The best way to answer this is for you to think back at the weddings you have attended. The good ones and the bad ones. What set them apart?

FOOD AND DRINK.

As a GUEST, these are at the top list of what makes a wedding enjoyable. Jake and I still have people talking about how amazing the food was at our wedding over 12 years ago (which sadly, as the Bride and Groom we didn’t even enjoy ourselves! We opted for a private sushi platter and let our guests have the prepared food).

We did not hire a caterer, instead my mother and a few of her besties did all of the food (which they totally could start a catering business, they are THAT good!) But the con of this was how much work my Mom had to do leading up to our wedding and during the wedding day. We have just a few regrets from our wedding, one of them being hiring friends and family as our vendors. It is a great way to save money, but I regret putting my family and friends through that much work. I wish they could have just really enjoyed the day and celebrate with us our milestone.

This is a BIG reason you should seriously consider hiring a caterer.

Let your family and friends celebrate, while the professionals do the hard work. They take the stress out of one of the biggest aspects of your wedding! Wedding caterers frequently provide all-inclusive packages for their clients. These packages are designed to facilitate the wedding planning process. Here are just some things hiring a wedding caterer will take care of:

FOOD.
Your cost includes all of the food served at any events your wedding caterer is serving, such as the pre-wedding brunch and the reception appetizers and dinner. Bride Tip: don’t forget to feed your vendors (ie photographers, planners, bartenders, florists, hairstylists and make up artists.)
Depending on your style and budget, they will provide buffet-style, table side, appetizers, desserts, and DO IT WELL. Some of the caterers we see in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland are producing incredible culinary creations. Check out White Table Catering & Events

Photo: Brooklyn D Photography Caterer: White Table Catering & Events

2. Beverages

Depending on the wedding caterer you choose, the wedding package may include hard and soft beverages. For hard beverages, the caterer may subcontract out a bartender (like us!) or they may provide this service directly. Soft beverages would be available at a bar or on a separate buffet table or served to guests at the table.

A caterer we enjoy collaborating with on weddings in Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley is Restaurant62.

Fun fact! We spent our first anniversary at Restaurant62 where they customized the menu for us (we asked them for something not on their menu and they aquiesced willingly.) We received Happy Anniversary emails from them for years, and now over 10 years later they are truly a pleasure to work with!

Photo: Shoe Box Photo Catering: Restaurant62 Planning & Decor: Say Events Co Venue: Mt Lehman Winery Florals: Floral Design by Lili

Photography: Justine Russo Catering: Restaurant62 Decor: Valley Weddings Bouquet: Deborah Lee Designs

3. Waitstaff

Again, this goes in line with freeing your guests to enjoy themselves, rather than having them work for their food. I mean…my little brother was a pretty cute waiter don’t you think??

They will perform all the duties relevant to food and beverage services. This would include setting up, serving, tending bar, refilling, clearing tables and cleaning up. The staff will be uniformed and professional in appearance and demeanor.

4. Furnishings

A comprehensive wedding catering package will likely include furnishings. They often collaborate with Wedding Decor companies to bring your vision to life. This would include things like tables and chairs, plates, serve ware, glasses and utensils. Edge Catering “create exceptional experiences with warmth, and sophistication; standards on par with the finest dining establishments.”

*Photographer: The Apartment Photo - Venue: The Wallace - Décor: Bespoke Décor - Florals: The Flower Library - Planner: Sweetheart Events - Catering: Edge Catering*

*Photographer: Kaoverii Silva - Venue & Decor: Bespoke Decor - Styling & Flowers: María Limón - Catering: Edge Catering*

*Photographer: Angela Ruscheinski - Venue: The Greenhouse in Abbotsford, BC - Decor: Bespoke Decor - Florals: Florista - Planner - Filosophi - Catering: Edge Catering*

Are you convinced yet? You must at least be salivating a little thinking and seeing all that delicious food! We recommend booking your caterer at least 12 months in advance, so if you are a 2024 Bride, please PLEASE inquire if these caterers are available for your wedding date!

Restaurant62

Website: www.restaurant62.ca

Instagram: @restaurant62

Edge Catering

Website: www.edgecatering.ca

Instagram: @edgecatering

White Table Catering

Website: www.whitetablecatering.com/

Instagram: @whitetablecatering

Next in our Wedding Guide: Florists

Do I even need a caterer for my wedding?