Large Event Catering Lincolnshire | 300-Guest Charity Gala Case Study
Case Study: 300-Guest Charity Gala – A Salted Orange Event
Delivering high-level catering for a large-scale charity event requires precision, coordination, and the ability to work under pressure without compromising service or food quality. This case study explores how Salted Orange executed a three-course gala dinner for 300 guests, hosted inside a prestigious Lincolnshire venue, and highlights the logistical, culinary, and operational expertise that went into ensuring a flawless evening.
The event raised over £50,000 for local charities and remains one of the standout examples of Salted Orange’s ability to deliver at scale while maintaining the standards expected of fine-dining service.
The Client Brief
The client was a well-established regional charity hosting its annual fundraising evening. Their goals were clear:
Create a premium dining experience for 300 guests.
Showcase the best local Lincolnshire produce.
Serve the full three-course menu within strict service windows.
Ensure the food supported the event’s elevated atmosphere.
Demonstrate sustainability and community connection.
The client selected Salted Orange based on our reputation for field-to-fork sourcing, high-impact flavour delivery, and the ability to manage large-scale events with the poise of a boutique catering house.
Venue: A Historic Lincolnshire Setting
The gala took place inside a historic venue known for its architectural grandeur and challenging layout. Like many heritage spaces, it posed logistical considerations:
limited kitchen infrastructure
strict access times
no direct loading bay
long service distances
uneven flooring and restricted storage
temperature control challenges
This is where Salted Orange’s experience in off-site event catering becomes critical. Our team conducted two pre-event site visits to map out service routes, identify pinch points, and plan timings.
Designing the Menu: Lincolnshire at the Centre
The charity wanted a menu that celebrated local flavours while still feeling refined and modern. We proposed several concepts, each built around ingredients sourced from our own farm and trusted Lincolnshire suppliers.
The final menu was selected based on seasonality, aesthetic impact, and ease of large-scale plating.
Starter
Citrus-cured salmon, pickled fennel, dill emulsion, sourdough crisp
(or roasted beetroot terrine for vegan guests)
Light, vibrant, and elegantly plated, this course set a polished tone for the evening.
Main Course
Lincolnshire beef, dauphinoise potatoes, charred leeks, red wine jus
The beef was slow-cooked to ensure consistent tenderness across all 300 plates. Dauphinoise was pre-batched in uniform trays to deliver identical portions, and charred leeks provided both flavour contrast and height on the plate.
Dessert
Seasonal Fruit Trio:
apple and vanilla compote
chocolate mousse
shortbread crumb
Designed for elegance and efficiency, this trio allowed guests to enjoy multiple textures and flavours without slowing down service.
Every element of the menu was tested multiple times in our production kitchen to ensure quality and timing.
Operational Planning: The Backbone of Large-Scale Catering
Catering for 300 guests requires absolute precision. Our planning process included:
1. Detailed Production Schedule
Every dish was broken down into components with exact prep times, cooking times, and finishing procedures.
Examples:
27kg of Lincolnshire beef prepared over 48 hours.
300 portions of dauphinoise cooked, chilled, sliced, steamer-finished.
Desserts assembled in three stages to retain texture.
2. Staffing Strategy
For this event, Salted Orange deployed:
6 chefs
1 head chef + sous chef coordinating pass service
12 service staff
1 event manager
2 logistics crew for off-site support
Teams were briefed 24 hours in advance to ensure timing, allergens, and workflow were clear.
3. Logistics & Transport
Because the venue’s kitchen space was insufficient for full production, food was partially prepped at Salted Orange HQ and then finished on-site.
We used:
refrigerated vans for transport
insulated heat boxes for hot holding
dedicated allergen-segregated containers
colour-coded trays for sequential service
Everything was labelled with time stamps to maintain full food safety compliance.
Setting the Scene: Dining Space & Service Flow
The venue was arranged into three large dining sections, each served by a designated service team. This prevented bottlenecks and ensured smooth pacing.
Salted Orange installed:
a mobile hot pass
two mobile plating stations
a satellite dessert station
These temporary setups transformed the heritage venue into a functional service environment without compromising guest experience.
Service Execution: 300 Plates, One Standard
Large events demand speed without sacrificing presentation.
When the event officially seated guests at 7:30 pm, our internal targets were:
Starters out by 7:50 pm
Main courses out by 8:30 pm
Desserts out by 9:10 pm
Here is how we achieved it:
Starters
Cold-plated efficiently with precision. Each server carried multiple plates to minimise movement.
Mains
The main course is the most complex for mass service. Our team:
used a three-chef plating line: protein → potato → vegetables → sauce
synchronised servers to deliver per-table rather than per-section
kept plates at correct temperature with rapid turnover
Desserts
Dessert service was intentionally lighter, allowing the charity to proceed smoothly into its auction and fundraising speeches.
The entire dining sequence was completed five minutes ahead of schedule.
Challenges & Solutions
No large event takes place without obstacles. Here’s how Salted Orange handled them.
Challenge 1: Limited Kitchen Space
Solution: Mobile plating stations + phased cooking cycles + insulated equipment.
Challenge 2: Strict Timings for Charity Speeches
Solution: Event manager coordinated pacing with AV team to align service breaks.
Challenge 3: Diverse Dietary Requirements
Solution:
fully documented allergen records
colour-coded plates
dedicated allergen runners
pre-briefed staff on high-risk ingredients
Challenge 4: Venue Access Restrictions
Solution: Staggered delivery teams and pre-built station equipment.
Results: A Seamless Evening
The event exceeded expectations in every respect:
300 plates served with fine-dining presentation
Zero delays in programme schedule
Multiple compliments on the flavour and portioning
Full compliance with food safety and allergen protocols
The charity exceeded its fundraising target
The client highlighted Salted Orange’s professionalism, calm execution, and the story behind the local produce as standout elements.
Why This Case Study Matters
Large-scale catering is often misunderstood. Many believe it requires compromise or lower culinary ambition. This event demonstrates the opposite: when planned and executed correctly, large event catering can be both spectacular and seamless.
Salted Orange brought:
Michelin-trained chefs
a farm-to-table ethos
a highly disciplined logistics model
a focus on guest experience
This is what sets us apart in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
Planning a Large Event?
Salted Orange specialises in delivering large-scale events—including charity dinners, gala evenings, university functions, fundraisers, balls, and awards nights.
To enquire, visit:
www.saltedorange.co.uk/our-farm
or
Email: enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk
Vegan Corporate Catering Lincolnshire | Plant-Based Business Catering
Vegan & Plant-Based Outside Catering Options for Corporate Events
Plant-based catering has moved from a niche request to a mainstream corporate expectation. In the last five years, businesses across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands have accelerated their sustainability commitments, employee wellbeing programmes, and ESG strategies—making food a clear, visible opportunity to demonstrate modern values.
At Salted Orange Catering & Events, we’ve seen this shift first-hand. Today, vegan and plant-based dishes are not just a requirement for a handful of guests—they are often the centrepiece of the menu. Companies want healthier food options, a lower environmental footprint, and inclusive catering that works for every dietary profile.
This guide breaks down everything organisations need to know about ordering plant-based catering for meetings, conferences, away-days, and large-scale corporate hospitality. It also showcases how Salted Orange creates flavour-driven vegan dishes using the best of Lincolnshire produce.
Why Plant-Based Catering Has Become Essential for Corporate Events
The modern workplace has changed dramatically, and corporate catering has had to evolve with it. Firms no longer see catering as an afterthought; instead, it forms part of wider employee care initiatives, sustainability reporting, and visitor experience design.
Below are the key reasons plant-based catering is now a core part of professional event planning.
1. Inclusivity and Accessibility
Every corporate event includes a variety of dietary needs:
vegan
vegetarian
dairy-free
egg-free
halal or kosher
gluten-free
allergen-sensitive
A high-quality vegan menu instantly covers a significant number of these categories without needing endless substitutions or modified plates.
For event organisers, it means:
fewer complications
no guest feeling like an afterthought
streamlined service
reduced risk of errors
2. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Plant-based menus reduce the carbon footprint of an event significantly—often by over 50% compared to meat-based alternatives.
This supports:
ESG reporting
sustainability objectives
green procurement policies
corporate social responsibility programmes
Many East Midlands businesses now prefer plant-based options to align with environmental commitments.
3. Health and Employee Wellbeing
Heavy, meat-rich meals can reduce productivity after lunch—especially during training days or conferences.
Plant-based dishes provide:
higher fibre
more micronutrients
sustained energy release
minimal post-meal fatigue
It’s a simple way to keep teams engaged throughout the working day.
4. A Modern Corporate Image
Serving thoughtful, contemporary catering sends a clear message about a company’s culture. Plant-based menus position a business as:
forward-thinking
environmentally aware
inclusive
employee-focused
This matters for recruitment, retention, and external reputation.
How Salted Orange Approaches Vegan Corporate Catering
Salted Orange does not simply “replace the meat” in a dish to make it vegan. Our chefs design vegan menus from scratch, using Michelin-level techniques to create food that is vibrant, deeply flavoured, and satisfying.
Our approach includes:
leveraging seasonal produce from our own Lincolnshire farm
using slow-cooked depth of flavour
creating protein-rich dishes using pulses, grains, and vegetables
presenting food professionally for boardrooms and high-level executive meetings
This is plant-based catering built with purpose—not compromise.
Plant-Based Menu Inspirations
Below are examples of vegan dishes featured across our corporate menus, many of which are used daily for film sets, university clients, and private businesses across the region.
Hot Vegan Dishes
These dishes are frequently used for large staff catering, film crews, and events requiring hot delivery:
Wild mushrooms in garlic “cream” with olive oil toast (GF)
Asparagus and potato hash with avocado cream and sumac (GF)
Balsamic roasted beetroot with vegan feta and poppy seed dressing (GF)
Chickpea and apricot tagine with coriander and lemon
Cauliflower and coconut curry with basmati rice
Sweet potato pie with toasted barley, carrot ribbons and chervil oil (Vegan)
Each dish is designed to maintain its integrity when transported and served at scale.
Cold Dishes for Working Lunches and Boardrooms
Our cold vegan options are ideal for director-level meetings needing minimal interruption.
Heritage tomato with basil, EVOO and sea salt
Chickpea, cucumber and quinoa salad with lime dressing
Celeriac, apple and wholegrain mustard slaw
Grilled hispi cabbage with butternut, pomegranate and green beans
Jewelled rice salad with apricots, bilberries, dates and sumac
These dishes travel well, plate beautifully, and offer colour and vibrancy to the table.
Vegan Grazing and Afternoon Options
For relaxed or creative office environments, we also produce plant-based versions of grazing boards, including:
roasted vegetable platters
hummus, baba ganoush and pitta chips
seasonal fruit stalls
plant-based desserts such as brownies, mochi, or fruit tartlets
Perfect for networking, workshops, or full-day conferences.
A Fully Vegan Corporate Menu Example
A popular combination for 40–120 guests:
Main Dishes
Sweet potato pie with barley and herb oil
Chickpea and apricot tagine
Side Dishes
Roasted carrots with fennel seed
Green beans with garlic
Salads
Chickpea and quinoa salad
Heritage tomato salad with basil
Desserts
Chocolate delice with bitter orange (vegan version)
Apple beignets with cinnamon sugar
This format balances warm, comforting dishes with vibrant salads and a clean, professional presentation.
How We Build a Corporate Vegan Menu
Corporate clients appreciate clarity, which is why our process is simple:
1. Define Event Type
e.g. working lunch, conference, board meeting, film crew catering.
2. Choose Format
Options include:
Hot fork buffet
Cold buffet
VIP graze format
Individual lunch boxes
Fully serviced seated meals
3. Select Dishes
We help you curate balanced combinations across mains, sides and salads.
4. Service Planning
We consider:
timings
allergies
number of delegates
boardroom etiquette
heating or no-heating requirements
5. Delivery and Set-Up
Our team ensures:
temperature compliance
full labelling
clear allergen information
polished presentation
Why Plant-Based Catering Works So Well at Scale
Consistent Quality
Plant-based dishes hold well during transport and service.
Reduced Complications
No need for multiple dietary alternative plates.
Lower Environmental Impact
Supporting your sustainability goals.
Budget Efficiency
Premium quality without the cost uplift of high-end meats.
Plant-Based Catering for Large Corporate Events
Salted Orange regularly caters for:
250–600-guest conferences
multi-day staff hospitality events
NHS training days
university functions
film production crews
These events require reliable, consistent food that suits a large demographic—vegan options excel here.
Sustainability: The Core of Our Plant-Based Offering
Our vegan menus link directly with our farm operations, reducing food miles and waste.
We use:
compostable packaging
recyclable service equipment
solar-powered cold stores
crop rotation and regenerative practices
This isn’t just plant-based food—it’s a complete sustainability strategy.
Book Vegan Corporate Catering
We design menus tailored to your organisation’s needs, budget, schedule, and dietary requirements.
Explore more at:
/corporate-catering
Or contact our bookings team:
enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk
07792 419730
Our Farm: From Field to Feast – How Salted Orange Sources Local Produce
Rooted in Lincolnshire
For us at Salted Orange, local sourcing isn’t a marketing phrase — it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Our farm, based in the heart of Lincolnshire, allows us to work directly with the seasons, growing ingredients that inspire our chefs and shape our menus. From vibrant herbs to heritage vegetables, every element we harvest tells a story of provenance, sustainability, and pride in our local land.
Why Local Matters
Lincolnshire is often called the “breadbasket of Britain,” and for good reason. Its fertile soil, open skies, and diverse microclimates create some of the best produce in the country. By sourcing within our region, we:
Reduce food miles and environmental impact.
Support local growers and suppliers who share our commitment to quality.
Guarantee freshness, with ingredients often harvested less than 24 hours before service.
Keep money within our community, strengthening Lincolnshire’s rural economy.
When we say “from field to feast,” we mean it. The herbs in your salad, the beetroot in your starter, the apples in your dessert — they’ve travelled only a few miles, not hundreds.
The Flavours of Our Fields
Our farm focuses on seasonal rotation, which means we grow what thrives naturally at different times of year.
Spring: peas, radishes, asparagus, baby carrots.
Summer: tomatoes, courgettes, soft herbs, and edible flowers.
Autumn: squashes, celeriac, beetroots, and apples.
Winter: root vegetables, hardy greens, and stored onions.
These ingredients are at the heart of our dishes, such as:
Pea soup with parmesan and truffle
Beetroot falafel with salsa verde emulsion
Sweet potato pie with chervil oil and toasted barley
Each plate is a celebration of the Lincolnshire landscape.
Working with Local Producers
Beyond our own farm, we collaborate with some of the county’s most respected producers — from artisan cheesemakers to free-range livestock farms.
This network ensures that every menu carries a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, locally milled flour, or Fosters’ award-winning sausages, our suppliers are part of the extended Salted Orange family.
Together, we’re redefining what local catering can be: sustainable, traceable, and deeply flavourful.
Sustainability at the Core
Farming responsibly means respecting the land as much as the produce it yields.
Our sustainability efforts include:
Collecting rainwater for irrigation.
Composting kitchen waste back into soil health.
Rotating crops to maintain natural fertility.
Using solar energy to power our cold-storage systems.
These practices reduce our carbon footprint and help us operate with minimal waste — something we’re incredibly proud of.
A Chef’s Inspiration
Our chefs visit the farm regularly to plan menus around what’s thriving in the soil. It’s an approach that keeps creativity alive in the kitchen. A surplus of courgettes might become a summer soup or a pickled garnish; an early frost might inspire a roasted root vegetable dish for winter weddings.
This direct connection between field and fork ensures that every dish we serve is seasonal, meaningful, and bursting with flavour.
From Our Farm to Your Table
When you book with Salted Orange, you’re not just hiring a caterer — you’re supporting a local food ecosystem.
Every bite served at your event represents the collaboration between our farmers, chefs, and community. That’s why our clients return to us time and again: because our food doesn’t just taste good, it does good.
Learn More
We invite you to discover more about our growing practices and local partnerships by visiting Our Farm and reading about our sustainability commitments on About Us.
Or better yet, taste the difference yourself — get in touch with our team to plan a bespoke menu featuring ingredients straight from our fields.
Salted Orange Catering & Events
Lincolnshire’s leading outside caterer since 2014
Email: enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk
Tel: 07792 419730
Website: www.saltedorange.co.uk
Halal Hot Fork Buffet Menus – What You Need to Know
Understanding Halal Catering
Halal catering isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about respect, authenticity, and trust. At Salted Orange Catering & Events, we’re proud to provide fully certified Halal Hot Fork Buffet Menus that bring everyone together around exceptional food, prepared to the highest standard of care and integrity.
Our Halal offerings follow Islamic dietary law, ensuring that all meat is ethically sourced and certified. Every ingredient, from the oils we cook with to the marinades we use, is checked and handled in accordance with Halal requirements.
Why Choose a Hot Fork Buffet?
A Hot Fork Buffet is one of the most versatile and efficient catering options available — particularly for large events like weddings, corporate celebrations, and community gatherings. It combines the quality of plated dining with the flexibility of a buffet service, allowing guests to help themselves while enjoying freshly prepared, piping-hot dishes.
For Halal events, this format provides the perfect opportunity to showcase diverse flavours while maintaining inclusivity. Guests can choose from a selection of dishes that suit their preferences — from mild and aromatic to richly spiced and hearty.
A Taste of Our Halal Menus
We design every Halal Hot Fork Buffet with balance, authenticity, and flavour in mind. Using locally sourced Lincolnshire produce and globally inspired recipes, we craft dishes that are both comforting and contemporary.
Example Dishes Include:
Chicken and tomato braised with herbs and focaccia
Chickpea and apricot tagine with coriander and preserved lemon
Fragrant basmati rice with saffron and toasted almonds
Roasted seasonal vegetables with cumin and olive oil
Cauliflower and spinach curry, gently spiced with turmeric and coconut milk
Honey and cardamom rice pudding or chocolate and raspberry pot to finish
All menus can be adapted to suit dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
How We Maintain Halal Integrity
Halal integrity is fundamental to our service. We ensure:
Certified Halal suppliers are used for all meat and poultry.
Dedicated preparation areas and utensils are used to avoid cross-contamination.
Clear labelling and service standards are maintained throughout the event.
Staff are trained and fully briefed on Halal catering protocols.
We work closely with clients to confirm every detail before the event, ensuring peace of mind and confidence that your guests are fully catered for.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Our Halal Hot Fork Buffets are popular for:
Weddings and engagement celebrations
Corporate events with diverse guest lists
Charity galas and community functions
Festive occasions such as Eid gatherings
From elegant plated service to relaxed self-serve stations, we tailor the setup to your venue and guest experience.
The Salted Orange Difference
At Salted Orange, we combine the precision of fine dining with the warmth of hospitality. Every buffet we serve reflects our Lincolnshire roots — showcasing local produce, bold flavours, and world-class presentation.
We believe that food should bring people together, and our Halal catering menus are designed to do exactly that. Whether you’re hosting 50 guests or 500, our team ensures that quality and service remain consistent across every plate.
Book Your Halal Hot Fork Buffet
If you’re planning an event and want to offer exceptional Halal catering, our team will work with you from concept to completion. We’ll design a menu that complements your theme, aligns with your values, and exceeds expectations.
View our full Halal Menu section or contact our team at enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk to start planning your event today.
Salted Orange Catering & Events
Lincolnshire’s leading outside caterer since 2014
Email: enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk
Tel: 07792 419730
Website: www.saltedorange.co.uk
Catering Styles Compared: Plated Dinner vs. Sharing Feast in the East Midlands
Choosing the Right Style for Your Event
The way food is served can transform the atmosphere of an event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, gala, or corporate dinner, the choice between a plated dinner and a sharing feast sets the tone for the entire experience. At Salted Orange Catering & Events, we’ve spent over a decade perfecting both styles, bringing elegance, flavour, and theatre to tables across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
Plated Dinners: Timeless Elegance and Precision
A plated dinner is the hallmark of a formal dining experience. Each guest is individually served with beautifully presented courses, delivered in synchrony by trained service staff. It’s ideal for black-tie events, awards dinners, and weddings where precision and pacing are key.
Benefits of a Plated Dinner:
Elegant presentation: Every plate arrives as a piece of art, showcasing your chosen menu at its best.
Seamless service: Guests remain seated, allowing for speeches and courses to flow naturally.
Menu control: Ideal for events where consistency and timing are essential — no waiting, no buffet queues.
Dietary clarity: Each course is planned in advance, ensuring every dietary requirement is catered for with confidence.
When to Choose It:
Plated service works perfectly for sit-down weddings, corporate galas, and fundraising dinners — any event where structure, sophistication, and formality are the focus.
Sharing Feasts: Sociable, Relaxed, and Full of Personality
A sharing feast flips the traditional format on its head. Instead of individual plates, guests help themselves from generous platters of food placed down the centre of the table. Think roasted meats, vibrant salads, and sides that invite conversation.
This style is increasingly popular at rustic barn weddings, summer parties, and company celebrations that aim for a relaxed, family-style atmosphere.
Benefits of a Sharing Feast:
Interactive dining: Encourages guests to engage, pass dishes, and share experiences.
Abundant and generous: Visually impressive and hearty, ideal for long tables and informal gatherings.
Flexible portions: Guests can take what they like, reducing waste and accommodating varied appetites.
Memorable experience: Creates warmth and conviviality — the kind of event people talk about for years.
When to Choose It:
A sharing feast is ideal when you want an event that feels personal, communal, and filled with laughter. It’s particularly suited to country weddings, outdoor receptions, and team celebrations.
The Salted Orange Perspective
At Salted Orange, we believe catering should reflect the mood of your event — not just fill plates. Our plated dinnersdeliver precision and elegance, while our sharing feasts bring a sense of abundance and connection.
Both are built on the same foundations: local Lincolnshire produce, seasonal ingredients, and menus crafted by chefs with Michelin-star training. Whether it’s our braised beef with chimichurri or roasted beetroot with smoked feta, every dish tells a story of provenance and creativity.
Combining the Two
You don’t always have to choose one or the other. Many clients blend the formats — starting with plated starters and mains served as a sharing experience, or vice versa. This hybrid style combines elegance with sociability, ensuring a natural flow from formal moments to relaxed enjoyment.
Which Style Suits You?
If your event calls for refined timing, structure, and sophistication, the plated dinner is the way forward.
If you’re after connection, conversation, and visual generosity, a sharing feast brings the magic.
Either way, our experienced team at Salted Orange ensures the catering reflects your event’s personality perfectly.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Menu
Our chefs and event planners will help you design a menu and service style that complements your venue, guest list, and overall atmosphere.
Explore our Weddings and Menus pages to discover how we can bring your event to life, or contact us directly to start planning your bespoke experience.
Salted Orange Catering & Events
Lincolnshire’s leading outside caterer since 2014
Email: enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk
Tel: 07792 419730
Website: www.saltedorange.co.uk
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Outside Catering in the East Midlands
Discover premium wedding outside catering in the East Midlands with Salted Orange. Bespoke menus, local produce, and seamless service—book today.
Discover premium wedding outside catering in the East Midlands with Salted Orange. Bespoke menus, local produce, and seamless service—book today.
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Outside Catering in the East Midlands
Planning your wedding is one of life’s most exciting milestones—but it can also be one of the most stressful. From the dress and the flowers to the venue and guest list, every detail matters. Yet few elements leave a lasting impression like the food. Choosing the right wedding outside catering in the East Midlands is about more than simply feeding your guests—it’s about creating memories, setting the tone, and delivering a flawless experience.
At Salted Orange Catering & Events, we’ve spent over a decade curating exceptional wedding dining experiences across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and beyond. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect caterer for your big day.
Why Is Choosing the Right Caterer So Important?
The catering team you select shapes your entire celebration. They’re responsible not only for the menu but also for how your guests experience the day—from canapés and champagne to late-night street food. A professional caterer ensures:
Consistency in quality and timing — every dish served hot, fresh, and beautifully presented.
Stress-free logistics — managing set-up, service, and clean-down so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
A memorable dining experience — where every bite tells your story through flavour, presentation, and atmosphere.
At Salted Orange, our philosophy is simple: great food brings people together. Whether you envision a rustic garden party or a black-tie marquee wedding, the food should reflect your style and story.
What Style of Catering Best Suits Your Wedding?
When planning your menu, consider how you want the day to feel. Every format creates a different energy and flow:
Formal Seated Dining
Perfect for traditional weddings. Our three-course menus feature locally sourced produce, such as braised Lincolnshire beef wellington or citrus-cured salmon with beetroot carpaccio. This style works well for elegant receptions with precise timing and a clear seating plan.Casual Sharing Menus
More relaxed and social, sharing feasts like our Italian antipasti or Ottolenghi-inspired platters bring guests together over abundant boards of vibrant seasonal dishes. Perfect for barn or outdoor venues where atmosphere and conversation matter most.Canapés and Tapas
Ideal for cocktail receptions or smaller weddings, bite-sized dishes such as pork birria tacos, smoked salmon pillows, and feta with candied beetroot tartlets add flair and flexibility.Street Food and Late-Night Options
From bao buns to wood-fired pizzas, this modern trend ensures your guests are fuelled well into the evening.
Whichever format you choose, consistency, quality, and presentation should remain at the forefront.
How to Shortlist Caterers in the East Midlands
Finding the right team requires research and chemistry. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Start Early
Top caterers book up months in advance, particularly for summer weekends. Contact your preferred providers as soon as you’ve secured your venue.
2. Look for Local Expertise
The East Midlands has a rich food heritage—think Lincolnshire sausages, Poacher cheese, and local produce from the Wolds. A regional caterer understands these ingredients and can weave them seamlessly into your menu.
3. Read Reviews and Portfolios
Explore previous events and testimonials. At Salted Orange, we’re proud to have delivered everything from elegant marquee weddings to intimate micro-celebrations, all backed by glowing client feedback.
4. Schedule a Tasting
A tasting isn’t just about flavour—it’s a window into how your caterer communicates, presents, and listens. Book a tasting with Salted Orange to experience how your menu could come to life.
5. Understand What’s Included
A transparent quote should include equipment, crockery, staffing, and food service timings. Avoid unexpected extras by confirming every detail in writing.
Questions to Ask Your Caterer Before Booking
Before signing any agreement, ensure your caterer can confidently answer:
Do you handle dietary requirements and allergens?
At Salted Orange, all menus are designed in accordance with UK food safety and allergen guidelines. We can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, halal, and bespoke dietary requests.What level of service do you provide?
From full silver service to relaxed buffet style, understand exactly who’s managing what. Our trained service team ensures seamless delivery from setup to final toast.Where do you source your ingredients?
Our ethos revolves around Lincolnshire produce—fresh, local, and seasonal. Supporting nearby growers and farms not only enhances flavour but also reduces environmental impact.Do you have insurance and food hygiene certification?
Always verify credentials. A reputable caterer like Salted Orange holds comprehensive health & safety, insurance, and hygiene documentation.How flexible is the menu?
A great caterer doesn’t offer “off-the-shelf” menus—they tailor every element. Our bespoke approach ensures your wedding menu feels entirely your own.
How to Match Your Menu to the Season
The East Midlands seasons are full of culinary potential:
Spring: fresh asparagus, wild garlic, and pea purée dishes work beautifully for lighter menus.
Summer: barbecues, sharing boards, and grazing tables burst with colour and flavour.
Autumn: think braised meats, roasted root vegetables, and rich sauces—perfect for a rustic ambience.
Winter: comforting canapés, hearty mains, and decadent desserts make indoor celebrations warm and inviting.
Salted Orange’s menus evolve with the seasons, ensuring every ingredient is at its best. Whether you’re inspired by our Corporate Menu 2025 or the Modern British Tapas featured in our event collections, each menu reflects the bounty of Lincolnshire’s landscape.
How Much Does Wedding Outside Catering Cost?
Pricing varies depending on service style, number of guests, and level of formality. As a guide:
Canapés & Tapas: from £14–£21 per person
Three-Course Wedding Menu: from £30–£40 per person
Afternoon Tea: from £17 per person (including vintage crockery)
Street Food or Graze Table: from £10–£20 per person
Transparent pricing, VAT clarity, and service details are essential to accurate budgeting. Salted Orange’s packages include delivery, setup, crockery, and service as standard.
What Makes Salted Orange Different?
As Lincolnshire’s oldest and most successful catering company, Salted Orange has been redefining event dining since 2014. What sets us apart?
Bespoke Menus: tailored entirely around you, not templates.
Sustainable Sourcing: seasonal, local ingredients supporting regional producers.
Expert Service: a professional, uniformed team delivering excellence.
Proven Experience: over 40 years of combined expertise across weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
Our ethos—We Think Differently—runs through everything we do. From intimate countryside weddings to luxury marquee banquets, we handle every detail so your day unfolds flawlessly.
Ready to Begin Planning?
Your wedding should be as unforgettable as the food that accompanies it. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant sit-down dinner or a relaxed outdoor graze, Salted Orange can craft a menu that reflects your style, story, and season.
Explore our full Wedding Catering Services and browse our Event Menus to start building your perfect day.
Contact us today at enquiries@saltedorange.co.uk or call 07792 419730 to arrange your personalised tasting.