/bar/venue as to who provides this, so always ask so you are aware when comparing quotations/finalising details. You may also want to opt for a certain style of plate/colour of cutlery etc and if they can’t accommodate your preferences you may want to source this elsewhere.

6. What do you require from our venue?

It’s important that you understand any aspects which may impact or limit your suppliers being able to produce or serve your desired menus. Catering and bar facilities will vary from venue to venue and this is why I recommend checking your supplier’s requirements so you can make sure everything is ready ahead of time.

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