Questions To Ask Your Wedding Caterers
Catering Marbella | Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but we understand it can also feel a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right catering team. After all, great food and smooth service are a huge part of what makes your day truly memorable for both you and your guests.
At the heart of every celebration is a shared meal, whether it’s a formal plated dinner, a relaxed buffet, or a creative menu tailored to your tastes. Our goal is to not only provide delicious, beautifully presented food, but also to give you peace of mind throughout the planning process. From the first tasting to the last plate served, we’re with you every step of the way.
We know you’ll have questions, lots of them, and that’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow article.
1. Are you available on our wedding date?
This is the first and most important question! Let us know your date, and we’ll confirm availability right away so we can begin planning the rest together.
2. Can you tell us about your catering team and staff?
Our team is made up of friendly, professional chefs and servers who love what they do. They’re well-trained, experienced, and passionate about making your guests feel looked after.
3. How much wedding catering experience do you have?
We’ve catered many weddings over the years, each one unique. We’re confident in managing all kinds of events, from intimate garden parties to large destination celebrations.
4. Have you catered weddings similar in size to ours?
Absolutely! Just let us know your guest count and event type, and we’ll share examples of similar weddings we’ve catered, so you can feel confident in our capabilities.
5. Can we see photos of your food and past weddings?
Of course! We have a gallery of our beautifully presented dishes and previous wedding setups. It’s a great way to get a feel for our style and attention to detail.
6. Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, we do. We’re fully insured so you can relax knowing everything is covered.
7. Have you worked at our venue before?
If we’ve catered there before, we’ll already know the setup, layout, and any restrictions. If it’s a new venue, we’ll visit in advance to plan everything carefully.
8. Can we speak to previous clients?
Absolutely. We’re happy to share testimonials or connect you with past couples who can share their experience with us.
9. Are you fully licensed to operate?
Yes, we have all the required food safety certifications and licenses, and we work in compliance with local regulations.
10. What’s included in your catering packages?
Our packages vary, but we always provide clear details. We’ll explain exactly what’s included, food, staff, tableware, drinks, and any extras, so there are no surprises.
11. Do you supply tables, chairs, plates, and cutlery?
We can supply all your dining essentials. If your venue doesn’t provide them, we can either include them in your package or recommend trusted rental partners.
12. Do you offer bar and drinks services?
Yes! We offer full bar services, including bartenders, alcohol packages, and non-alcoholic options. Let us know what you’d like and we’ll tailor it to suit your celebration.
13. Are soft drinks included?
Soft drinks, water, and mixers are often included in our packages. We’ll confirm exactly what’s provided during our initial consultation.
14. Do you offer different meal service styles (buffet, plated, etc.)?
Yes! We offer plated meals, buffets, sharing boards, and family-style service. Let us know the vibe of your wedding and we’ll suggest the perfect fit.
15. Where will the food be prepared?
It depends on the venue setup. We can cook on-site or bring fully prepared dishes ready to serve. We’ll work with your venue to ensure everything runs smoothly.
16. Can we create a custom menu?
Absolutely. We love creating bespoke menus that reflect your tastes, traditions, and personality. We’ll help you design something totally unique.
17. What are your most popular dishes?
We’ll share our most loved dishes (and guests’ favourites!) to help you build your menu. We can also tweak them to give your day a personal touch.
18. Do you offer menu tastings?
Yes, we offer tastings so you can try the food, see the presentation, and finalise your choices. Tastings usually include up to four guests and may have a small fee.
19. Can we bring extra guests to the tasting?
Usually, tastings are limited to four people (you and two guests). If you’d like to bring more, let us know, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
20. Do you provide kid-friendly meals?
Yes! We can create simple, delicious meals for children, think mini burgers, pasta, or chicken tenders. Let us know your guest list and we’ll plan accordingly.
21. How big are the portion sizes?
We offer generous portions to ensure no one leaves hungry! You’ll see example portion sizes at your tasting so you can make adjustments if needed.
22. Do you provide meals for our other vendors (photographer, DJ, etc.)?
Yes, we offer vendor meal options at a reduced rate. Let us know how many people need meals and we’ll factor it into your package.
23. Can you cater for guests with dietary needs?
Definitely. We can accommodate allergies, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal and other special dietary requests, just let us know in advance.
24. Do you use locally sourced ingredients?
Where possible, yes! We love using seasonal, local produce, it’s fresher, supports the local community, and often results in a more flavourful menu.
25. Do you make wedding cakes or desserts?
Yes! We can create beautiful custom desserts and wedding cakes, or work with a trusted cake supplier if you prefer. Let us know your sweet ideas!
26. Is there a cake-cutting fee?
If you’d like us to cut and serve your cake, we may include a small fee to cover staff and service. We’ll explain this upfront during planning.
27. Can we have more than one tasting?
Yes, in some cases we offer follow-up tastings for additional refinement. Just ask, we want you to be 100% happy with your menu!
28. When do we need to finalise our menu?
We usually ask for final decisions 4–6 weeks before the big day so we can place orders and plan logistics. We’ll confirm your exact deadline.
29. Will the same chefs and staff be at our wedding?
Whenever possible, yes. We aim to have the same team at your tasting and on your big day to keep everything consistent and comfortable.
30. What’s your staff-to-guest ratio?
We generally assign enough staff to ensure smooth, attentive service, typically 1 server per 10–12 guests, and 1 bartender per 50 guests, depending on service style.
31. Can we meet the team before the wedding?
Yes! You’ll have the chance to meet your event coordinator and, where possible, key staff members ahead of the big day.
32. When do you need our final guest count?
We’ll ask for a final headcount around 3–4 weeks before the wedding. This number helps us order ingredients, finalise rentals, and prep your meals.
33. What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
We’ll provide a clear contract outlining your deposit, cancellation terms, and refund options, so you know exactly where you stand from the start.
34. Are there any extra fees we should know about?
We’re upfront about pricing. We’ll highlight any possible extras like travel, equipment hire, or upgrades so there are no last-minute surprises.
35. What do you need from the venue?
Once the menu is confirmed, we’ll provide a list of what we need, kitchen space, power, tables, etc., so we can coordinate with your venue smoothly.
36. How long do you need for setup and cleanup?
We usually arrive 2–3 hours before serving time, depending on the menu. Cleanup happens right after service, we’ll leave the space spotless!
37. What will your staff wear on the day?
Our team always looks professional and neat. We can adjust attire to suit your wedding theme, whether that’s casual, smart, or formal.
38. Will our wedding be your only event that day?
In most cases, yes. We prefer to focus entirely on your day to provide the best possible service and experience.
39. Who will be in charge on the day?
You’ll have a dedicated event manager overseeing everything. They’ll be your go-to person to make sure the day runs like clockwork.
40. Can leftover food be packed up or donated?
Yes! We’re happy to pack leftovers for your guests or help coordinate a local donation if that’s something you’d like to do.
Every wedding is unique, and we’re here to help you create a dining experience that reflects your style, your story, and your vision. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large gathering, we’re committed to making your catering experience seamless, joyful, and delicious.
If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, or you’d simply like to chat through your ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime, we’re here to help make your wedding day everything you’ve imagined, and more.
Let’s plan something truly unforgettable, together.
