Choosing the best catering partner

IS A BESPOKE MENU AND CREATIVELY PRESENTED FOOD IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Then engage internationally acclaimed chef Jackie Cameron. Jackie caters for, and hosts, weddings at her impressive venue in scenic Hilton – and is equipped to cater at a venue of your choice. Your menu will be personalised and plated to perfection! www.jackiecameron.co.za

076 505 7538 | jackie@jackiecameron.co.za

CHOOSING THE BEST C a t e r i n PARTNERg

It’s no secret that the recipe to success for any great party is delicious food—especially when it comes to your wedding day. People may forget who caught the garter, what was said in the speeches or which song you chose for your first dance but they'll remember their meal—for better or worse.

Here are some tips for couples who are hunting for their ideal wedding caterer:

1. Do your homework when it comes to your wedding venue

Before you start enlisting the services of a caterer, research your wedding

venue. Some venues insist that you use their in-house catering team, which

is fine if you are a fan of their menu and style of cooking. But if you have

your heart set on a particular dish, or caterer, find out if your venue will

permit outside caterers, or are flexible to tailor your menu to suit your style

and flavours.

2. Discuss your budget with your caterer upfront

Before you start drawing up your menu, determine how much you are able

to spend on your wedding food. Make sure that you share this figure with

your caterer. A professional and experienced catering team will be able to

evaluate whether the menu you want can be achieved within your budget.

They should also be able to provide you with alternatives that may be

more affordable.

3. Decide on the food service style that best suits your wedding:

These days the world really is your oyster when it comes to choosing a

menu style. Here are some options to consider:

• Buffet

• Plated

• Family style / Table boards • Food stations / Cocktail bowl food

• Food truck style

There are pros and cons to each menu style, but your catering team

should be able to guide you on the advantages and disadvantages to help

you make your decision

4. Be clear about your most—and least—favourite foods

Tell your caterer about what dishes you really enjoy, as well as the things

you find unpalatable. Make sure you also advise them of any food allergies.

5. Share your creative presentation ideas

Do you have specific reference images of how you want your food to look?

Share these with your caterer. If you have your heart set on a particularly

unusual food presentation that your caterer needs to source, bear in mind

this may impact the menu price. You can also ask your caterer to share

images from previous weddings of how the food will be presented on the day.

6. Include a vegetarian and/or vegan option

It’s important to include a vegetarian/vegan option on your menu. Not

everyone will remember to notify you of their dietary requirements,

and this gives you some wiggle room for any surprise vegetarians

who turn up on the day!

7. Pick a caterer who inspires confidence

You will be working closely with your caterer for a substantial

part of the lead-up to your wedding so make sure you align

yourself with someone who gets your vision and inspires

confidence. You want someone who will be calm under pressure

and who will make sure that the food on your wedding day is

remembered, for all the right reasons, for years to come.

Bon appétit!

b y R e n z o & S h e r r e e H a m b l in

HAMBLIN’S CATERING

Our experienced team offers creative catering and event management support

We offer event planning as part of our standard catering services. Our creative, tasty food and personal approach is the reason our clients keep coming back to us!

033 345 2009 info@hamblinscatering.co.za www.hamblinscatering.co.za

Credits: (top, bottom) Hamblin’s Catering, Vix Photography | (centre and circle) Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine | (opposite page, circle) Hamblin’s Catering, Vix Photography

Credit: (right and circle) Beyond Measure

Credits: (middle row, from left) Whisked Cakery, Beyond Measure | Grace of Bakes | Whisked Cakery, Laura Jean Photography | (bottom row, from left) Grace of Bakes, Vix Photography | Whisked Cakery |