It’s one of the main things your guests will remember, so you need to get your wedding food and drink right. We speak to four more of Scotland’s top caterers to learn more about what they offer
Charlotte Thompson, managing director, Pantry Events
How would you describe the food and drinks you make? We are a creative, design-led catering company. We pride ourselves on the ‘Instagramability’ of our dishes, without compromising on flavour or seasonality. Our food is rustic but refined, and works well in a sharing, family style as well as plated. Our drinks are carefully curated to complement the food, and our bar offering focuses on Scottish and local brands as well as old favourites.
Have you noticed any trends in wedding food and drink in recent years? We’ve seen a lot of couples looking to personalise their food. That could be designing their own cocktails, adapting a favourite family recipe, or even recreating the meal they ate on their first date. Whatever it is, we love to help create dream wedding meals.
Any favourite stories from weddings you’ve catered? Earlier this year, the grandfather of one of our brides couldn’t make the wedding due to an unexpected illness. She was very upset that he would miss out on the food, so we arranged for the wedding meal to be sent to him in bed so he would still feel part of the day.
Tell us about your packages Our packages are created to offer the best flexibility with menu and price. Each package is sold with no hidden costs and the prices quoted are inclusive of VAT, which allows for easy budgeting. Packages start at £76pp, with drinks packages starting at £25pp.
Michael Mackenzie, owner, Pure Bartending
How did you start bartending and what got you into weddings? I was trained in a high-volume cocktail bar in Glasgow and then spent two years in Australia, working for a mobile bar company in Melbourne. We served drinks at all sorts of events, and weddings were among the most popular. Armed with this experience, I returned to Glasgow and set up my own business. We have since completed more than 800 events, around a quarter of which are weddings.
Tell us a bit about your packages We offer different pre-paid drinks packages to suit. Whether you’d like a glass of fizz or beer on arrival, wine on the table, a signature cocktail or all of the above, we’ve got you covered. Our cash/card bar can run throughout the full day too. Prices start at £15pp.
If you were getting married, what would you serve to drink? I would serve a Kir Royale to toast; nice red and white wines for the meal; and for dessert I’d go for an indulgent cocktail like a chocolate espresso martini!
Tell us one thing a couple should know about you before they book? Our diary fills up quickly so we’d encourage you to get in touch early on in your planning.
Victoria Cone, owner, The Graze Faze
What got you into catering, and how did you start working in weddings? I’ve always loved putting together food platters and during lockdown I spent a lot of my free time making and sending out little platters for my husband-to-be, my family and my friends. After a lot of encouragement from my loved ones, I started a Facebook page showcasing what I was making. Fast-forward a year and I’m doing my dream job, creating and delivering a bespoke service to my clients. Wedding set-ups are my absolute favourite and I love the feeling of being part of a couple’s special day.
Tell us one thing a couple should know about you before they book? My bespoke service is a real selling point. I do a lot of research for different equipment, flowers and food that would suit my couple’s brief and try to make the whole set-up as personal as it can be. I’ll incorporate your wedding colours and chosen flowers into our spreads so that everything ties together beautifully.
If you were getting married, what would you serve at your wedding? Actually, I am getting married – at Cornhill Castle in 2024! We are having a sit-down meal, but I’ll definitely have grazing tables for either my canapés or later in the evening.
Rebekah Brett-Pitt, owner, Wild Highland Drinks Co.
Have you noticed any trends in wedding food and drinks in recent years? I have found that couples are increasingly looking for things that are a bit different – they are definitely thinking outside the box now. There are more outdoor functions too, which is possibly a result of the recent Covid restrictions. Lockdown meant people saw different ways to have a wedding, and liked it. The Scottish weather isn’t overly reliable, of course, but that doesn’t seem to dampen the spirits, as more and more receptions and after-dinner drinks are being held alfresco.
Tell us something about the life of a wedding supplier that you wish more people knew It is such an amazing feeling to create and be a part of someone’s special day, a day that they will remember forever. Knowing that you’ve contributed to the day they joined together as a family is a phenomenal feeling.
What’s the most crucial thing a couple should bear in mind when they’re researching caterers? The budget. Weddings can run away with money if you’re not careful. Work out a budget you can afford and try to stick to it.