Highlights
- Clarify what’s included in the tasting: how many dishes, how many guests.
- Ask how the dishes will be presented at your actual wedding.
- Confirm portion sizes, dietary flexibility, and seasonal ingredient availability.
- Learn how the team handles dietary restrictions and last-minute changes.
Choosing a catering company for your wedding is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make during the planning process. Your menu sets the tone for the celebration and leaves a lasting impression on guests. That’s why a catering tasting isn’t just a fun preview—it’s your chance to gather key details, assess quality, and clarify expectations before signing a contract.
According to The Knot, it’s best to begin your caterer search at the same time you’re looking at venues—about 12 months before your wedding date. Starting early gives you enough time to schedule tastings, compare vendors, and secure your top choice before dates book up.
Whether you’re envisioning a plated dinner, passed hors d’oeuvres, or a buffet-style feast, the questions you ask during your tasting will guide you toward a menu and experience that reflect your vision.
To help couples prepare, a full-service wedding catering company known for its seasonal menus and personalized approach, shares expert insights on what to ask during your tasting session.
What Is the Purpose of the Tasting?
A wedding catering tasting allows you to do more than just sample food. It’s a chance to confirm that the caterer’s culinary style aligns with your preferences, get a feel for presentation, and build confidence in their ability to deliver.
The tasting also allows couples to discuss event logistics, tailor the menu to guest needs, and finalize service details. By the end of the tasting, you should walk away with a clear understanding of what your wedding meal will look, taste, and feel like.
Questions to Ask About the Menu
Your menu is the heart of the tasting. Use this time to go beyond flavor and ask specific questions about each item.
Menu-Related Questions:
- Can we customize any of these dishes?
- Are there seasonal variations of this item?
- What are the portion sizes for the plated dinner vs. buffet?
- Are tastings representative of wedding-day presentation?
- Will all these ingredients be available on our wedding date?
- Can we try a signature cocktail or appetizer?
Pro Tip: Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down impressions. Even if you love everything, it helps to remember which items you connected with most.
Questions to Ask About Dietary Restrictions
Weddings often include guests with food sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Be proactive in asking how the caterer handles these needs.
Key Dietary Questions:
- How do you accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan guests?
- Can you provide allergy-friendly meals upon request?
- Will those special meals be clearly labeled and served separately?
Planning for inclusivity shows your guests you care—and it reduces stress on the day of the event.
Questions About Presentation and Style
The aesthetic of your meal should match the overall tone of your wedding. Whether you’re aiming for formal elegance or rustic charm, ask how food will be plated and served.
Style and Presentation Questions:
- Will the dishes look the same on our wedding day?
- What kind of dinnerware, flatware, or serving pieces do you use?
- Do you provide linens and table settings?
- Can we personalize how meals are served (e.g., family-style, plated, buffet)?
Don’t be afraid to ask for visual examples. Photos of past weddings catered by the team can help you imagine what your own reception will look like.
Questions About Staffing and Service
It’s easy to overlook what happens behind the scenes, but staffing and service can make or break the guest experience.
Important Staffing Questions:
- How many staff members will be on-site during the event?
- What do your servers wear?
- Will there be a dedicated event manager or point person?
- Do you handle bar service as well?
Professionalism, timing, and hospitality are just as important as the food itself. It is recommended that couples ask about event timelines, team responsibilities, and guest-to-server ratios.
Questions About Logistics and Coordination
Wedding days are full of moving parts. Your catering team should be ready to coordinate with the venue and other vendors to keep everything running smoothly.
Logistics Questions to Cover:
- What time will your team arrive for set-up?
- Do you handle clean-up and breakdown?
- How do you coordinate with our planner or venue manager?
- Do you require access to a kitchen or prep space?
Logistics and setup are among the top stressors couples face. Asking in advance prevents surprises and confirms that the catering company is experienced with your type of venue or guest count.
Questions About Costs and Inclusions
Budget is always part of the equation. Ask clear questions about what’s included in the catering package—and what’s not.
Money and Contract Questions:
- What exactly is included in your pricing?
- Are rentals, tax, and gratuity part of the total?
- Is there a service charge or delivery fee?
- How much is the deposit, and when is the final payment due?
- What’s your cancellation or change policy?
Be wary of vague pricing. Transparency is a top priority. Look for itemized proposals so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden fees, no surprise add-ons.
Final Questions to Help You Feel Confident
If you’re still unsure about moving forward after the tasting, it’s okay to ask some final wrap-up questions that touch on overall experience and flexibility.
Confidence-Boosting Questions:
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- Can we make menu changes after today?
- What happens if something goes wrong on the wedding day?
- Do you offer tastings for other parts of the event (rehearsal, brunch)?
What Couples Should Know
A wedding tasting should feel collaborative, not just a sampling session, but a planning opportunity. Come prepared with questions, preferences, and even inspiration boards. Most caterers appreciate when couples bring their ideas to the table and are happy to walk through the vision together.
This is also the time to fine-tune details. From signature cocktails and seasonal hors d’oeuvres to late-night snack ideas, tastings allow you to personalize your menu while addressing practical concerns like dietary needs, service style, and guest count.
Remember, your wedding tasting is more than just a meal—it’s a key moment to shape one of the most memorable parts of your celebration. Asking the right questions about the food, presentation, staffing, and coordination will help you find a catering partner who understands your priorities and can deliver on the big day.
Use the tasting to clarify expectations, make confident decisions, and ensure your catering experience aligns with your wedding’s style and budget. When in doubt, ask—and trust your instincts.