Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer Before Booking

A London couple’s guide to choosing the right wedding catering partner

Your wedding caterer is one of the biggest contributors to your guest experience. Beyond the menu, they’re responsible for service, logistics, timing and atmosphere.

If you’re speaking to wedding caterers in London, these are the key questions that help you find the right fit — not just the lowest quote.

1. Have You Catered at Our Venue (or Similar London Venues)?

London weddings often take place in historic buildings, galleries, marquees and dry hire spaces.

Ask:

• Have you worked in dry hire venues?
  
• How do you handle kitchen setup and power?
  
• Are you familiar with heritage restrictions or tight access?
  
  

A top London wedding caterer should confidently manage logistics, not just menus.

2. Is the Menu Fully Bespoke or Package-Based?

The best caterers design menus around you, your story and your guests.

Ask:

• Can we adapt dishes?
  
• Can you reflect cultural influences or family recipes?
  
• How seasonal is your menu?
  
  

Bespoke catering leads to a more personal and memorable wedding.

3. What Exactly Is Included in the Price?

When comparing London wedding catering prices, clarity matters.

Check whether your quote includes:

• Chefs and service staff
  
• Event managers
  
• Equipment and kitchen build
  
• Crockery, glassware and linen
  
• Waste removal
  
  

Transparent breakdowns are a sign of an organised and experienced caterer.

4. How Do You Structure Staffing on the Day?

Service can make or break guest experience.

Ask:

• Staff-to-guest ratio
  
• Who oversees service timing
  
• How bar service is handled
  
• Whether the team is in-house or agency-based
  
  

Professional, well-briefed teams are a hallmark of the best London wedding caterers.

5. How Do Tastings Work?

A tasting is more than food — it shows you how the caterer thinks.

Ask:

• Is it private or group?
  
• Are dishes cooked by event chefs?
  
• Can we refine menus after?
  
• Is presentation discussed?
  
  

Luxury wedding caterers treat tastings as part of the design process.

6. How Do You Manage Dietary Requirements?

Modern weddings often include multiple dietary needs.

A strong caterer should:

• Confidently handle vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergies
  
• Ensure alternative dishes feel equal, not an afterthought
  
• Manage cross-contamination safely
  
  

This is a key sign of professional standards.

7. What Is Your Approach to Sustainability?

Many couples now seek sustainable wedding catering in London.

Ask about:

• Seasonal British sourcing
  
• Meat and fish provenance
  
• Food waste reduction
  
• Portion planning
  
  

Responsible sourcing is increasingly part of luxury catering.

8. Who Will Be Our Main Contact?

You’ll work closely with this team for months.

Clarify:

• Who leads planning
  
• Who is present on the wedding day
  
• How communication is managed
  
  

A good relationship here reduces stress hugely.

9. Can We See Real Wedding Case Studies?

Photoshoots don’t show logistical skill.

Ask for:

• Real wedding galleries
  
• Testimonials mentioning service
  
• Examples of similar guest numbers
  
• Experience in complex venues
  
  

This shows true capability.

10. How Do You Handle Problems on the Day?

Things happen — power cuts, weather, timing changes.

Great caterers:

• Stay calm
  
• Have backup plans
  
• Solve issues without involving you
  
  

You want a team that quietly handles the unexpected.

Final Thought

Choosing the right caterer isn’t just about food — it’s about trust, experience and partnership.

When speaking with London wedding caterers, these questions help you find a team that understands your venue, your guests and your vision.

That’s what turns catering into a seamless, memorable part of your wedding day.