How to pick the right caterers for your event

When planning an event, catering is one of the most important aspects you’ll have to consider – after all, hungry guests aren’t happy guests!

Planning your event catering should not be a source of stress. With expert help and guidance from trusted event professionals, you cannot only satisfy the palates of your discerning guests but also leave them feeling truly spoiled.

Read on for top tips from our team of event planners on how to pick the right caterers for your event…

Clarify your must-haves

It’s essential that you lock down the basics as a first step when choosing your caterer and tackle this as early as possible for a smoother journey.

Before you can think about what food and drink you and your guests will be enjoying, you need to know when and where your event will be held, exactly how many guests you will be providing for, whether crockery, cutlery and glassware will be supplied, and how much support from staff is required on the day.

If you aren’t clear on your requirements from the outset, then you could face delays or unexpected costs further down the line. However, it does pay to be flexible too – take advice from your venue’s events team or caterer about what will work best on the day.

Choosing a caterer

When it comes to choosing a caterer, it’s a good idea to consider what kind of cuisine you’d like served on the day. Your event menu could reflect your personal taste, current trends, or even tie into your venue’s setting – whatever it is, keep it in mind when choosing a catering supplier.

Most venues will have a roster of trusted catering suppliers, and Rosebery Estates is no different. From traditional to contemporary and intimate to extravagant – our catering teams create memorable and fun events with the finest food, drink, production and creative flair.

Our caterers, both in-house at Barnbougle Castle and The Walled Garden, and trusted partners at Rosebery House and Rosebery Steading, have developed exquisite, stylish and seasonal menus. Scotland’s rich larder can be sourced on the doorsteps of our venues. World-class ingredients can be found on our own Rosebery Estates, such as Great British Vermouth, which is produced on the Estate, as well as from local artisan producers.

These trusted partners include the wonderful Wild Thyme, Stocks Events, The Edinburgh Catering Company, and Platter & Pop. Do your research and determine which caterer suits the style of food you would like to serve – for example, are you keeping it classic with a traditional menu or going for a more edgy contemporary offering? While caterers are versatile, some may specialise in certain cuisines or styles of service, so it’s worth finding the right fit for your event.

Dress for the season

While your menu should ultimately be made with your favourite flavours and foods in mind, it’s also important to consider the needs of your guests, to ensure your catering is the talk of the night.

Attending an event can be a long day, especially if the catering is sub-par and the drinks offering is lacking – you want your menu to be on the lips of your guests long after they have headed home.

Give thought to whether anybody has any special dietary requirements, such as allergies, intolerances, or being a vegetarian or vegan. Don’t let anyone feel as though they are missing out on a great meal because of a dietary issue!

Another thing to consider is whether any children will be attending – kids are notoriously picky, so it might be best to consider some plainer, child-friendly options for the menu.

Your catering team will undoubtedly have a checklist of ‘need to knows’ before planning the menu, so take heed of their expertise and let their experience guide you.

Get creative

This is your opportunity to get creative and let your imagination run wild. Have fun creating your menu, and you will definitely have fun eating it later on.

The Rosebery Estates team relishes the chance to unlock our clients’ creative sides, and it’s so rewarding to see the fruits of their creativity come to life on the day.

While a traditional sit-down three-course meal is great, why not consider some more ‘out there’ options? You could try matching the food to the setting of your venue. For example, a medieval-style Scottish feast in Barnbougle Castle’s Banqueting Hall, where you and your guests can dine like kings and queens.

Likewise, Rosebery Steading’s exquisite outdoor space is perfectly suited to hosting a divine hog roast or summer barbecue, while Rosebery House is perfect for intimate dinner parties in its cosy library and grand dining rooms.

Or you could opt for a more traditional main meal and pepper in an unusual snack for your guests, like a popcorn trolley or ice cream station to refuel later in the evening after a long spell on the dancefloor!.