What To Consider For Outdoor Wedding Catering

 Photo by Dori Fitzpatrick

Outdoor weddings can be a great option if you’re looking to enjoy the warm, summer months or breezy fall season! From the gorgeous blue skies to the romantic breeze, it makes for the perfect day. But, have you thought of what that means for your Catering Company? Below are some steps you can take to properly prepare you for a seamless celebration outdoors!

Have a rain plan

Unfortunately, mother nature isn’t always on our side. Don’t worry though! Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck! As long as you take the right precautions, rain shouldn’t make or break your big day!

Make sure you have tents or an inside option available for proper catering. This way, even if it rains, the food is safe and your guests are still happy! Another perk to providing tents or having a separate inside area is shade! Outdoor weddings are a great idea, but we all know no one wants to sit in the hot sun all day! We love a nice shaded spot for a welcome station to greet your guests, pair this with a fabulous signature drink and your guests will be off to a good start! 

Keep temperatures in mind

Although tents help with temperature issues that may arise, there are other things to keep in mind. Cocktail hour food items and grazing tables work best with a little shade. A few cocktail tables for standing paired with a few areas of seating can create the perfect cocktail lounge in the yard. We love pairing some vintage furniture or patio sets to create an amazing feel. 

Another thing to consider when it comes to maintaining temperature is your dessert! Frosting doesn’t stand a chance over a hot summer day. As caterers, we make sure your venue has a fridge handy or a room that will keep your dessert at the perfect temperature. If not, we will bring the proper equipment for your desserts to stay cool.  Choose desserts that stand up well to heat, such as tarts, pies, or donuts. No dessert disasters here!

Photo by Dori Fitzpatrick

Is there electricity/hookups for the caterer to prepare food?

Bet you didn’t think of this one! If your venue does not provide electricity outside, this could be something you have to provide in the form of generators. This can be costly and time-consuming. Ensuring that your outdoor venue has electricity is crucial for proper catering since your food will be prepared live on-site. This also comes into play for your DJ/band and any setups that may need power, such as tent lighting, bistro strands, or heaters. Our team is happy to assist with the process to get things set up with your rental order. We can take care of everything for an additional fee, or you can choose to handle this yourself! Hiring a wedding planner is a great idea to help plan any outdoor power hookups that may be needed. Need some recommendations, just ask! We know some amazing ones in the area that can assist you on your big day.

Match the season

Seasons can help you decide what your wedding menu should look like. For example, Chicken Francaise is a great option for a Summer wedding, whereas Chicken Marsala is a better option for a Fall/Winter wedding as it can be more of a heavier option. 

Now imagine this-it’s a breezy, beautiful Fall day and your plate has a beautiful braised short rib,  served with mashed potatoes and candied carrots…A match made in heaven! Food plays a role in the overall theme of your wedding and you want to make sure it goes hand in hand with the current season, especially if your venue is outdoors!

Here are a few options we love to see our couples choose during the summer months for outdoor weddings:

Sliced Tenderloin with Tarragon Sauce

Parmesan Encrusted Chicken, Parmesan Breaded, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Roasted Red Peppers, Demi Reduction

Seared Salmon, Pineapple Mango Salsa

Here are a few options we love to see our couples choose during the fall/winter months:

Filet Mignon, Served with Merlot Demi Mashed Potatoes, Sea Salt, and Truffle Oil Asparagus Spears.

Pasta Prima Loaded Pappardelle Primavera featured with Garlic and Oil Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes Roasted Farm Vegetables.

Carving of Whole Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Homestyle Gravy.

Now it’s your turn

We hope you gathered some future considerations for your outdoor venue! We know it can be a handful to plan but the outcome is always worth it! Let's get started planning together!