The Catering Checklist:

Nick Goulder General Manager  Arnault Vallee Head Chef of Orton Catering

Courtesy of Nick Gouder, General Manager, Orton Catering

If you are having your wedding reception catered, it is going to be one of the main expenses incurred on the day. Accordingly, you need to make sure that your caterer is going to be able to provide the food and service, experience and expertise in delivering your Wedding Day to you. It is this package that will ensure your day is everything you dreamed of, without hidden costs and surprises.

• Does the caterer have a sound history of experience and success? Do they have references?
• Does the caterer offer expertise and knowledge and has a reputation for excellence?Are they renowned for delivering the complete hospitality package?This is not just for food but staff, hireage, power, lighting, toilets, timing and advice on marquee location and layout.
• Is there a selection of sample menus and prices? Does the price match the quality and quantity? Is the food made fresh, using fresh and where possible local ingredients?
• Do they understand, and able to cater for dietary requirements?
• Are they able to provide a bridal hamper? Are they able to work in with your budget?
• Is there a minimum charge? Deposit requirement? Payment Terms?
• When do you need to advise of final numbers?
• Where is the food prepared? What are the offsite cooking requirements?
• Do they offer a set up service: tables, bar etc? Do their services/fees including all dishwashing and cleanup?
• What is the standard of dress for all staff?
• Do they offer a wedding cake making/cutting/service?
• Do they provide an experienced function manager who will be the point of contact on the day?
• Do they supply bar staff?
• Does the caterer have a network of suppliers to bring together each component in an organised way?

In addition to the points above, there are many “extras’ to consider when requiring offsite catering.

• Power, lighting and sound.
• Hireage of marquee, chairs, tables, cutlery, plates….
• Is there additional toilets/porta loos required?
• Travelling costs/Logistics.
• Generators.
• Heating.

Don’t under estimate the hire and additional costs associated with a location Wedding. It is important to have the right gear, enough gear and a caterer who has the experience to arrange for you and understand what is required.

If you have a budget in mind, you need to weigh up the costs of having your Wedding at an onsite venue or offsite venue where you may be required to hire various items as listed above.

We have 2 fabulous onsite venues, being our Estate Marquee and the Underground Cellar located at Sileni Estate Winery. Alternatively we can cater at a venue of your choice, or at a selection of other venues we recommend. Orton Catering has a team of professionals who assist in making your location Wedding as stress free as possible, so you can enjoy the days and concentrate on important matters….like getting married!!!

Please find below genuine feedback quoted from clients who had a Wedding in January 2010:

"We could not let the day go by without dropping you a line to let you know how absolutely delighted we were with your catering for our wedding.

Wimbledon is a long way from Hastings and the 2 days of constant rain we experienced only added to the drama!

From the time we first contacted you earlier in the year and then when Nick and Paula arrived on Friday to have a last minute “recce”, then to the arrival of the team on Saturday it has been an absolute pleasure to deal with you and your staff.

Despite the lousy weather there was never a negative comment or a sour attitude from your team.

They coped with dramas over the power to the ovens and the nuisance value of the constant rain without a moan or a whinge.

On the night Paula was an absolutely wonderful leader to deal with and the staff followed her example. Fantastic!!!!

The weather and the prospect of a long journey home for your team must have been on their minds but they never ever let it show, their entire focus was on the success of our wedding.

As for the meal we have had an avalanche of praise!! Please tell the Chef!!!!

The canapés were just great! The meal exceeded our expectations and I can tell you that we are a family of “foodies” who are super critical of the smallest fault.

We have been delighted with your catering. You have a reputation as the “BEST” and it is fully justified in our opinion.

The attention to detail, the provision of special dietary requirements all went like clockwork.

The service of the bar staff was commented on time and time again!

To say we are delighted is an understatement. Your team have made a tremendous contribution to our wedding

THANK YOU.

PLEASE PASS ON OUR THANKS TO YOUR TEAM AND SPECIAL THANKS TO PAULA AND NICK WHO REALLY GAVE IT EVERYTHING!!!

A GESTURE OF OUR APPRECIATION WILL BE SENT WHEN WE RETURN FROM HOLIDAY! Many thanks Lew and Kathryn Willoughby"