Wedding Menu Tasting: What Every Couple Should Know
About The Author: Reeka Events is a luxury catering company specialising in bespoke weddings in the Cotswolds. With over 15 years of industry experience, Reeka is an expert in ensuring your wedding day runs as planned and tastes incredible.
Creating the right menu for your wedding can be daunting. With so many options and details to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've created 'Wedding Menu Tasting: What Every Couple Should Know.' This article contains insider tips from us and is your guide to an enjoyable wedding food-tasting session.
How’s the nerves?' The wedding planning process can be a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. But without a doubt, one of the best bits is the food. Who doesn't look forward to a mouth-watering, luxury meal at a wedding?
Whether it's some gorgeous Cotswold venison or a wild mushroom Wellington, you and your taste buds should be pampered on your wedding day.
As bespoke Cotswold wedding caterers, we know how important it is for the food to be flawless. It can make or break the day! We have shared our experiences throughout this blog to help you make the most out of your tasting session and plan the wedding of your dreams.
The Basics of Wedding Menu Tasting
When to Hire a Wedding Caterer
So, you've just got engaged—congratulations! Before you get lost in cake designs and flower arrangements, let's talk about hiring your caterer.
The ideal time for this is around 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This is because the best caterers get booked up quickly. Especially during peak wedding season (May to October). You obviously deserve the best on your special day, so don't leave it until the last minute!
Our Tip: Ask your venue for recommendations if they don't have an in-house caterer. They've likely seen the best (and worst) and can guide you in the right direction. We are proud to be recommended by some of the best venues in the Cotswolds.
Do You Need to Have a Wedding Menu Tasting?
Absolutely not. But It's your chance to ensure that the food at your wedding is nothing short of spectacular. You'll get to try various dishes, understand portion sizes, and witness how the food is presented.
We've catered for couples who didn't desire a tasting and trusted our reputation. At the end of the day, it's totally up to you and your fiancé.
Do You Pay for the Tasting?
Most caterers include the cost of a tasting in their overall package, but some might charge you separately. Always (and we mean always) clarify this upfront. You don't want any awkward surprises when the bill comes around.
Did you know: If you're having a wedding far from home, some wedding cake caterers offer virtual tastings. They'll send you a box of sample dishes to try at home. It's not quite the same as being there, but it's the next best thing!
How Soon Before the Wedding Should You Do the Tasting?
Timing is everything when planning your wedding. Aim for about 4-6 months before the big day. This is close enough to get a realistic idea of what seasonal ingredients will be available, but it's also far enough out to make any necessary changes.
Our Tip: If you're planning a winter wedding, but your tasting is scheduled for the summer, ask to sample winter-friendly dishes. Seasonal produce can make a big difference in the final taste.
Preparing for the Tasting
What to Wear to Wedding Tasting
You can't go wrong if you treat this as a mini-dinner date and wear what makes you both comfortable. You don't need to go all out, but if in doubt, a smart-casual outfit would be more than enough. Also, if you are recording each step of your wedding journey, you want to look presentable for any photographs (or selfies).
Our Tip: Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes. You want your sense of smell to be at its best to appreciate the flavours in their glory. This means you can really focus on the food!
Come Prepared With Food Ideas and Inspiration
If you've been pinning away on Pinterest or have seen something drool-worthy on Instagram, share it with your caterer. Visuals can really help get your ideas across.
Our Tip: If you have a specific theme for your wedding, like "rustic" or "vintage," let your caterer know. They can often suggest dishes that complement the theme.
How to Prepare for Your Wedding Food Tasting
Before you step into the tasting room, have a good chat with your partner. Make a list of your favourite cuisines, dishes you absolutely dislike, and any dietary restrictions. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to communicate your needs to the caterer.
Our Tip: Bring along a notebook or use your phone to jot down your initial impressions of each dish. Trust me, after the fifth or sixth dish, things might blur together!
Know Your Budget
As much as some of us would love our whole budget to go into dress shopping, catering requires a large chunk of it. It's the second most considerable expense at a wedding, with the first being the venue.
With the average catering cost for 2022 coming in at £4,868, you need to have a clear budget in mind before you go for the tasting. This will help the caterer tailor the menu items to suit your financial comfort zone without compromising on quality or taste.
Don't forget to account for "hidden" costs that might not be included in the initial quote. This could be anything from service charges to corkage fees for bringing your own alcohol. Asking for a fully itemised quote gives you a complete picture of what you'll be spending.
Think About the Food Being Served Over the Wedding Weekend
If you're going all out with a weekend-long celebration, your wedding menu should stand out and complement other meals you're hosting. For instance, if you're planning a BBQ for the day after, maybe skip the grilled items at the wedding.
Our Tip: If you're hosting multiple events, ask your caterer if they offer deals for multiple bookings. You could save a bit and maintain food consistency throughout your wedding festivities. Some venues also provide a similar package. This allows you to have the rehearsal, wedding and day-after brunch at the same location, making logistics easier to manage.
The Tasting Experience
Where is a Wedding Tasting Held?
You're hungry, excited, and all dressed up, but where will you eat? Most often, it's held in the caterer's kitchen or a designated tasting room. This setting allows you to experience the food in the environment where it's prepared, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen's cleanliness, the staff's professionalism, and other operational details.
If you book your caterer through your venue, the tasting might be held at the actual location where you'll be saying your vows. This gives you the advantage of experiencing not just the food but also the ambience, table settings, and even the acoustics of the room.
What to Expect at Your Tasting
You've arrived at the location, belly rumbling and armed with a list of questions to ask. What next? You'll usually be greeted by the catering manager or perhaps the chef themselves. After some brief introductions, you'll be guided to the tasting area.
Once comfortable, you'll go through a pre-planned menu, starting with appetisers, moving on to mains, and finishing with desserts. Each dish will be served in a smaller portion, allowing you to sample a variety of options that could make it to your final wedding menu.
Remember, it's not just about the taste but also the presentation. Notice how each dish is plated, what kind of tableware is used, and even how the food is garnished. Every detail matters.
Who Goes to the Food Tasting?
As if trying to choose your guest list for your wedding wasn't hard enough, now you have to decide who to bring to the tasting. While it might be tempting to bring along your mum, your best mate and your second cousin twice removed, it's best to keep it intimate. Usually, it's just the couple, but some people also bring along a parent or a friend for a third opinion.
Some caterers charge per person for the tasting, especially if it's more than the couple attending. So, if you're thinking of bringing extra people, check if there's an additional cost.
Questions and Communication
Reeka Head Chef Jay Halford discussing the menu during a tasting.
You've sampled the food, taken notes, and probably found a few dishes you love. But don't sign on the dotted line just yet. It's time to ask some questions.
How Do You Manage Dietary Restrictions and Allergies?
This is non-negotiable. From gluten-free to nut allergies, your caterer should be able to accommodate all needs. Some caterers can prepare a 'sample' plate that mimics dietary-restricted meals. If you or your guests have specific needs, ask if you can taste these options too.
How Far is the Kitchen from the Wedding Venue Dining Area?
This might seem trivial, but the logistics can affect the quality of the food. Imagine serving a soufflé that has to travel half a mile—it won't be so puffy by the time it reaches the table!
If the kitchen is far from the dining area, ask how they plan to keep food hot or cold during transit. Some venues have mobile heating or cooling units for this very purpose.
Who is Preparing the Tasting?
It's a good idea to ask who's creating the tasting for you as it can give you a sense of how your wedding day meal will turn out. If it's the head chef, you're in safe hands.
Our Tip: If the chef who prepared your tasting won't be available on your wedding day, ask to meet the chef who will be in charge. You'll want to ensure consistency.
What else to ask your wedding caterer during your tasting session:
Do You Source Organic or Locally-Produced Ingredients? - This is a must-ask question for those interested in sustainability and food quality.
What’s your plan B for outdoor events in case of bad weather? - Whether it's a power outage or a chef falling ill, it's good to know they’re prepared.
Can You Provide References or Testimonials? - A good caterer will be more than happy to show you their case studies or client stories.
Do You Have Liability Insurance? - Is your caterer covered in case of any accidents or issues?
How far in advance do I need to finalise the menu and provide a headcount? - Some caterers need weeks, if not months, to source speciality items.
What Are the Payment Terms? - Deposit, final payment, and cancellation policies are good to know upfront.
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol?- Ask about corkage fees and service charges if you're considering this.
What is Included in the Price? - Does it include table settings, linens, and service staff?
What is the Staff-to-Guest Ratio? The number of servers that will be available can give you an idea of the level of service to expect.
Is Gratuity Included in the Final Bill? - Some caterers include this, while others leave it up to you.
Etiquette and Final Tips
Wedding Tasting Etiquette
Manners and etiquette can go a long way. You're not just there to eat but to engage in a professional relationship with your caterer. So, a few dos and don'ts are in order.
If something isn't to your taste, be sure to mention it. As professional caterers, we want your wedding day to be the best day of your life, so if you don't like something, please be honest!
Most caterers are happy to adjust if you love a dish but want a minor tweak, like less salt or a different herb. Don't be shy—this is your day, after all.
Final Tips
Don’t Show Up With Your Wedding Party: Remember, as tasting isn't a family reunion or a free-for-all buffet. Keep it intimate and respectful.
Be on Time: It’s not only polite, it’s important to the timing of the meals. Your caterer has prepared fresh dishes timed to perfection. Being late throws off the whole schedule and could even affect the quality of the food you're tasting.
Be Mindful of Beverages: Often, we focus so much on the food that we forget about the drinks. Ask to sample any beverages that will be served, from welcome drinks to wine pairings.
Trust Your Gut: A common theme throughout planning your wedding. Be confident in what you like. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and move on to the next vendor.
The Contract: Before you seal the deal, make sure to read the catering contract carefully. Look for must-haves like cancellation policies, payment terms, and what exactly is included in the package.
Conclusion
Choosing the right caterer and menu for your wedding is a journey that should be savoured, much like the food you'll eventually serve to your guests. From understanding the role of seasonality to the importance of presentation and pairings, each detail contributes to creating a memorable dining experience.
With these insights and our expert tips, you're now better prepared to make informed decisions that will satisfy your guests (and your taste buds).
Congratulations, and we hope you enjoy a wedding meal that you and your guests will reminisce about for years to come!
