Many couples are concerned about the cost of a Wedding. Here we identify why using a Wedding Caterer can be the smart move.

We understand why people want to have a go at catering for their own wedding. In the main geographical areas where we have provide our catering services, such as London, Herts, Berks, Bucks and Middlesex, there are many who are thinking about this approach.

Why Caterers were invented
For most people this is all very new. And it is undeniably a huge task that on top of everything else you have to do your own catering on your Wedding Day.

Often you are in danger of not just getting it quite right. You may have enough of everything to go around – but only just. Or you buy in too much.

And there is usually no refund for half consumed food and partially drunk bottles of wine.

This is where caterers come in. We know how much to cook so everyone is satisfied and we give refunds for unused wines. That is, the experienced, professional and honest caterers do.

Our catering services
Clearly at Heriot Catering we have a vested interest in being the event organiser for your Wedding Day. At the same time we want you to be aware of the options. We repeat what we have said elsewhere on this website and to so many people over the past 40 years.

We do this every day.

We have all the right equipment.

We know how much food you’ll need.

We even provide refunds on unopened bottles of wine.

But yet
With the general economic gloom there has been more interest in the budget wedding where couples decide to do their own. We also notice some of the questions received have changed. Basically we're being asked for general information which often indicates that the do your own Wedding catering is proving a little tricky.

How do we know? Here's a "typical" question.
How many canapés do you need to prepare for 100 wedding guests?
Or another:
How many chicken drumsticks will be enough for 120 people at my wedding?

This suggests that the self-catering approach has been found to be a little problematic.

So let's just take a look at a couple of the key elements we as caterers always get involved in. That is the food and the wine.

The Wine and Beverages
Many people buy their own wine as it seems the simplest and cheapest thing to do. You buy it, chill it, uncork it and serve it.

You either buy enough to satisfy everyone or you drop just short.
Then again you buy too much and what do you do with the excess?
Now even in this simple process you have to go through several logistical concerns.
You need to be able to store the wine prior to the event.
Poor storage affects the wine’s quality.
When you serve it you need to have enough glasses – so they have to be hired.

And if you need to chill the wine beforehand, (for example champagnes and white wine) then you need special refrigeration to do it properly. Or a very big fridge.

The Food
The food is more complex but you have to go through a similar process. You buy it, store it, prepare it and cook it. The cooking should be done on the day of the Wedding itself. Cooking on the day of the Wedding means it’s fresh and tastes at its best. It is possible to prepare some items the day before and chill them. But again – large chillers and refrigeration facilities are needed.

Then it has to be plated and served. So a team of volunteers has to coordinate itself to get the food onto the plates and out to the guests while still hot. With small numbers this is very possible. When they get larger it becomes more difficult.

And then you have the problems of children’s portions, vegetarians and other food allergy types.

Alternatively you can try a buffet but that has its own problems. See our piece on Too Many Weddings.

So we think…
Using a wedding caterer can result in real cost savings. Not only in real cash terms but also the time you will have to spend doing everything yourself.