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Wedding Venues with Catering: The Perfect Combination for Your Big Day

Food and drink are centre stage at most celebrations, especially at a wedding.

Friends and family sit down together to share food and raise a glass to the happy couple in a welcoming and convivial atmosphere.

Eating and drinking run through the entire wedding day, from the glass of champagne on arrival through to the buffet at the evening do.

The style of catering sets the tone for the wedding: will there be a formal three-course dinner, an elegant afternoon tea or even a more casual hog roast in the grounds?

How do you find the right wedding venue with catering that suits you and your guests?

Why Choose a Wedding Venue with Catering?

Choosing a wedding venue with catering will make the day flow more easily. Many places offer all-inclusive wedding packages, including catering from canapés to cups of coffee.

How Does In-House Catering Simplify Wedding Planning?
There are no logistics or tricky timings. Everything is overseen by your wedding manager, and with the catering team’s expert knowledge of the venue, the catering will run seamlessly.

Are There Cost Savings with Venues Offering Catering Services?
Yes, you’ll save on transportation and staff costs and possibly tableware hire. If you choose an all-inclusive wedding package, the venue, catering and staff are typically all included in one simple fee.

How to Choose

the Right Wedding Venue with Catering Options?

Here are a few things to consider when shortlisting wedding venues with catering.

What Questions Should You Ask During Venue Tours?
  • What is included in the wedding package (or packages, if there’s a choice) 
  • What are the menu choices for the wedding breakfast? 
  • What food and drinks are served on arrival and during the evening event? 
  • What are the outdoor food and drink options (such as a barbecue and outdoor bar in the evening)? 
  • Do you provide a cash bar for guests? 
  • How do you cater for dietary requirements? 
  • Do you source food locally? 
  • How many staff will be engaged for the day? 
  • Which rooms are available for the reception, welcome drinks, refreshments and buffet? 
  • Will there be tea, coffee and soft drinks available? 
  • (If you’re booking accommodation) What are the options for breakfast? 
How To Compare Different Venues

Compare venues based on cost, choices and service (you may have to guess the third, based on meeting the team and reading guest reviews). How flexible is the venue? Which dining space do you prefer for your perfect setting? Ultimately, it comes down to which wedding venue feels right to you.

The Role Of The Guest in Venue Selection

We all want our guests to be happy and enjoy themselves. However, in the end, it’s your wedding, so choose a catered wedding venue that best suits you and your tastes. Make sure that the venue has a flexible attitude when it comes to dietary requirements and individual needs, but otherwise, go with your instincts (and taste buds).

What To Look for in a

Wedding Venue with Catering

What should you be looking for if catering is an essential element of your wedding celebrations?

How to Customise

your menu

Wedding catering usually starts with a selection of packages, which have been fully costed.

You’ll always have a choice of menus (typically with a selection of meat, fish and vegetarian/vegan dishes), and you should also be able to customise this further (with notice).

What Dietary Restrictions Should You Consider When Planning Your Menu?

Ask your guests for any dietary requirements when they RSVP. Venues should be able to adapt dishes or offer separate choices, and lists of ingredients should be available to you and your guests. Dietary needs can be due to allergies, intolerances, health grounds, faiths, beliefs and specific reasons such as pregnancy. Neurodiverse guests may also have particular food requirements, and there may need to be separate options for children.

How Can You Incorporate Personal Touches into Your Catering Menu?

Choose your favourite cuisine and ingredients as far as possible, and discuss adding personal little touches with your wedding manager. How the food is presented can also be personalised. The drinks menu is a good way to add character to the catering menu, and you can choose quirky extras such as cake stalls, ice cream carts and barbecues.

What Are Some Trending Catering Ideas for Weddings?
  • Local, seasonal food that suits the venue 
  • Food in-keeping with the period of the venue (such as a Tudor-inspired banquet) 
  • Hog roasts and barbecues outside 
  • Food stalls in the grounds 
  • Seafood platters 
  • Grazing tables 
  • Plant-based menus 
  • Stonebaked pizzas 
  • High tea or cream tea 

popular wedding venues

offering Catering Services


Here’s a selection of venues that offer wedding packages, including catering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Venue with Catering

Make sure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone enjoys the food.

What Are the Pitfalls of Ignoring Guest Preferences?
It’s essential to find out dietary requirements as soon as possible so you can let the venue know. A professional catering team will ensure the right people get the right food.

How Can You Avoid Surprises with Venue and Catering Costs?
If you choose a venue that offers an all-inclusive wedding package and a costed menu of extras, there shouldn’t be any surprises. If you’re sticking to your budget, try to avoid “mission creep” by adding things like extra nibbles. Ensure the bar protocol is clear so you’re not faced with an unexpected bill after the event.

What Should You Know About Venue Policies on Outside Catering?
If you have chosen a non-catered wedding venue, speak with the wedding manager about policies, procedures, insurance, and any recommended providers. This is generally a more expensive way of catering for a wedding, as there’ll be transport costs as well, and it’s harder to control aspects such as staff costs and tableware.

how to ensure a Smooth

Catering Experience on Your Wedding Day?

The key to seamless wedding catering lies with the venue’s trusted team of professionals.

Key Takeaways

(no pun intended)

  • Catering is a hugely important part of the day for you and your guests 
  • An all-inclusive wedding package is a cost-effective and easier way to manage catering 
  • A wedding manager is invaluable 
  • Choose the venue based on cost, size, menu choice and dining spaces 
  • Think about extras, but keep within your budget 
  • Add fun personal touches like ice cream carts and how the meal is presented 
  • Dietary requirements are essential, so make sure your guests communicate these