What I Wish I Knew Before Booking a Wedding Caterer in Sydney

1. What I Wish I Knew Before Booking a Wedding Caterer in Sydney Planning a wedding is a wild ride—equal parts excitement and chaos. Between choosing the dream venue, finding the dress, and sorting out endless little details, catering wasn’t something my husband Jay and I thought would be a major stress point. After all, if a caterer had great reviews and fit our budget, surely they’d deliver amazing food and seamless service… right? Wrong. Hi, I’m Blessy, and if I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to dig much deeper when choosing a wedding caterer. We learned the hard way that not all caterers are created equal, and overlooking key details nearly turned our big day into a catering catastrophe. Our first choice seemed fine on paper, but as the wedding got closer, red flags started popping up—slow responses, vague menu details, and a lack of flexibility. By the time we realised we had a problem, we were panicking. Thankfully, our wedding coordinator swooped in with a last-minute solution: Bar Positano. And let me tell you, they were absolute lifesavers. Here’s what went wrong, how we turned it around, and what I wish I had known before booking a wedding caterer in Sydney.

2. The Search for a Wedding Caterer – Where We Went Wrong Like most couples, we wanted our wedding to be perfect—beautiful décor, a romantic atmosphere, and, most importantly, incredible food. Catering was a top priority, so we started searching for the best wedding caterers in Sydney. After browsing websites, reading a few reviews, and asking around, we found a caterer that seemed to fit our needs. Their website looked professional, their menu was appealing, and, most importantly, they were significantly cheaper than other options. That should have been a red flag, but at the time, we saw it as a win. Our wedding coordinator strongly advised us to reconsider. They suggested attending a Wedding Expo in Australia to meet experienced caterers, compare menus, and schedule a food tasting for the wedding session. But we didn’t listen. We were focused on the budget, convincing ourselves that all caterers were the same. We had a gut feeling something wasn’t right, but we brushed it aside, believing we had made a smart financial decision. That mistake almost ruined our wedding. The Red Flags We Ignored There were plenty of warning signs from the beginning, but we dismissed them.

3. ● Slow and inconsistent communication: They took days to respond to emails, making it difficult to finalise details. ● No food tasting option: They assured us their food was excellent, but they didn’t offer a tasting. ● Vague contract terms: Hidden fees for staff, equipment, and last-minute changes were buried in the fine print. ● Limited dietary options: They weren’t flexible about vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal meals, but we assumed it wouldn’t be an issue. Our wedding coordinator warned us about these concerns, but we were convinced we were getting a great deal. We were wrong. The Wedding Day Disaster – When Everything Went Wrong On the morning of the wedding, we were focused on getting ready, trusting that everything was running smoothly. But as guests started arriving, the problems began. The caterers arrived late, setting up just 30 minutes before dinner service instead of the agreed two hours. Portions were significantly smaller than expected, leaving guests with half-empty plates. Dietary requirements had been overlooked, leaving some guests without meals. At first, we tried to stay positive, hoping the food would still be good. But when it finally arrived, it was cold, bland, and poorly plated. The guests were polite, but their disappointment was obvious. Some barely touched their meals, while others quietly left the venue to buy food elsewhere.

4. That moment was devastating. This was our wedding—something we had planned for months—and instead of enjoying the evening, we were worrying about hungry guests and a catering disaster. The Lifesaver – Our Wedding Coordinator’s Backup Plan Our wedding coordinator had seen catering mishaps before, and thankfully, they had a backup plan in place. They immediately contacted Bar Positano, a trusted caterer they had worked with before, and explained the emergency. Despite the short notice, Bar Positano agreed to step in and save the night. Within an hour, their team arrived at the venue, ready to turn things around. While guests mingled and enjoyed drinks, they worked efficiently to set up a fresh, high-quality dining experience. How Bar Positano Saved Our Wedding The difference was immediate. Bar Positano’s team was professional, organised, and completely in control. They seamlessly transitioned into the catering setup, ensuring everything looked effortless. Instead of the disappointing meal we had planned, our guests were served beautifully presented, high-quality Italian food. Handmade pasta with rich, authentic sauces, stone-baked pizzas made fresh on-site, antipasto platters with premium cheeses and cured meats, and decadent desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

5. Guests who had been quietly disappointed before were now raving about the food. Many went back for seconds and thirds, praising the flavours and the quality of the service. Bar Positano proved why experience matters, handling catering for large parties in Sydney with ease. The relief we felt was overwhelming. The stress of the evening lifted, and for the first time that night, we could finally enjoy ourselves. What We Learned – Wedding Catering Tips and Advice for Other Couples If you're planning your wedding, learn from our mistakes and make catering a top priority. 1. Always Do a Food Tasting A food tasting wedding isn’t just an extra step—it’s a necessity. Never book a caterer without sampling their food first. 2. Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals Don’t rely solely on a caterer’s website. Look for genuine reviews, ask your venue for recommendations, and consult other couples who have worked with them.

6. 3. Consider All Catering Options for Weddings Plated meals, buffets, grazing tables, food trucks—each has pros and cons. Choose an option that suits your guest count, venue, and budget. 4. Have a Backup Plan Unexpected issues can arise, no matter how much you plan. Make sure your wedding coordinator has alternative vendors they can call in case of an emergency. 5. Work with Experienced Vendors The right caterer is about more than just food. Professionalism, reliability, and flexibility are just as important. Bar Positano proved why experience makes all the difference. Our Advice to Future Couples If you're planning your wedding, take the time to research your caterer thoroughly. Attend a Wedding Expo in Australia to explore options, meet vendors, and do tastings. Don’t let price be the deciding factor—quality and reliability matter more than anything. For couples looking for exceptional Italian food, Bar Positano is a name we will always recommend. Their professionalism and expertise saved our wedding day, turning a disaster into an unforgettable experience.

7. Planning a wedding is stressful enough without worrying about catering mistakes. Learn from our experience and make sure your guests leave your wedding raving about the food—not looking for the nearest takeaway.