Catering FAQs

We have put a few frequently answered questions together below, which may be of use. We’d rather talk to you though, so please do get in touch.

How do we arrange an appointment with you to discuss our wedding, party or event catering?

Call or email us and we will arrange a meeting to suit you – either at our premises, or we’ll come to you or your venue.

We know you’re busy with work as well as wedding planning and are happy to arrange meetings for evenings or weekends if required.

What do we discuss during the meeting and what happens next?

We will talk through your plans and your menu and event ideas and get the shape of the day, and afterwards, we’ll send you a much more detailed initial plan and quote for your day, together with any suggestions we have.

Should you want to book with us, we will send you a deposit invoice. Once this is paid, that date is reserved for you.

Do you charge corkage?

We do not charge a corkage fee.

Will you be able to work in our kitchen?  It’s a bit on the small side!

We have worked in many kitchens – if yours isn’t suitable, it’s no problem, we can provide a kitchen tent to the side of a house, for example, and bring in all our own equipment.

When we work in your own kitchen, you can rest assured that we will leave everything clean and spotless after we’ve finished.

We’re not getting married until next year – will you hold your price?

The price stays the same as what we agreed when you paid your deposit.

Do you offer tastings?

Absolutely and you would be very welcome to come to one of our tasting events. There is a small charge for the tasting of £60 per person + VAT. Please get in touch to find out when these are.

Once we’ve booked, who do we contact about the planning?

We will run through all of this when meeting and once you book with us.

Do we have any other meetings or chats between our initial appointment and our big day?

We are always here to speak, and will meet with you at your venue a month or so before to tie any loose ends up.

When do we need to confirm final numbers and menu choices?

We will start asking you for these a month before the wedding or party and will need to know finally two weeks before the day.  Any changes made after this point may be chargeable.

What time will your team be at my house/venue on the day?

Usually we will have an early kitchen team to set up any equipment needed and set up tables, who will arrive by 9am (depending on the event).  Sometimes we will be able to do this on the day before, if we have access.  

Chefs, again, usually arrive at 9am (depending on the event) and our main staff team and event manager will arrive approximately 3 hours before guests are due to appear, to set up tables, bar etc.  

However we will discuss your requirements with you prior to the event and are happy to arrange things differently if necessary.

Can you supply flowers and print menus and place cards?

We would usually say these are up to you – flowers and stationery are so personal, and you are the best person to communicate your vision to these suppliers.

Can we tailor the menu?

Of course!  We’re very happy to tailor our menus to suit you and to discuss ideas with you.  We will advice for or against anything too.

Can you cater for special dietary requirements?

An increasingly asked question, and the answer is yes absolutely. We will ask you about these when we ask for final numbers and details and suggest any menu alternatives or adjustments necessary.  We will provide a form at this time for all dietary’s to be included.

Can you provide a hog roast or BBQ for our main meal or evening food?

We certainly can, but some venues have equipment restrictions, so please check with us if you would like either of these options.

Can we choose different colours of linen/styles of cutlery and crockery?

Our price includes white linen (tablecloths, napkins), All our crockery is plain white.  We are happy to show you samples at any of our meetings.  If you would like any other colours or styles, please discuss this with us.

Do you run cash bars?

We will discuss this with you when we first speak. We can supply and run a large variety of bars of our own or others. If you would like to supply the drinks, our bar staff will serve them, or we can supply all alcohol, bar and bar staff for a cash bar.

We need a marquee too. Can you help?

Please take a look at our dedicated marquee division and website at  www.moodiesmarquees.co.uk for further information.

How long does a three course formal meal take?

Approximately two hours, plus speeches if you are having them, but there is an element of play-it-by-ear – every wedding is different, all guests are different.  Sharing-style meals can take a little longer than plated meals, for example.

Please feel free to contact us if our FAQs haven’t covered all of your questions.