Catering Tips from Spoon Cuisine

Ok so the wedding is a year out and you're starting to plan for your big day. The best start is to go to www.hawkesbayweddings.co.nz to secure a venue and a good caterer. Things happen very quickly so the SOONER the better or you may miss out on your hearts desires.

Many caterers have websites with menus, costings, photos and even venues, so this is great opportunity to compare styles and budget to meet your needs. The average cost per person for a wedding reception meal ranges from $40-$90 per person depending on the numbers attending and the style of the wedding breakfast (the more guests - the better deal you're likely to get).

Hawke's Bay is famous for its fresh, abundant meat, and fabulous seafood and produce so it's a good time to show off to the 'out of towners' what we can provide.

When choosing a caterer its important to meet up with them and discuss your special days requirements. Some thoughts to be armed with before you meet your preferred caterer are...

• Numbers - Approximate numbers attending (this can be a difficult one to answer as guests are often slow to RSVP but a ball park figure is what they want to know. If the numbers go from 150 pax to 80 expect a price increase per head.

• Venue – Venues are great because they are designed to accommodate groups of people with less hassle and less cost. When choosing a venue think about where the caterer will perform their magic from; does the venue have kitchen facilities or is the caterer working out of a garage, marquee or other non-descript building?

A Good caterer will make anything happen within reason but if there is a decent kitchen space to work out of, you will broaden your horizons.

A beautiful setting on a station is unbeatable but comes with its hiccups. So think of everything from... Kitchen marquee for the caterer (including the kitchen sink) to power, water, refrigeration, lighting, access, recycling, parking, inclement weather and the ever increasing hireage that goes on and on and on.

• Food - Have a think about what you want and what your guests will like to eat. No point in wasting duck confit on guests who only do chicken or beef. Be realistic and, I hate to say it, and... PLAY IT SAFE!!

• Style - Plated set menu, buffet or Banquet are some of the options available today to suit your budget. An increasing trend is for banquet or what we call alfresco dining, very Italian. Platters of food served to the table for the guests to help themselves. A relaxed informal way for guests who come together at the table which can 'break the ice' with strangers over a meal.

• Special diets - these are important. A caterer usually doesn't have a restaurant so although prepared for surprises they would appreciate to know that Uncle Jack will need an ambulance if he eats sesame seeds or seafood!! Put special diets in the invitation and you'll have covered all bases.

• Timings - weddings are very time orientated; Ceremony 3pm, 1 and a 1/2 hrs for canapés (longer if the bride is swept away by the photographer who forgets to bring them back on time!!); and wedding breakfast at 5.30 pm.

Keep the bulk of the speeches till after the main course, so the caterer can do what they do best - remember when the food is ready, THE FOOD IS READY!! – remember it's a fine line between perfect fish and dried out cardboard, whilst the best man Bill is blabbing on about the groom's childhood antics and complementing the bridesmaids.

You'll also be dancing with your new husband/wife well before those young nephews and old Aunt Bettys' need evicting from the scene.

• Beverages - get advice! Go to a liquor outlet and tell them how many guests are coming. For a marquee or special venue wedding they will often throw in a chiller-trailer, glassware and offer sale and return. They can also guide you with quantities so you don't run out – there's always a need for more Bolé darling.

Not everyone is a beer, wine or juice drinker so it's best to think about those poor souls who only eat beef and drink Bourbon.

Once you have followed these simple guidelines you can relax and enjoy your most special day.

Scott McGregor

Hayden Seal...