Try them out.

It is important to research your chosen caterers, but catering companies equipped to serve 150 guests simultaneously just aren’t set up to cook a sample for one person.

Most will be happy for you to see them ‘on location’ at a reception. Aim to arrive an hour before guests. You will be able to see the quality of their linen, crockery and cutlery, meet their waiting staff and get a feel of how well organised they are.

If you are choosing an outside caterer, find out who will be in charge on the actual day. The larger catering companies have several teams, each covering a different wedding.

If it is not the same person as you’ve liaised with throughout the planning process, make time to meet your team on location at another wedding, remembering that they will be very busy, and that health and safety restrictions may prevent you from going into their kitchen.

Meeting the team will not only ensure that there are some familiar faces on the day. it will also give you the chance to see how well organised the company is under pressure. Whilst there, check that you are happy with the quality of china, table linen, glassware and crockery, and the smartness of the serving staff.