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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.