Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Our Catering Team
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a perfectly run wedding day? As one of Perfect Day Caterers’ wedding coordinators, I get a front-row seat to all the magic — and a lot of the hard work — that goes into making each celebration run smoothly. From the early morning van unload to the final dessert plate cleared, here’s a glimpse into what a typical wedding day looks like for our team.
Arriving at the Venue
Our day starts bright and early. The van is loaded, the checklists are double-checked, and we’re off to the venue. There’s a buzz of excitement in the air, florists are setting up, bridesmaids are getting their hair & makeup and and the cake has just arrived.
Once on site, the whole team jumps into action. Plates, glassware, serving dishes, linens, crates of ingredients, everything is carefully unloaded and carried to its designated place. It’s a bit of a workout but it’s all part of the job. Meanwhile, our chefs head straight to the kitchen. There’s chopping, roasting, and prepping to be done.
Front of House Set-Up
While the kitchen is in full swing, The front of house team transform the dining area. We carefully set each table for the wedding breakfast, making sure every detail matches the couple’s chosen theme and layout. Next, we set up the drinks tables and stations — from champagne on arrival to the bar area ready for the evening.
Guests Arrival
Before long, the first guests begin to arrive. Our team is set to greet them with drinks at the ready and beautifully presented canapés. When the newlyweds make their entrance, we’re ready and waiting with their chosen drinks in hand. It’s a small detail, but those little touches really make the moment feel special.
Seating for the Wedding Breakfast
Once everyone’s had a chance to mingle, it’s time for the wedding breakfast. Our team discreetly places wines and waters on each table, along with baskets of warm focaccia and bowls of oils for dipping. Then, as guests are ushered to their seats, the chefs prepare for the first course.
Serving the Meal
Starters are served first, table by table. When the last forkful is enjoyed, we sweep in to clear plates smoothly and reset for mains. Our staff will also circulate the room to top up any wines & waters. While guests tuck into their main course, our chefs also prepare meals for the wedding suppliers who’ve been working hard alongside us all day.
Once mains are cleared, it’s time for the front of house to pour toast glasses, ready for speeches. Timing is everything here — we make sure every guest has a full glass just in time for the first heartfelt toast. With speeches underway, the front of house team finally gets a moment to rest their feet and grab a bite to eat. It’s a rare quiet few minutes before the next flurry of activity begins.
Dessert & Clean up
As the speeches wrap up, it’s back to action. Desserts are served followed by tea and coffee if required. Once every last plate is cleared, we begin tidying and packing away behind the scenes, ready to leave the kitchen spotless and the venue as we found it.
By the end of the evening, we’re tired but proud. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing we’ve helped create a day full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Every wedding is unique, but the feeling at the end of the night is always the same — that quiet satisfaction of a job well done.