Unforgettable Wedding Catering in Auckland
Specialising in Wedding Catering to Rodney & The North Shore.
Over the Harbour Bridge by request.
As a leading boutique catering company in Auckland, Culinary Lane Catering understands the importance of wedding catering in making your special day unforgettable. Wedding catering provides guests with delicious food and drinks recommendations, leaving a lasting impression on their experience.
​
We will discuss the various types of wedding catering services available, how to plan for wedding catering, pricing and costs and services in Auckland, and self-catered wedding options.
Culinary Lane Wedding Catering
Culinary Lane Catering can cater to all budgets. Whether it's a boutique wedding with a sit-down dinner or just canapes or sandwiches, we can help you tailor your budget to your needs.
You might be surprised how amazing food can still be even on a budget. It's your choice how you want your memorable day to look. Just let us know and we'll help to make it a great success.
Here are some of Culinary Lane's popular options that clients have used to make their wedding day catering unforgettable.
Additional Wedding Catering Services
Front of house
Culinary Lane Catering can provide Front of House Staff by request or Mark Lane can work to reheat and serve your food for your important event leaving all your guests to concentrate on enjoying the day. Please request details on your submission.
Catering equipment hire for Table Settings
Culinary Lane Catering can also deliver "Restaurant Quality" table settings with your catering you have ordered with us. A one stop shop so you don't have to hire from another company.
We're here to help with your catering
Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions when it comes to planning your wedding catering. Below are questions that Mark Lane from Culinary Lane Catering has been asked over the years about Wedding Catering.
​
If you need a hand with catering for your wedding, contact Mark and he'll be happy to help you.
Types of Wedding Catering Services
There are several types of wedding catering services available, each offering a unique experience for your guests. Here are four of the most popular types:
​
Grazing tables
This type of catering features a visually stunning and inviting spread of finger foods, cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and other small bites that guests can graze on at their leisure. Grazing table catering is an excellent choice for couples seeking a more relaxed, interactive, and social dining experience for their guests.
Buffet Catering
This type of catering allows guests to serve themselves from a variety of dishes that are displayed on a buffet table. Buffet catering is a great option if you want to offer a wide range of dishes and cater to guests with different dietary restrictions.
Sit-Down Dinner Catering
This type of catering involves a multi-course meal served to guests seated at tables. Sit-down dinner catering is a more formal option and is perfect for elegant weddings.
Cocktail Reception Catering
This type of catering involves serving appetizers and drinks to guests while they mingle and socialize. Cocktail reception catering is a great option for a more casual and relaxed wedding.
This is a great option if you have photos to take but you would like your guests to have a light food option while they wait and socialise.
​
Looking at the option of canapes, finger food, and platters is a great option for a more relaxed feel to your wedding. This is the most affordable food option should you wish to be more budget conscious but still serve memorable food options.
​
A lot of weddings like to serve canapes first and then serve a buffet, sit-down dinner, or Grazing tables.
​
By choosing the right type of wedding catering service, you can create a dining experience that suits your wedding style and guest preferences.
Planning Wedding Catering Services
Planning wedding catering services involves several important considerations to ensure that your guests have a great dining experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
​
How much food to cater for a wedding?
It's essential to have enough food for all of your guests. We always suggest catering for 100% of your expected guest count. This ensures that there is enough food for everyone.
​
Wedding catering menu ideas
The menu for your wedding catering should reflect your personal taste and style. Popular options include traditional dishes, international cuisine, and fusion dishes. You can also work with your caterer to create a customized menu that suits your preferences and dietary needs.
​
Wedding breakfast options
If you're having a morning wedding, you may want to consider serving breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, or omelets. Breakfast catering is a unique and fun option that can set your wedding apart from others.
​
Wedding finger foods and appetizers
Finger foods and appetizers are a great option for cocktail hour or as a light meal option. Popular options include mini quiches, bruschetta, sliders, and sushi rolls.
Many weddings don't want a full meal as the wedding may want to be more casual and be more about the guests mingling and giving them smaller, easier-to-eat food options while enjoying a drink. There are great lighter options such as Canapes, Finger Food, and Platters. This can include something as simple as Club Sandwiches to full-on Canapes and Platters. Culinary Lane Catering has all these options in the "catering Menu"
Vegan catering options
Offering vegan catering options is a great way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Vegan dishes can include delicious options such as tofu skewers, roasted vegetables, and vegan cupcakes.
By considering these aspects when planning your wedding catering, you can ensure that your guests have a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Wedding Catering Pricing and Costs
Wedding catering costs can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of service, the number of guests, and the menu.
​
Culinary Lane Catering can cater to all budgets. Whether it's a boutique wedding with a sit-down dinner or just canapes or sandwiches, we can help you tailor your budget to your needs.
You might be surprised how amazing food can still be even on a budget. It's your choice how you want your memorable day to look. Just let us know and we'll help to make it a great success.
​
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to wedding catering pricing and costs:
​
The average cost of wedding catering in Auckland and New Zealand
According to recent estimates, the average cost of wedding catering in Auckland can range from $40 to $150 per person. In New Zealand, the average cost of wedding catering can range from $40 to $120 per person.
​
Factors that affect wedding catering prices
There are several factors that can affect the pricing of wedding catering, including the type of service, the number of guests, the menu, the location, and the time of year. For example, buffet catering is generally less expensive than sit-down dinner catering, and catering for a larger guest count will be more expensive.
​
Tips for budget-friendly wedding catering options
If you're looking for budget-friendly wedding catering options, consider the following tips:
-
Opt for buffet catering instead of sit-down dinner catering.
-
Choose a limited menu with fewer courses and options.
-
Work with your caterer to find affordable alternatives for expensive ingredients.
-
Consider a self-catered wedding or potluck-style catering.
-
Choose a venue that offers on-site catering, as this can help reduce costs.
​
By considering these factors and tips, you can find wedding catering options that fit your budget without compromising on quality or taste.
Mark from Culainry Lane Catering can offer advice on the best possible cost for your wedding catering. Get in touch with Mark to find out your best option.
Wedding Catering Companies and Services in Auckland
If you're looking for wedding catering services in Auckland, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
Wedding catering near me
One of the best ways to find wedding catering services in your area is to search online for "wedding catering near me." This will bring up a list of catering companies in your local area, along with customer reviews and ratings.
​
Catering and wedding package deals
Many wedding venues and catering companies offer package deals that include catering, venue rental, decorations, and other wedding services. These package deals can be a great way to save money and simplify the wedding planning process.
​
Affordable wedding catering options
If you're looking for affordable wedding catering options, consider working with a smaller, local catering company. These companies may be able to offer more affordable prices than larger catering chains, and may also be more willing to work with you to create a custom menu that fits your budget and tastes.
DIY or Self-Catered Weddings
While many couples opt to hire a wedding catering company to handle their food and beverage needs, some choose to self-cater their weddings. Self-catering can be a great option for those who want to save money or who have a passion for cooking and hosting. However, there are also some challenges to self-catering that couples should consider before making a decision.
​
Pros of self-catering a wedding
​
Cost savings
Self-catering can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional wedding caterer.
Control over the menu
With self-catering, you have complete control over the menu and can customize it to your tastes and preferences.
​
Personal touch
By cooking and serving the food yourself, you can add a personal touch to your wedding and make it feel more intimate and special.
Cons of self-catering a wedding
Time and effort
Self-catering a wedding requires a significant amount of time and effort, both in planning and preparing the food.
​
Logistics
Self-catering also requires a lot of logistics, including figuring out how much food to make, how to transport it to the venue, and how to keep it warm.
​
Risk of mistakes
If something goes wrong with the food, such as running out or undercooking it, there's no backup plan or professional to fix the issue.
​
Tips for successful self-catered weddings
Keep it simple
Stick to simple, easy-to-prepare dishes that can be made in advance and served buffet-style.
​
Get help
Enlist the help of family and friends to assist with cooking, serving, and cleaning up.
​
Rent equipment
Renting equipment such as chafing dishes, serving platters, and utensils can make self-catering easier and more efficient.
​
Practice ahead of time
Make sure to practice cooking and serving the dishes ahead of time to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the wedding.
​
Whether you choose to self-cater your wedding or hire a professional caterer, planning ahead and being prepared will help ensure that your wedding day is a success.
Wedding Catering
At Culinary Lane, we understand the importance of choosing the right wedding catering service to suit your preferences and budget.
​
We’ve covered everything you need to know about wedding catering, from the different types of services available to planning tips, pricing and costs, and even self-catering options.
​
We want you to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests on your special day. Whether you choose a buffet or sit-down dinner, finger foods or a full breakfast, or hire a professional caterer or self-cater, we're here to help you make your wedding catering a success.