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In-house v Outside Caterers

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Leek Sauce

Traditionally there were two kinds of wedding “reception” - the wedding breakfast, a formal sit-down lunch complete with top table and ‘placement’; or the stand-up-with-canapés type, which follows an early or mid-afternoon service.

All hotel wedding venues, and many barn venues, have their own kitchens with in-house caterers and in booking the venue you will have no option but to use their in-house caterers.

If your venue does not have its own in-house caterers, your catering will be your biggest wedding expense, but can also be where you make your greatest savings.

Outside catering packages typically cost between £25-£95 per guest which is a huge price range once you multiply it by 100 guests. The caterers usually include linen, crockery and cutlery within the price, plus glasses if they are supplying the drinks package. The price will also include the waiting staff to serve the meal and tidy everything away after.

Catering Hire

White Crockery
Specialist wedding caterers have their own mobile kitchens and bar service, with a selection of chairs, tablecloths and even chair covers, however if you are looking for something a bit special or different it is not uncommon for couples to hire in catering equipment.

Vintage crockery has been big news this year at weddings, as has country style linen - pretty florals and gingham, all available from specialist hire companies.

Perhaps the most common catering equipment hired is chiller units. Whether it is for champagne supplies, wedding leftovers or just for extra fridge space for the guests you will be entertaining, a bit of extra fridge space for the weekend is invaluable.

Bar Hire and Wine Supplies

Wine Bottles
Alcohol will account for a large part of your budget, and there are savings to be had for brides organising their own caterers as most will be happy for you to supply your own wine. Check corkage charges first - it is usual for caterers to charge a hefty, but fair, corkage charge to cover the cost of chillers, glassware and bar staff to serve your drinks.

Also consider what you will do with all of the surplus alcohol - or what you will do if you run out!

A better option is to hire in a bar service, and this is by far the most sensible option if you intend to charge guests for drinks during the evening reception. The cost will be minimal for a standard pub run bar for a reasonable sized wedding, or a bit more for a specialist bar where they will also mix cocktails and entertain your guests. Many base their price on a minimum agreed amount of alcohol sold as this is where most of their profit is generated. The bar service will usually deal with all of the licensing requirements on your behalf.

Wedding Barbecues and Hog Roasts

Barbeque
Catering in its most simple form: a barbecue or hog roast for an evening wedding reception is a relaxed and informal way for your guests to mix and get to know each other. Don't feel this is just an option for rustic barn venues, some of the UK's most prestigious wedding reception venues offer gourmet barbecues with handmade relishes and locally produced organic meats.