Wedding Wisdom: Karen Rhodes Wedding & Event Catering
Welcome back to another edition of Wedding Wisdom; a guest blog series I've put together where I ask only the best wedding suppliers for their top tips and tricks when it comes to their wedding specialism.
This month, we're treated to the incredible wisdom from the team at Karen Rhodes Wedding & Events Catering, based in Cumbria.
Tell us about you and your business
We’re a family-run wedding and event catering business based in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, and we specialise in marquee and barn venues. Our focus is on creating bespoke dining experiences that are perfectly tailored to each client’s tastes, using locally sourced ingredients wherever we can.
We pride ourselves on maintaining exceptional standards in both food quality and service, delivered by a team of dedicated and personable staff. With over 30 years of experience in the catering industry, we bring a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to every event we undertake.
Which specific services do you offer?
We provide full catering services to ensure our clients’ wedding celebrations are completely stress-free and memorable. We can cover everything from the pre-wedding get-togethers when guests first meet, to breakfast on the morning of the wedding while everyone’s busy getting ready.
On the big day, we’ll handle all the catering, from canapés to the wedding breakfast and even late-night snacks. And we don’t just stop there, we’re also happy to cater for the day after, giving everyone a chance to come together again and reflect on the amazing celebration. We offer all our clients a personalised tasting to sample their chosen menu in advance, ensuring everything is just right for their big day.
Throughout the entire wedding planning process, we provide full support and are always here to help, offering advice wherever we can, not just on the catering, but on all aspects of the wedding.
How far in advance of a wedding should couples contact you?
We’re usually booked up about a year in advance, so we recommend getting in touch 18 to 24 months before the big day. This not only helps secure the desired date but also gives us plenty of time to get to know our clients and their vision before locking everything in.
What are some of the biggest wedding trends you've noticed recently, and how can couples incorporate them into their celebrations?
We’ve noticed more couples going for full wedding weekends instead of just a single-day celebration. With everyone’s busy schedules, it’s a great way to spend more quality time with loved ones. Even small touches, like a casual pizza night the day before or a breakfast delivery the morning after, make it easier to connect and enjoy the moment for a little longer.
We’ve also seen more clients opting for street food-style menus instead of the traditional three-course meal. It can be tricky to cater to 80+ guests and find something that suits everyone’s tastes. A street food-style menu solves that by offering a variety of dishes, anything from spicy options to more traditional choices, giving guests a chance to enjoy a wide range of flavours. It’s a great way to make the dining experience more relaxed and diverse!
Can you share any timeless wedding style ideas that never go out of fashion?
Seasonal and locally sourced menus are a timeless addition to any wedding. Using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients guarantees top-notch flavours, supports local producers, and shows a thoughtful, sustainable approach that everyone can appreciate.
Dessert tables are definitely a popular choice! Instead of extending the sit-down meal, having a dessert table paired with a coffee station is a great way to get guests up and mingling again before the dancing starts. Offering a variety of bite-sized desserts makes it easy for everyone to sample different flavours and ensures there’s something to suit every taste. It’s a fun and relaxed way to round off the meal while keeping the energy flowing.
Finally, what are your top 3 tips for couples planning a wedding, when it comes to your specialism?
Choose a Menu That Reflects You as a Couple
Your wedding menu is the perfect way to share your personality and tastes with your guests. Whether it’s a dish that has sentimental meaning, a nod to your cultural roots, or simply your all-time favourite foods, make sure the menu feels personal and, most importantly, that you both love it!
Think About the Flow of the Day
The timings of your day can really affect how the food fits in, so it’s worth planning carefully. If you’re on a budget, consider a later ceremony so you only need to provide one meal. For earlier ceremonies, make sure to include some hearty canapés post-ceremony so guests aren’t drinking on empty stomachs. There’s nothing worse than bringing your guests to a gorgeous location only for their stomachs to be rumbling!
Trust Your Supplier and Follow Your Gut
Go with what feels right for you as a couple, even if it’s not what your parents did or what your friends had at their wedding. Your day is about what makes you happy, and doing things differently can make it even more memorable. Trust your caterer; they’re the experts, and they’ll help you bring your vision to life.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more about the Karen Rhodes team, and the services they offer, visit their website here. If you’re interested in Jeccabox wedding stationery, be sure to say hello here!