Choosing Your Caterer & Wedding Menu
Have you ever noticed that when someone talks about an event, one of the first things they mention is the food? Whether it was incredible or just average, it sticks in people’s minds. Food brings people together. It’s been at the heart of human connection for centuries. And when it comes to weddings, it’s often one of the most important (and most talked about) parts of the whole day.
I’m a total foodie myself, and I truly believe that what you serve should reflect you as a couple. So let’s talk about how to make food choices that you’ll love, and that your guests will rave about for years to come.
Venue Catering vs. Bringing in a Caterer
Many Byron Bay venues offer in-house catering, which can be super convenient. But sometimes that convenience comes at a cost. If the food isn’t quite your vibe, or you’re being asked to compromise on menu flexibility or service style, that dream venue might not be such a perfect match after all.
That’s why many couples, especially those planning elopements or micro weddings, choose to bring in their own caterers. Byron Bay has a thriving food scene, and you’ll find some incredible local chefs and catering teams who can work magic in the most unique and off-grid locations.
Choosing a Caterer
When you’re looking for a caterer, it’s about more than just delicious food. Here are a few things to think about:
Do their values align with yours? For example, are they passionate about locally sourced, seasonal produce? Sustainability? Organic ingredients?
What’s their cuisine style? Modern Australian, Mediterranean, Asian-fusion, plant-based? Choose someone whose flavour profile you love.
Service style matters. Do you want a formal plated meal, shared banquets, food stations, or a roaming canapé party?
How do they handle dietary requirements? Can they cater to allergies or preferences without creating completely separate meals?
What’s included? Do they provide plates, cutlery, glassware, napkins, or will you need to hire those separately?
Do they supply waitstaff? And just as importantly, what do those staff members do? Will they clean up, serve drinks, pack leftovers?
What do they wear? It may seem minor, but if you’re going for a luxe boho vibe, it’s worth checking if they blend in or look like they’ve just stepped out of a café kitchen.
Do they bring their own equipment? This is especially important if you’re getting married at a property or location without a commercial kitchen.
Creating the Menu
Your wedding menu should feel like you – but with a bit of crowd awareness mixed in. For example, I ALWAYS order anchovy toast whenever it’s on the menu, but maybe skip it as your starter unless you know your guests are just as enthusiastic.
Here are a few practical tips:
Mix up your proteins. If your entree is chicken, go for beef, fish, or a veg-based main. This keeps the menu interesting and balanced.
Avoid polarising flavours. Think blue cheese, raw onion, super spicy dishes. These are love-or-hate ingredients.
Don’t forget dessert. Will you serve your wedding cake as dessert or have it with tea and coffee later on? Either is fine, but let your caterer know so they can plan accordingly.
Who is cutting the cake? If you wedding cake isn’t dessert, your caterer may not stick around to cut and serve it. Make sure you delegate the task so you’re not taking home an entire cake!
Late-night bites are a winner. As the party winds down, guests love a little something extra – think fresh rolls with ham off the bone, toasted sandwiches, mini burgers or warm cookies. It’s a great way to refuel your crowd and keep the vibes high right through to the after party.
And remember…
When you send out your wedding invites, don’t forget to ask guests about dietary requirements. It’s one small request that makes a big difference when finalising the finer details.