Hotel catering for your wedding can make or break your special day, so ask plenty of questions when discussing with the hotel before signing a contract.
Menu Flexibility and Dietary Needs
Check how they create a menu for your guests to enjoy and find out how they can cater for guests with special dietary needs, not just vegetarians and vegans, but also people with allergies and those of other cultures and religions. A kitchen that doesn’t take these requirements seriously is one to cross off the list.
Whether the Kitchen Outsources Any Part
It’s common for hotels to bring in outside caterers to provide evening food and for cake to be supplied for the cake table. Ask who is responsible for providing each element of catering and get them to confirm that they will be supplied by outside suppliers and will be of a similar standard to food provided by the hotel’s kitchen.
When Tastings Are Offered
Find out if a tasting is included in your hotel’s menu, and at what stage of your decision making process you will be offered a tasting (i.e. will you be tasting their food after you have paid in full, when it will be of little use to you.
Corkage and Bar Arrangements
Ask about corkage for outside wines and describe the bar arrangements including closing time and any extra charges for extended hours.
Service Staffing
Also note down the ratio of serving staff to your guests, a good rule of thumb is one member of staff for every ten guests for a sit-down meal.
How Catering Costs Appear in the Contract
Get the costs of catering itemized in your contract. This will make it easier to see what you are paying for. Most venues would be able to do this for you. For Tewkesbury Hotel Wedding Venue, visit https://tewkesburypark.co.uk/celebrate/hotel-wedding-venue/.
Take these questions with you to your venue viewings and ensure you have a full and clear understanding of the hotel wedding catering.
