On this week' s episode of 52’ Till I Do, we’re chatting about everything food related with our very special guest, Claire, our Director of Relationships here at Marryment. From plated dinners to buffet spreads and family-style feasts, there’s more to wedding catering than just picking a menu. In this episode, we’re breaking down the different meal service styles, key things to consider when sourcing a caterer, and how to balance budget, logistics, and guest experience. Whether you're dreaming of a formal sit-down dinner or a laid-back food truck vibe, we’ve got the insights to help you make the best choice for your big day!
The first step of the catering process is knowing if your venue will even let you use an outside cater. At this point in the planning process, you’ve locked in your venue and probably know the answer to this. If not, reach out to your venue and double check that you and your partner are able to use outside caterers. Even if you aren’t able to choose your own caterer, keep reading! This post still has tons of valuable content!
There are several different styles of catering you can choose from, each offering a unique dining experience for you and your guests.
Plated catering is exactly what it sounds like! The meal is individually plated and served to each guest by waitstaff while they remain seated. This option offers an elegant and structured dining experience. With this choice, you can have guests preselect a meal ahead of time or serve one option such as a duet plate so you don’t have to worry about tracking meal counts.
Family-style catering also lives up to its name! Much like a traditional family dinner, several dishes are placed on each table, and guests serve themselves. It’s a great option for a relaxed atmosphere and allows everyone to choose what they’d like to have.
With buffet-style catering, guests are typically invited up by table to serve themselves from a buffet line. Some catering teams will serve guests directly, or you can opt for guests to serve themselves so they can grab their preferred portions and return to their seats.
In the wedding industry, food trucks are often seen as a fun extra. Perfect for late night snacks, dessert options like ice cream, or little treats throughout the evening. But there are absolutely no rules here! If you love the idea, a food truck (or a lineup of them) can absolutely serve as your main caterer for the night.
Food stations are an exciting and customizable catering option that let you bring variety, personality, and movement to your reception. From pizza and sushi to pasta bars and carving stations, you can mix and match different cuisines to create an awesome and unique dining experience that reflects your tastes!
When searching for your caterers, be prepared to ask questions! Here are some that we recommend keeping in mind!
During a tasting, you may be offered dishes that aren’t actually prepared in-house. For example, items like sushi may be brought in from an outside source, which could affect freshness and quality. Asking this question ensures you know exactly what you’re getting, and where it’s coming from.
This includes anything they may need. From extension cords, power outlets, prep space, or tents if the food service area is outdoors! Clarifying whether these items should be provided by the venue or brought by the caterer helps you prepare ahead of time and ensures the team has everything necessary to give you the best possible experience and service.
It’s incredibly helpful to know whether your caterer has previous experience at your venue. If they haven’t, it can sometimes lead to unnecessary stress or some hiccups. A team that knows the space well is already familiar with its layout, limitations, and flow, which allows them to deliver smoother, more efficient service for you and your guests!
We’ve talked about this in earlier episodes, but it’s always worth repeating! Your reception typically accounts for about 50% of your overall wedding budget. If your venue does not include in-house catering, you can expect roughly 40% of that to go toward your catering team and the food itself, while the remaining 10% goes toward the venue rental. If we take a look at that national average, we have about $35,000, which leaves $14,000 for catering, leaving your venue with something around that $3,500 range. Remember to always be aware of your food and beverage minimum and what that means for your specific caterer.
These can be tricky to navigate, so here’s how to handle them across different catering styles:
Plated service is often the easiest way to accommodate dietary needs and avoid cross-contamination. Each meal is prepared separately in safe conditions, ensuring that guests with allergies or restrictions receive a dish that’s tailored specifically to them.
These styles can also work well, you just need to be intentional with setup. Clear, accurate labeling is essential so guests can easily identify what is safe for them to eat. Consider dedicating an entire table or section specifically for allergy-friendly and dietary-restriction items. This reduces confusion and helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal with stress!
But, the most important thing to keep in mind is to give your caterer this information! Inform them of the guests restrictions, and which ways you’d like to take action to make sure everyone can enjoy some yummy food.
While looking for the caterer you’re going to use for the big day, there are a few main things to keep in mind that may play a big role in finding a caterer that works for you!
Your guest count plays a huge role in determining which caterers are a good match. Some companies are better equipped for large weddings with 200+ guests, while others specialize in intimate gatherings. Make sure your caterer can comfortably handle your expected number of guests without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
While versatility is great, a catering company that claims to specialize in every type of cuisine may not be your best option. Most caterers excel in specific styles or flavors. Choosing a team that focuses on the type of food you love ensures better quality, consistency, and flavor on your wedding day.
It’s also important to know exactly what the caterer provides. Do they supply tables, chairs, plates, napkins, and linens? Remember that the catering portion of your budget (about 40%) often includes these items. Understanding what’s included up front helps you avoid unexpected rentals and ensures your budget stays on track.
Catering is about more than the food! It's about creating an experience you and your guests will enjoy and remember. Whether plated, buffet, family style, or food trucks, choose a caterer who fits your vision, budget, and venue. Communicate your priorities and dietary needs clearly, and your team will deliver a seamless, memorable meal that everyone and anyone can enjoy!
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more catering related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!
Photo Credit to JNA Visuals
Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
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