Top Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Catering Style for Your Big Day

When planning your wedding, food plays a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience. The right wedding catering style can set the tone for your entire reception and leave your guests talking about the delicious food long after the celebrations are over. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or just want to make sure everyone is well-fed, it’s essential to make the right choice when it comes to your wedding catering style.

Here’s a helpful guide from Waipuna Estate on the top tips for choosing the perfect catering options for your wedding.

Starting Off Right: Welcome Your Guests with Good Food

Photo Credit: Sally Anne Photography

After the ceremony, your guests will likely be ready for something to nibble on. Serving food early is important to keep everyone happy and prevent hunger while waiting for the main meal. There are a couple of options here:

• Canapés: Light, bite-sized snacks are a great option to serve during your cocktail hour. Your caterer can guide you on the right amount to serve, depending on your guest count and the length of your cocktail hour.

• Grazing Tables: Perfect for a relaxed atmosphere, grazing tables let guests pick what they like, and they’re great for casual mingling. However, if your wedding is in the summer, be mindful of the temperature, as meats and cheeses should not be left out for too long. Your caterer will help ensure the grazing table is set up correctly to avoid wastage and ensure freshness.

The Main Event: Choosing the Right Wedding Meal Style

Photo Credit: Sally Anne Photography

Once your guests are settled and ready for the main meal, it’s time to think about how to serve them. There are several popular catering styles, each with its own charm. Here's a breakdown of the more popular options:

• Plated

  For a formal and elegant experience, plated meals are an excellent choice. Guests will receive individually plated meals at their seats. You can offer a pre-selected menu or an alternate drop, where guests receive one of two options for each course. This option is ideal for a structured and refined dining experience.

  However, keep in mind that plated meals usually require more staff to serve the food, and the variety of options may be limited. It’s also essential to consider guests with allergies or dietary restrictions and ensure they’re catered for appropriately.

• Sharing Platters / Family style platters

  For a more relaxed atmosphere, sharing platters or Family style platters are a fantastic choice. Platters of meats, salads, and vegetables are placed on each table for guests to share and enjoy together. This style allows your guests to pick and choose their favourite dishes, creating a more communal and interactive dining experience.

  It’s important to ensure there’s enough space on the tables for the platters, and that the meal service flows smoothly.

Photo Credit: Heart and Soul Photo

• Buffet

  Buffets are a popular choice for feeding larger crowds and can be a more economical option. Guests can help themselves to a variety of dishes, and many enjoy the flexibility of choosing what and how much they want. Buffets do tend to take a little longer, especially when guests are eating in waves, but it can also create a more casual vibe.

  If you opt for a buffet, be sure to have someone guiding guests so that it runs smoothly and everyone has a chance to serve themselves.

• Food Trucks

  If you’re looking for something fun and unique, food trucks are a great choice. They allow you to inject personality into your wedding and offer a variety of cuisines, from burgers to pizzas or fish and chips. However, keep in mind that food trucks can be time-consuming, as guests will need to go to the truck to order, which can take longer for large groups.

  Food trucks are perfect for a laid-back wedding and will undoubtedly add some fun to your reception.

The Sweet Finale: Dessert Options

When it comes to dessert, you can stick with the theme of your catering style. If you’ve gone for plated meals, consider serving individual desserts at each table. For a more casual vibe, a dessert buffet or grazing table with an array of sweet treats will give guests plenty of options to enjoy.

• Wedding Cake

  Of course, no wedding is complete without a wedding cake. Many couples serve the cake as their dessert, but don’t be surprised if your guests are too full to indulge! Consider serving your cake with cream or yoghurt to make sure it’s enjoyed by all.

• Kid-Friendly Options

  If you’re expecting children at your wedding, be sure to plan accordingly. Speak with your caterer about providing kid-friendly meals and possibly serving them earlier in the evening. Hungry children (or adults!) are never a good combination, so making sure the little ones are well-fed is important.

Photo Credit: Koru Photography

Choosing the right catering style for your wedding is all about finding a balance between what you want and what works best for your guests. Whether you go for plated meals, food trucks, or a relaxed buffet, the key is to ensure your guests are happy, full, and enjoying the experience. At Waipuna Estate, we work closely with our couples to ensure the food complements the overall atmosphere and style of the wedding.

Photo Credit: Sarah Clements Photography