Planning your wedding reception at St Paul’s Church is an exciting journey, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right caterer. Picking the correct style of food sets the tone for your celebration, so finding a caterer who understands your vision, budget, and venue requirements is key. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the best choice.
1. Start with Local Expertise
Cambridge has a wealth of talented caterers who specialise in weddings. Working with local professionals offers several benefits:
• Familiarity with St Paul’s Church: Local caterers often know the venue layout and logistics, making setup and service smoother. It is the little things in catering which makes life a lot easier: knowing where switches are, where to find the bins, where to park to unload and how to use the dishwasher.
• Fresh, seasonal menus: Sourcing ingredients locally is close to our hearts at St Paul’s and is so much better for the planet. Cambridge is surrounded by fantastic farmland which produces incredible ingredients. Importantly, picking seasonal menus from locally produced food helps to keep the budget down too.
(Tip: Avoid ingredients which are way out of season, for example Strawberry’s in January will be unripe and expensive as they will be flown in from thousands of miles away)
• Reduced travel costs: Hiring nearby caterers can help keep your budget stay in check. The day of a caterer starts when they load their vans and set off, so if you are using a caterer from outside of Cambridge, you will likely be charged for it!
Popular local caterers who are familiar with St Paul’s:
• Puddini: offer a range of dining styles and ideas, and are happy to create a bespoke menu, based on your requirements.
• The Modern Table; creative catering and bespoke menu’s for all.
(Tip: Always check if the caterer has experience with the church venues and if they need any unique cooking facilities.)
2. Questions to Ask Before Booking
When meeting potential caterers, come prepared with these essential questions:
• Menu flexibility: Can they accommodate dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, specific allergies)?
• Service style: Do they offer plated meals, buffets, or sharing platters, or everything?
• Staffing: How many waiters will be provided within the price?
• Tasting sessions: Do they offer a tasting of the dishes? You want to bring along the wine choices so you can see how everything goes together.
• Logistics: How will they handle timing and coordination with the church schedule? This is important, as they may need access to the kitchen very early in the day. To avoid having to be a go-between with emails and phone calls, feel free to link the caterer and the team at St Paul’s.
• Cutlery: is the cutlery, plates and washing up included?
3. Budget Tips for Your Reception
Catering can be one of the biggest expenses, but smart planning helps:
• Set a clear budget early: Make sure your budget is set before contacting the caterers as they will be able to give you more precise options early on. Include food, staff, and any rentals (tables, linens).
• Choose seasonal menus: Seasonal ingredients are often more affordable and fresher. The ingredients will be cheaper and they will be far more delicious.
• Limit courses: A well-curated two-course meal can be just as memorable as a three-course feast. Desserts can be big cakes and buffet style at the end of the meal. This keeps the evening less formal as you may not want a plated dessert.
• Consider sharing platters: They create a relaxed atmosphere and reduce costs.
• Ask about package deals: Some caterers offer discounts for combined services like bar and catering.
• Start early: Great caterers get booked a year in advance, so don’t leave it till the last minute. Once you have decided on a date for your big day get in contact with your caterer straight away.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding reception at St Paul’s deserves a caterer who brings your vision to life. Start early, ask the right questions, and keep your budget in mind. With the right partner, you’ll create a celebration that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.