Catering is one of those subtle things that can make or break your wedding. It’s a given that the food and drinks should be amazing; but when it’s not, it can leave a negative impression.

This is why we have Lauren Davie with us today, to help us steer clear of catering disasters. Lauren is the sales and marketing manager at The Farm Café, the exclusive wedding provider at Melbourne’s Collingwood Children's Farm.

In this chat we discuss:

• Booking a caterer on a budget
• Family-style feast or cocktail reception?
• Qualities of an experienced caterer
• Managing portions and different dietary requirements
• Menu tasting by The Farm Cafe
• How to pair drinks with food
• Availability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Setting up a champagne tower

Most couples will have a specific budget for catering. Some vendors are more affordable than others, and there’s often a reason for that. The difference in food quality, portion, and service are not always obvious, which is why attending menu tastings can be helpful. 

To avoid complications, book a caterer that can supply both food and drinks. An experienced caterer will know how to pair the two, as well as provide enough portions for your guests. In Lauren’s experience, she notes:

“Anyone who's done a few weddings will know how important obviously, the drinks are. And if they haven't made that association of it running out, it's generally a sign. Maybe they're not concerned, maybe they haven't thought about it. Or maybe they don't have the experience you're looking for in a caterer.”

Couples should communicate early on what’s important to them. Guests’ dietary requirements and any feedback should be conveyed so the caterer can plan and adjust accordingly.

 Links & Vendors Mentioned:

What Would They Know? Lauren Davie of Catering by The Farm Café

Collingwood Children’s Farm

The Farm Café

Find The Farm Cafe:

On Polka Dot Wedding:  The Farm Cafe

farmcafe.com.au

On Instagram: @farmcafe_weddings

On Facebook: The Farm Cafe

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

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The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.