Cornwall Wedding Caterers: 10 Essential Tips for Picking the Perfect One

Planning your wedding in Cornwall? The food you serve is so much more than just a meal, it's a central part of your day where guests gather, connect, and create lasting memories. A carefully considered menu doesn’t just satisfy appetites; it enhances the entire celebration through flavour, presentation, and exceptional service.

From laid-back beachside feasts to refined multi-course dinners, Cornwall serves up a vibrant array of wedding catering options. To help you find the perfect fit for your celebration, we’ve tapped into the expertise of Caitlin from Cerenity Chef, a valued member of the Wedding Venues in Cornwall community. Known for her passion for local ingredients, bespoke menus and expertise in catering for intimate celebrations, Caitlin offers expert  guidance to ensure your wedding food is unforgettable.

1. Define Your Dining Style Early On

Before reaching out to your wedding caterers, determine the atmosphere you envision for your reception. Do you prefer a formal sit-down dinner or a relaxed buffet with sharing platters? Deciding this early on will help to narrow down your search and know what you’re requesting from the caterers you contact. Caitlin emphasises, "It's crucial for caterers to find out as much as possible right from the start. Whether it's a formal three to five-course meal or an informal dining experience, this decision significantly influences the menu.”

2. Establish a Realistic Budget

Understanding your budget is essential when exploring wedding catering in Cornwall. Caterers typically charge on a per-head basis, so having a clear budget helps in selecting suitable options. Many wedding caterers in Cornwall provide sample menus on their websites, allowing you to gauge what fits within your price plan.

Top tip - Don’t forget to ask for costs of equipment hire, waiting staff and also check about VAT!

3. Prioritise Your Must-Haves

Discuss with your partner the non-negotiables for your wedding menu. Whether it's a specific dish or source of ingredients, a cherished family recipe, or a particular dining style, identifying these elements early ensures your chosen Cornish wedding caterer can accommodate your desires.

“Many of my couples choose to work with me because I am involved with the whole process. From the first call to delivering the menu on the day, I ensure that the menu truly reflects the couple I’m working with” says Caitlin.

4. Seek Caterers Who Align with Your Vision

Cornwall boasts a diverse array of wedding caterers, each with unique specialties. Whether you're dreaming of a seafood extravaganza or a vegan feast, ensure your chosen caterer has experience in your chosen cuisine. Caitlin notes, "I work with a lot of Cornish seafood, sourcing from both the North and South coasts. If clients desire premium products like lobster, I ensure it's incorporated as part of their menu, but also make clear that these more premium products will influence the menu's overall cost."

5. Opt for Personalised Menus

A bespoke menu adds a personal touch to your celebration. Caitlin shares, "Many clients appreciate that I'm involved throughout the process, designing personalised menus and sharing the story behind each ingredient." For smaller, more intimate weddings, engaging with wedding caterers in Cornwall who offer this level of customisation ensures your menu truly reflects what you want to eat on your big day.

6. Embrace Local and Seasonal Produce

Cornwall's rich agricultural and maritime heritage offers a bounty of fresh ingredients. Caitlin emphasises, "Local and fresh is how I describe the food I work with. I source ingredients as close to home as possible." Choosing caterers who prioritise local produce not only supports the community but also guarantees freshness and flavour.

Top tip – Depending on the season this may influence what your caterers can get hold of regarding ingredients. Be sure to talk through your menu ideas in advance so that your caterer can suggest any alternative ingredients that might be required, if seasonal, local produce is a must-have.

7. Schedule a Tasting Session

Tasting sessions are invaluable in finalising your menu. While some wedding caterers in Cornwall include this option, some may charge extra for this, and others might invite you to event or establishment where you can sample their offerings. This experience allows you to fine-tune your selections and ensures the dishes meet your expectations.

8. Review Testimonials and Seek Recommendations

Feedback from previous clients provides insights into a caterer's reliability and quality. Reading reviews or seeking recommendations from venues and other suppliers can help guide you to reputable wedding caterers in Cornwall. Understanding a caterer's reputation is crucial in making an informed decision. At Wedding Venues in Cornwall, we’ve carefully selected a range of top caterers who offer fabulous service and delicious. You can explore our range here.

Caitlin ensures a personal touch is not only found in the menu, but she also says, “I always make a point of being approachable on the day, if guests have questions about the food, I'm more than happy to chat. It’s those little interactions that can make the dining experience even more memorable.”

9. Clarify Service Inclusions

Understanding what's included in your catering package prevents unforeseen expenses. Enquire whether the caterer provides staff, tableware, equipment, and handles tasks like table setup and waste removal. Some caterers charge VAT, whereas others don’t. Be sure to ask about this too to avoid surprises when it comes to paying your final invoice. Caitlin mentions, "I hold an enquiry call with couples to get to know them, ensuring we're a good fit and that I can meet all their expectations.”

10. Address Dietary Requirements Proactively

Ensuring all guests are catered for is paramount. Discuss any dietary restrictions or allergies with your caterer well in advance. Caitlin advises, "It's essential to communicate these needs early so that appropriate arrangements can be made." This proactive approach guarantees a seamless dining experience for everyone.

Selecting the right wedding caterer in Cornwall is a blend of aligning visions, understanding offerings, and building a rapport. With experts like Caitlin from Cerenity Chef, who bring passion and personalisation to the table, your wedding feast is bound to be memorable. For more insights and to explore a curated list of esteemed Cornwall wedding caterers, visit our Wedding Venues in Cornwall Members' Directory.

Ready to start planning? Explore Cornwall’s wedding venues and suppliers to bring your dream day to life here.

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Credits:

Photo 1: Supplier: Cerenity Chef
Photo 2: Supplier: Chopbox Kitchen
Photo 3: Supplier: Chef in My Home | Photographer: Thomas Frost
Photo 4: Supplier: Dish
Photo 5: Supplier: Bien Manger
Photo 6: Supplier: By Kate Stationery | Photographer: Rabbit House Studio and Louise Eleanor Photography
Photo 7: Supplier: Dish | Photographer: Emma Croman
Photo 8: Supplier: Chef Fiona
Photo 9: Supplier: Bien Manger
Photo 10: Supplier: Woodfired Weddings