If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s this: check before booking a caterer. Not just that they’re available, but that they’re the right fit for your event, your guests, your venue…and, let’s be honest, your stress levels.
Catering isn’t just about feeding people. It’s about trust, flexibility and the kind of behind-the-scenes planning that makes everything feel smooth and effortless on the day. Whether you’re planning a corporate event in Lewes, a wedding in Herstmonceux, or a big family do in your own back garden, there are a few key things you’ll want to check off your list before you get too far down the planning road.
Here’s what to look out for, and why a little bit of prep now saves a world of faff later.
1. Do They Actually Cover Your Area?
You fall in love with a menu, spend hours dreaming of canapés and duck fat roasties, only to find out the caterers don’t cover your area. What a nightmare. Just to confirm, we cover all of East Sussex…occasionally straying a little further afield, but honestly we are pretty busy with the customers we already have!
Check before booking a caterer that they’re happy to travel to your venue, and that they know the local scene. Bonus points if they’ve worked with your venue before (we’ve catered at loads of brilliant local spots, from Montague Farm, Gildredge Manor to Frickley Lake and beyond).
Knowing the lie of the land really helps when it comes to logistics, timings and little details like where the van’s going to park and how many stairs there are to the kitchen (yes, it matters!).
2. Are The Menus Flexible?
Unless your entire guest list has identical taste buds (unlikely), flexibility is key. A good caterer should never hand you a one-size-fits-all PDF and expect you to pick something blind.
Check before booking a caterer whether they’re happy to adapt things to suit your group; that could mean offering veggie or vegan options, working around allergies, or tweaking dishes to suit your theme or vibe. At Green Fig, we start every event with a conversation, not a catalogue. (although with our menus you can see the sort of food we serve to really give you a good flavour!)
3. What’s Actually Included in the Service?
This is a big one. Some caterers provide the food and that’s it; no plates, no serving team. Others (like us) bring the full package when needed: staff, crockery, cutlery, linen, kitchen kit – the whole works. Whatever you need, however much or little, we can sort for you.
It’s really important to know what you’re paying for and where you might need to bring in extra help. If you’re using a venue without a fully-equipped kitchen (hello, marquee weddings and rustic barns), ask whether your caterer can work independently or if they’ll need extra equipment hired in.
Always, always check before booking a caterer what’s included and what’ll cost extra.
4. Can You Book a Tasting?
You wouldn’t buy a wedding dress without trying it on, right? So why book a three-course meal without tasting anything?
A tasting isn’t just about seeing if the chicken’s juicy (though that is important). It’s your chance to get to know the caterers, ask questions and start shaping the menu around what you and your guests will love.
We offer tastings for weddings and honestly, they’re one of our favourite parts of the planning process. Couples leave feeling confident, excited and very happy!
If tastings are something you care about, check before booking a caterer that it’s something they offer and that they’re not just going to hand you a sample sausage roll and call it a day.
5. What Do Their Past Clients Say?
We could tell you how much love and effort we put into every event, but it means so much more when it comes from someone who’s actually eaten the food and worked with our team.
Spend a bit of time reading reviews and testimonials. Look for comments on the food, of course, but also the service, the communication and the little touches that helped things run smoothly.
The best caterers leave a lasting impression long after the plates are cleared…and not just because of the sticky toffee pudding.
6. Do They Understand Your Venue Setup?
Outdoor wedding? Village hall? Boardroom? Each space has its own quirks and you want a caterer who’s experienced enough to handle the lot.
Check before booking a caterer that they’ve worked in similar environments. Are they bringing their own cooking equipment? Do they need access to a full kitchen? Will they need a prep area? Do they know how to work quietly and efficiently in small spaces?
We’ve catered in windswept fields, charming-but-chaotic barns, heritage venues with all sorts of rules, as well as large offices where it is important to be respectful of the meetings occurring. With the right team, none of it’s a problem, it just takes planning.
7. How Quickly Do They Book Up?
Here’s the thing: great caterers are busy caterers. Especially in peak seasons (think May to September and all of December), and great caterers such as Green Fig(!!) get booked up fast.
So send an email when you find one you like, get the info and a quote, and if you’re happy, you can book a tasting. Don’t leave booking the catering team until the last minute. In fact, we would even suggest booking a caterer before the date and the venue of the ceremony – that way the availability of the venue, registrar, etc, is much easier to work out.
Pick Green Fig For Your Catering
Food can truly make your event, and sorting the right caterer shouldn’t be a gamble. From timing to tastings, staffing to special diets, there’s a lot to think about. But the first step? It’s simple: check before booking a caterer.
If you’re looking for a team that’s local, personal and absolutely obsessed with good food (and good planning), you’re in the right place.
Get in touch with us today. Let’s plan something brilliant.