5 common wedding catering mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Written By Olivia Ashton

When it comes to planning your wedding, food often ends up in the “sort it later” basket. But here’s the truth: your menu is one of the most memorable parts of the day.

At Pure Catering, we’ve dished up thousands of wedding meals (and yes, a few happy tears) and in 2024, we were crowned Queensland’s Best Independent Wedding Caterer—then took out #1 in Australia in the 2025 ABIA National Designer of Dreams Awards. So, when we say we know the difference between a menu that makes magic and one that ends in a late-night Macca’s run… trust us, we’ve seen it all.

Here are five common wedding catering mistakes we see couples make—and how our team ensures you’ll never have to

  • Leaving catering to the last minute

The mistake:
Waiting until a few months out to book. By then, premium caterers (not to toot our own horn… but like us!) are often fully booked, and your dream menu options might not be available.

The Pure fix:
The moment your venue and/or date are locked in, secure your caterer (hint, we heard Pure Catering is pretty awesome…). Most of our couples book 9–12 months in advance, which gives us time to guide you through menu selections, tastings, and logistics.

  • Underestimating portions

The mistake:
Trying to save costs by cutting back on food, only for guests to sneak out for fast food before the dance floor fills.

The Pure fix:
We’re expert feeders—it’s what we do best. Our menus are crafted with the perfect balance to keep guests satisfied without waste. From substantial canapés to abundant shared dining, trust us to get the quantities right every time.

  • Forgetting about the timeline

The mistake:
Not factoring in how catering fits into your wedding schedule. If food service clashes with speeches or formalities, it can lead to awkward moments and cold meals.

The Pure fix:
We’ll guide you on how long each course or menu style takes to serve and enjoy. When planning your timeline, allow time for delivery, guest dining, and clearing before the next big moment. Trust us—there’s nothing worse than your best man delivering his big punchline while staff are stacking cutlery in the background! With our detailed run sheet and coordination, everything flows seamlessly so you can focus on the memories, not the logistics.

  • Choosing a style that doesn’t suit you

The mistake:
Letting other people’s opinions steer your decision—like agreeing to a formal three-course dinner just because Great Aunty Margaret insists it’s “proper,” when what you really want is a relaxed grazing vibe. The result? A wedding that feels more theirs than yours.

The Pure fix:
Your menu should reflect your style and suit your venue. Dreaming of a black-tie celebration? fine dining is a perfect match. Want a laid-back, social vibe in a rustic space? Go for shared dining or interactive stations. Not sure what fits? We’ll help you create a menu that feels authentic to you—while still keeping Aunty Margaret happy (promise!).

  • Forgetting to Feed Your Vendors

The mistake:
Not planning meals for your photographer, band, or coordinator. These pros are on their feet all day making your wedding magic happen—and running on empty isn’t an option.'

The Pure fix:

We’ll factor in vendor meals right from the start. They’re a simplified version of your guest menu—hearty, delicious, and easy to serve—so your dream team stays fueled and focused on capturing every moment (not their next snack).

Your wedding should be remembered for all the right reasons—like incredible food and an epic dance floor—not the stress of planning every tiny detail. That’s where we come in.

At Pure Catering, we’re feeders (and proud of it). We know how to plan, portion, and plate every detail so you can relax, celebrate, and soak up every second of your big day.

Ready to tick “wedding food stress” off your list? Let’s chat! Get in touch today and let’s make your menu magic.

Olivia Ashton