5 Essential Steps For Choosing The Perfect Italian Wedding Catering

Making everyone happy when it comes to wedding catering can be a challenge, but don't worry—we've gathered the key advice into 5 essential tips to ensure your guests have an epic Italian wedding experience. 

You've done an amazing job choosing the venue, the photographer and the wedding planner, but the journey isn’t over yet! Catering is a pretty important part of your wedding, and normally an element that guests continue to comment on or remember for years to come. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, you’ve already got a great head start as we all know, Italian cuisine is generally a top favourite for many. While it’s hard to get it wrong, we highly recommend that you spend time on your catering in order to craft a delicious wedding menu for you and your guests to enjoy. Start searching for wedding catering in Italy early, knowing that this expense will be about half of your total budget. To help you make this important decision, we’ve outlined the 5 essential points to consider when choosing the perfect catering for your wedding.

Step 1: Consider the Number of Guests: 

It's super important to know how many guests will attend your reception. With the RSVPs from friends and family, you can confirm the service with the catering company and allow them to organise your aperitivo and main reception dinner with ease. Despite whether you’re planning a small wedding in Italy or a larger affair the number of guests will help shape what you can and cannot achieve when it comes to organising a wonderful Italian spread. 

Step 2: Read the Reviews  

Your opinion is the most important, but consider the experiences of others who have used the catering services you’re interested in. Clients and experts provide valuable insights and recommendations. Positive, detailed, and truthful reviews are especially helpful. If you’re considering targeting a restaurant that you love, just make sure they also have genuine experience catering for weddings and not just large tables of guests at their restaurant even if it’s just for a small wedding, there is a big difference and you’re better off finding out in advance rather than leaving it until it’s too late. 

There is a lot involved with wedding catering so scope out Google reviews or reach out to past brides and grooms that have used certain Italian wedding catering services. As a wedding directory, we fully vet all the suppliers we list on our website so you can be sure that they are professionals and will provide a top service for your wedding in Italy. 

Step 3: Understand the Services Offered 

Inquire about the services your catering company provides, such as the number of waitstaff, sommelier service and whether they offer cake design. You'll be surprised to learn about the many behind-the-scenes contributors who ensure the service meets your expectations. While you will most likely already have a wedding planner, you can also see what the caterers can provide in addition to the food. Most often they are also experienced in setting up the space, creating the menu and even providing unique wedding favours if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Step 4: Listen and Taste! 

Let the catering staff explain their philosophy, such as how they select ingredients and their cooking techniques—these details often make all the difference and they’re a great way to pass on some background regarding the cuisine to your guests. Attend tasting events/appointments and get to know the chefs, who are usually eager to share how they create their dishes. Just as you tried on your wedding dress, you should sample the food before making such an important decision. There are many couples who book they’re Italian wedding catering tasting during a visit to Italy to finalise venue arrangements, make up trials or dress fittings. Make a trip out of it, and an afternoon of food tasting with your future husband or wife. 

Step 5: Small Details Make a Difference! 

We all know a good wedding setting will always be one to remember. The presentation is key, and a beautifully set table can really take things to the next level. When choosing your Italian wedding catering provider, don’t underestimate the importance of the tableware, cutlery, and glassware they have on offer or have access to. The table setting will significantly contribute to the atmosphere and style of your wedding aesthetic. Share your wedding mood board with them from the start and see what is achievable. If you’ve always dreamed of an amalfi theme with Italian tile patterns on the tableware and it’s not something they have access to, this is immediately going to reshape your vision, potentially forcing you to compromise. Only the best catering services can masterfully blend culinary artistry with impeccable presentation. 

How much is a wedding caterer in Italy?

If you’re all set on planning your dream wedding in Italy and have started looking into how much your Italian wedding catering services will be, remember that you're not just paying for a meal, but an entire Italian culinary experience, hopefully one that will leave your guests talking about it long after it’s over. The cost for a wedding caterer in Italy typically ranges from €90 to €250 per person. This price often includes everything from your traditional aperitivo (often a buffet style) to a sit down menu for the wedding reception, and a table of desserts and local wines. Depending on the catering company, this cost may also include your wedding cake! 

Keep in mind, prices can vary based on how popular or in demand the caterers are, the complexity of the menu, and the number of guests. For a truly luxurious Italian wedding catering, some top-tier caterers might charge even more, especially if you’re looking for personalised menus and premium ingredients and perhaps something different to the norm.

Don’t forget that Investing in a quality caterer ensures your destination wedding in Italy will truly be one to remember for both you and your guests.  So, get ready to savour the flavours of Italy and celebrate your love in the most delicious way possible!