Hurrah! I'm finally getting married! It has been a long time coming trying to get my man to propose but he got round to popping the question a few months ago on a beach in Cyprus.
Good lad.
It really wouldn't have been the same if he had proposed after coming back from the pub after a night out with the lads! I am now, however, embroiled in the sweet hell of organising the wedding.
So much to do and so little time! I cannot tell you just how many wedding fairs I have traipsed around looking for inspiration and although they were helpful for dress ideas and potential toast masters, I noted there was a severe lack of wedding caterers.
This prompted me to do some real research into finding the right caterer for my big day and consequently share the findings with you! First things first.
Make sure you look for a qualified caterer.
This may sound obvious but from what I have heard not everyone has made sure their precious wedding caterer has the right credentials.
You need someone with experience, flair and talent to pull off a fabulous feast for you on your big day and knowing they are qualified will put your mind at ease.
You may know exactly the type of food you want at your wedding or you may need some help with menu planning.
There are plenty of wedding caterers who offer help with this so do ask for their advice.
They aim to please.
If you have a certain type of menu in mind then make sure they can cater for that.
For example not all of them are able to provide a hog roast! Any good caterer should be able to provide you with samples of their dishes to whet your appetite so make sure you inquire about this.
You really should try before you buy! Talk to each caterer about the venue you have and make sure they are able to provide what you want in that environment.
For example, if you are in a marquee in the middle of a field then they will have to provide a 'pop up kitchen' that can cater for your guests.
Alternatively, if you are having your wedding meal in a beautiful old converted barn with a kitchen on site, you will need to send pictures of the kitchen to make sure that there are enough fridges, ovens and of course space to prepare the food.
If there aren't enough facilities then the caterers need to be able to provide them.
A word of warning, you will have to pay extra for this! This is a small but pertinent detail.
Do ask your wedding caterers what they will be wearing.
If you are having a very posh wedding you may not want the catering staff turning up and serving in jeans or all wearing different types of clothes.
Many play safe and wear black unless otherwise requested.
So, budding brides and grooms, good luck planning your wedding feast.
It's certainly a lot of work but will be worth it in the end.
Just make sure you ask the right questions to the caterers.
Leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the menu and facilities, means you will be ready for the wedding of a lifetime!