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Wedding catering Q&A with Nick Bolton from Buxted-based Vine & Dine
In the Jun/Jul25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, we grilled the county's wedding caterers for their advice on all things wedding catering, from how to personalise the wedding breakfast to how to choose the perfect menu.
Here, Nick Bolton from Vine & Dine shares his words of wisdom, not to be missed if you're looking for a foodie wedding to inspire the palate.
Do I need a wedding caterer, separate from my venue?
"Not always but it depends on your venue and what kind of dining experience you're hoping for. Some venues include catering as part of their package, which can simplify the planning process. However, if food is a big priority for your day, or if you're after a specific style or cuisine, hiring a separate caterer is often the better route. An independent caterer offers greater flexibility, allowing you to tailor the menu, presentation, and service to your exact vision. This is especially important if you're working with a dry-hire venue or hosting your wedding in a marquee or private home. A professional wedding caterer also brings expertise in large-scale event dining, ensuring seamless service and delicious, crowd-pleasing food. They'll also help guide you through logistics, from timings and dietary needs to staff, equipment, and setup. So while it's not always essential, a dedicated caterer can take your wedding dining to the next level and take the pressure off you."
"Not always but it depends on your venue and what kind of dining experience you're hoping for. Some venues include catering as part of their package, which can simplify the planning process. However, if food is a big priority for your day, or if you're after a specific style or cuisine, hiring a separate caterer is often the better route. An independent caterer offers greater flexibility, allowing you to tailor the menu, presentation, and service to your exact vision. This is especially important if you're working with a dry-hire venue or hosting your wedding in a marquee or private home. A professional wedding caterer also brings expertise in large-scale event dining, ensuring seamless service and delicious, crowd-pleasing food. They'll also help guide you through logistics, from timings and dietary needs to staff, equipment, and setup. So while it's not always essential, a dedicated caterer can take your wedding dining to the next level and take the pressure off you."
What information do I need to have gathered together for our caterer before booking them?
"It helps to have a few key details sorted. First, the date and venue; this allows us to check availability and get familiar with the space. An estimated guest count (including any children) helps us build a suitable menu and service plan. Think about the style of service you want, whether it be formal plated meal, relaxed sharing boards, barbecue, or something more alternative like food stations. Knowing your budget, even just a rough range, is really helpful too. It means we can offer realistic options from the start and avoid surprises later on. Also, let your caterer know about any dietary requirements or special requests early in the process. If you already have a wedding planner, coordinator, or a general idea of your day's schedule, share that too as it helps with planning food timings and staffing. Lastly, if you have any inspiration (like menus, photos, or Pinterest boards), bring them along—it's a great way to show us your taste and vision."
"It helps to have a few key details sorted. First, the date and venue; this allows us to check availability and get familiar with the space. An estimated guest count (including any children) helps us build a suitable menu and service plan. Think about the style of service you want, whether it be formal plated meal, relaxed sharing boards, barbecue, or something more alternative like food stations. Knowing your budget, even just a rough range, is really helpful too. It means we can offer realistic options from the start and avoid surprises later on. Also, let your caterer know about any dietary requirements or special requests early in the process. If you already have a wedding planner, coordinator, or a general idea of your day's schedule, share that too as it helps with planning food timings and staffing. Lastly, if you have any inspiration (like menus, photos, or Pinterest boards), bring them along—it's a great way to show us your taste and vision."
What questions should we ask potential caterers when approaching them for the first time?
"The initial chat with a caterer is your chance to get a feel for how they work and whether they're the right fit for your big day. Start by asking if they've catered at your venue before or are familiar with it. Then ask about menu flexibility: can they create something custom, or do they offer set options? You'll also want to know if they provide tastings, and whether those are included in the price.
"Don't forget the practical side: do they provide service staff, equipment, crockery, cutlery, linens, and so on? Ask how they handle dietary requirements or allergies, and what they need from you before the day. It's also worth asking how they deal with unexpected issues, like bad weather or last-minute changes.
"A great caterer will be transparent, calm under pressure, and full of ideas. Finally, ask about costs and payment structure; it's helpful to understand what's included and when deposits and balances are due."
"The initial chat with a caterer is your chance to get a feel for how they work and whether they're the right fit for your big day. Start by asking if they've catered at your venue before or are familiar with it. Then ask about menu flexibility: can they create something custom, or do they offer set options? You'll also want to know if they provide tastings, and whether those are included in the price.
"Don't forget the practical side: do they provide service staff, equipment, crockery, cutlery, linens, and so on? Ask how they handle dietary requirements or allergies, and what they need from you before the day. It's also worth asking how they deal with unexpected issues, like bad weather or last-minute changes.
"A great caterer will be transparent, calm under pressure, and full of ideas. Finally, ask about costs and payment structure; it's helpful to understand what's included and when deposits and balances are due."
What food we need to provide on the day aside from the wedding breakfast?
"The wedding breakfast is often the centrepiece of the day, but keeping your guests fed at key moments throughout the celebration is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
"After the ceremony, most couples opt for canapes during the drinks reception. This keeps hunger at bay while you're off having photos taken.
"Evening food is also a must, especially for weddings with dancing or a long gap between the meal and the evening party. This can range from informal street food to comforting classics like sliders, pizzas, or bacon butties. Some couples even go for themed food trucks or DIY stations, which add fun. Personally, I love our mini fish and chip newspaper cones, perfect food to soak up the alchohol!"
"The wedding breakfast is often the centrepiece of the day, but keeping your guests fed at key moments throughout the celebration is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
"After the ceremony, most couples opt for canapes during the drinks reception. This keeps hunger at bay while you're off having photos taken.
"Evening food is also a must, especially for weddings with dancing or a long gap between the meal and the evening party. This can range from informal street food to comforting classics like sliders, pizzas, or bacon butties. Some couples even go for themed food trucks or DIY stations, which add fun. Personally, I love our mini fish and chip newspaper cones, perfect food to soak up the alchohol!"
Does evening food have to be a buffet?
"Absolutely not! While buffets are a popular option thanks to their ease and variety, evening food can be whatever you want it to be.
"More and more couples are choosing interactive or themed setups that match the vibe of the party. Think wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, bao buns, or loaded fries served from food trucks or live cooking stations. Others go for mini comfort foods, like sliders, mac and cheese pots, or cones of fish and chips - easy to carry and great for soaking up the drinks.
"You could also go sweet with a donut wall, waffle station, or dessert grazing table. The key is to make it portable, satisfying, and suited to late-night energy. You want food that people can grab between dances or take outside for a breather. A great evening menu rounds off the day and leaves guests raving about the party long after the last song ends."
"Absolutely not! While buffets are a popular option thanks to their ease and variety, evening food can be whatever you want it to be.
"More and more couples are choosing interactive or themed setups that match the vibe of the party. Think wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, bao buns, or loaded fries served from food trucks or live cooking stations. Others go for mini comfort foods, like sliders, mac and cheese pots, or cones of fish and chips - easy to carry and great for soaking up the drinks.
"You could also go sweet with a donut wall, waffle station, or dessert grazing table. The key is to make it portable, satisfying, and suited to late-night energy. You want food that people can grab between dances or take outside for a breather. A great evening menu rounds off the day and leaves guests raving about the party long after the last song ends."
How can we personalise our food?
"Personalising your wedding food is a wonderful way to share your story with your guests. One of the best ways to do this is to draw inspiration from your relationship: where you met, favourite places you've travelled, or dishes you love cooking together. You might choose a menu that reflects your cultural heritage or serves as a nod to your first date meal or your engagement trip.
"Add more personality by naming dishes after relationship milestones, or creating signature cocktails with custom names. We've even seen couples include family recipes as part of the wedding breakfast! Even small touches, like bespoke canapé choices or personalised menu cards, go a long way. Food is an experience, and your menu should reflect your tastes, your story, and your celebration."
"Personalising your wedding food is a wonderful way to share your story with your guests. One of the best ways to do this is to draw inspiration from your relationship: where you met, favourite places you've travelled, or dishes you love cooking together. You might choose a menu that reflects your cultural heritage or serves as a nod to your first date meal or your engagement trip.
"Add more personality by naming dishes after relationship milestones, or creating signature cocktails with custom names. We've even seen couples include family recipes as part of the wedding breakfast! Even small touches, like bespoke canapé choices or personalised menu cards, go a long way. Food is an experience, and your menu should reflect your tastes, your story, and your celebration."
How can we cater for guests with dietary requirements?
"Catering for dietary requirements is an essential part of modern wedding planning and it should never feel like and afterthought.
"When you send your RSVPs, ask guests to highlight any allergies, intolerances, or preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc) and pass that information along to your caterer well in advance.
"A good wedding caterer will create thoughtful, delicious alternatives that align with your main menu's style, presentation, and quality. Whether it's plant-based mains, nut-free desserts, or halal-friendly options, your guests should fell just as valued and considered as everyone else.
"We also take food allergies very seriously and have systems in place to avoid cross-contamination. If you're offering a plated meal we'll brief serving staff to ensure the right meals go to the right guests. For more casual formats like buffets or sharing platters, clearly signage helps everyone navigate their options confidently."
Find out more at www.vinedine.co.uk
