Catering For Your Big Day

The choice of caterer and style of menu you decide on for your Wedding Reception is just as important as any other decision you make about your ‘big day’; often the catering comes as part of the ‘package’ provided by the venue you choose, but if you are able to make the choice for yourself, you face the exciting – but possibly daunting - task of choosing an ‘outside’ caterer.

But how do you choose? 

For most the first place to look is a local directory or the internet, where there are hundreds of glossy adverts and sites offering you everything from a sumptuous organic banquet to a traditional finger buffet, so choose half a dozen companies you like the look of and send for their brochure or ring them up; then consider the following:

• ‘Outside’ or ‘on-site’ catering is a very different style of working to that of a restaurant where staff are working in a fully equipped kitchen with everything they need to hand; it requires a special approach to the preparation and serving of food as more often than not the chef and service staff are working in unfamiliar surroundings – sometimes with very little in the way of basic facilities; so make sure that the company you choose are experienced in this style of catering. 

• Does the company offer the kind of food you would like to serve at your wedding, and are they flexible when it comes to your budget and choice of menu? 

• Does the company offer a hot menu choice, and if so how do they keep it hot?  Similarly how to they keep cold food cold?

• Do they cater for vegetarians and any other dietary requirements your guests may have, and are they ‘allergy aware’?  Do they offer any special deals or menus for children?

• Do they have staff to serve any drinks you may choose to buy yourself or can they supply the wines etc for you?  Check out who will be responsible for transporting these to and from the venue and how they will be kept chilled on the day?  Does the company charge for any of these services?

• Are they a local company or are they willing to travel to your chosen venue and if so are there any extra costs involved?

• Do their prices include everything you will need, for example: crockery, cutlery, glassware, linen, service and kitchen staff, chilling and cooking equipment etc, or will you have to organise this yourself?  Check who is responsible for providing and paying for what on the day and make sure you get a written quotation.

• What experience do they have of working in the particular venue you are planning to use?  If the company is not familiar with the kitchens there then expect to arrange a site-meeting with them quite early on.

• Do they have a wedding co-ordinator to look after you and your guests throughout the day?

• Make sure that if you are planning to hire a marquee for the occasion you consult your caterers before agreeing the service facilities with the marquee company – don’t forget that the marquee company is an expert in putting up a marquee but has probably never had to cook for 100 guests in the middle of a field!

• If you are hiring a venue with its own kitchen check that this will be available for the exclusive use of your caterers for the whole of the time they are on site, and check with the caterers how long this will be.  Check also what kind of access there is to the kitchen and where the caterers can park their vehicle/s.

• Is the company insured, council registered and up to date with the current health and safety legislation?

And last but not least, do not be put off by any ‘stories’ you may have heard about ‘outside’ catering – remember – providing you have done your research thoroughly you will have chosen a professional company – so all you will have to do is relax and enjoy the best day of your life.

Information about Beaubray Caterers

It’s a special day – you need special caterers!  We are experts at providing professional wedding catering in the venue of your choice whether it be a private house, village hall, country house or marquee; so if you would like to enjoy the benefit of our experience, excellent food and a package with everything included ring or email for an informal chat and a free brochure.

• We specialise in serving hot food - even without kitchen facilities - we bring our own if needed!
• We provide an outstanding service; before, during and after your event, provided by our friendly, uniformed and fully trained staff
• We offer you a huge choice of tried and tested bespoke menus from our comprehensive range of brochures
• We promise flexibility - our ‘middle’ name – catering to the smallest and largest guest list
• We will arrange a Free appointment, to make sure you get exactly the right catering for your  event

·         At Beaubray there are no hidden costs, we include everything from the serving and kitchen staff to the crockery, cutlery, glasses and of course delicious hot and cold food. If the venue has no kitchen facilities – don’t worry, we bring our own - at no extra charge to you.
Other benefits

• Marquee and kitchen-less venues our speciality
• Extensive hot and cold menu choice
• Vegetarian and special diets catered for
• On-site Wedding Co-ordinator throughout
• Competitive prices AND high quality food – always.
• Uniformed smart and friendly staff
• Expert advice
• Free visit to make sure you get exactly what you need
• Guaranteed arrival and set up times

Beaubray Caterers provide a professional catering service throughout the South East of England.

Established in 1970 we bring with us to every event a wealth of experience, our own fully trained staff, and any necessary equipment; in fact everything you need to make your occasion a success - plus our delicious, freshly prepared hot and cold food – of course!

Our full catering package includes kitchen and serving staff, kitchen and cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. All you need to provide are the guests and the venue.

Our job is to provide you with what you want for your event; very function is catered for individually and tailor made to suit your budget, venue and personal taste - our comprehensive brochure is only a starting point.

Welcome to Beaubray Caterers – professional catering for every occasion

We offer a full range of Hot and Cold Menus with vegetarian choices available as standard, and specialise in Hot Food - prepared and cooked in our unique purpose built registered catering kitchens.

Typical menu choices might be:

Canapés – to whet the appetite

Traditional Roasts – everyone’s favourite

‘A Choice of Chicken’ – our most popular

‘Kentish Fare’ – made with local produce

Carvery Buffets – very impressive!

Hot and Cold Finger Buffets – classic but classy

BBQ’s – informal and fun

Evening Buffets including our spectacular – ‘Party Cheeseboard’ – perfect to round off the day