Wedding Catering Costs – Things to consider!
There’s no two ways about it, a wedding can be a costly thing, but when you break it down, there are ways to ensure it doesn’t have to bust your budget. For instance, when you’re looking into wedding catering costs – things to consider could include what tableware you need, how many courses and what style of food you are looking for.
Here are a few wedding catering cost pointers that you may want to consider before you decide on the type of food and presentation on your big day:
Glassware – do you need expensive glassware on the table? Think about your guests, are they the sort to be sitting quietly and carefully at the wedding, making sure that nothing gets broken, or would they be more likely to want a cheery and fun time? If needs be, you can cut the cost of your wedding glassware with cheaper options or even good disposable ones. Did you know that you can hire glasses from your local supermarket? Something to consider.
Linen – similarly, think about table cloths and napkins, do they have to be the best that money can buy, because this is another way to cut the cost of your wedding catering. If you are having a tipi or yurt with long wooden tables you may not need any linen or maybe just something simple like hessian table runners. The tables themselves will look all rustic and stunning with very little dressing. Plus it is always worth thinking about any gaps in wooden tables – we’ve seen many a glass drop through a gap in the table that was covered by a table runner!
How many courses? – It is always important to have enough food (running out of food is the worst nightmare for us chefs!) but you don’t need to have loads of canapes, three courses than a huge evening buffet. Obviously, the more courses you have, the more expensive it will be.
A cheese course after pudding has proven to be the least popular at a wedding, especially when people know there is more food coming that evening. We love cheese at Thomas Towers though so would never tell you to take it off the menu completely but maybe have a cheese platter starter with lots of homemade breads and chutneys or a pork pie and cheese cake in place of your wedding cake.
The same goes for canapes and starters, you could opt for lots of substantial canapes and sliders (think mini burgers or tacos) then go straight to the main or have giant sharing platter starters (such as anti pasti or smorgas boards).
Equally you could combine your starter and main course into one large course served family or tapas style.
Will you have food provided later on?– I’d always say that it is better to keep it simple and do one thing really well than a large buffet where lots of food can get left sitting there looking sad all evening. A slow roasted pork bap with apple sauce, ultimate chilli or fish and triple cooked chips are always a winner, the smell of them cooking is enough to temp your guests away from the bar or dancefloor for a nibble. Or go with a cost effective classic like cheese toasties, bacon baguettes or jumbo sausage rolls.
Staff – Your catering quote should always include all waiting staff as well as a front of house manager and the chef of course. Will the catering company also provide bar staff and/or serve your reception drinks? It can save you money and hassle to have all your service staff from one company.
Type of wedding food – This can vary in price tremendously. If you employ a good wedding caterer, the food should taste delightful no matter what you have, so maybe choose beef instead of lamb or scallops instead of Lobster Thermidor? Whatever your choice, we will ensure your food is delicious for your big day!
Who will do the food? – When it comes to wedding catering costs, consider, do you want a catering company with only a set menu to choose from or would you like to create your own bespoke menu, cooked by a quality professional chef? If you want to ensure your wedding guests love the food you give them, a top chef could be the way to go and surprisingly it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Thomas The Caterer – Designed by us, Created by me, Inspired by you.
At Thomas The Caterer our average prices are around £50 – £60 per head for a unique 3 course menu made solely at your request that will satisfy your guests for the whole day (including crockery, plates and cutlery). Waiting staff are included in the price too.
Thomas has worked all over the world and his extensive global travel has inspired his love of cooking, which he passes on in the quality of his food. He prides himself on being able to provide a menu which is perfect for every couple’s specific catering requirements. So, when it comes to wedding catering costs, things to consider could make the difference between whether you go over or under your budget. Give us a call today and see what catering magic we can whip up for your wedding