Obviously, if your venue is out of doors and you plan a relaxed summer garden party barbecue for few friends, pigging out with a hearty Hog Roast or hosting a lavish themed wedding or civil partnership reception for hundreds of guests in a marquee, then you don’t really have much option but to use outside catering.

The same applies if your desired venue is indoors, but may not have any kitchen or food preparation facilities at all.  That could be anything from a village hall, a romantic castle, a conference room or a boat. True, at some venues like hotels you can access the catering services they provide, whether the event is within the building or hosted in their gardens or grounds.  These services can also be supplied at an all-inclusive rate if you intend booking accommodation at the same place.

Generally though, you are limited to the menu options they present.That situation is even more complicated if your guests have a variety of dietary requirements and preferences.Those menu options, especially for larger groups, tend to be somewhat unimaginative and it's highly unlikely that you can create a menu tailored to exactly what you want.

Outside catering firms, at least the best ones, are specialists and will have a blend of experience, planning and attention to detail  to ensure a successful occasion every time, no matter where it’s held.  If you’re looking for an event with a highly personal touch, outside catering can provide a complete private food and drink service.

They can create tailored menus to your exact specification or budget, using seasonal and local produce if you desire.Many outside catering firms employ Masterchefs who can devise inspiring food, fine wines and convivial cocktails.And of course, more importantly, they’ll even take care of the washing up!

you like.

Some venues like hotels will offer their own catering services as part of an all-inclusive package, especially if you also book accommodation. Your choice is often limited to the menu options they dictate which can be a bit unimaginative, especially for larger parties.That’s certainly the case if your guests have a variety of unusual dietary requirements and preferences.    Obviously, if your chosen venue is outdoors, then you don’t really have much option but to use outside catering.  Even if you plan an indoor event, the venue may not have any kitchen or food preparation facilities, so using outside catering services   is also essential.

So, having decided that outside catering is the route to choose, how do you go about selecting the firm that will ensure a successful occasion?

First you should look for previous experience across a variety of circumstances and venues.   Make sure the company has an events management team or specialist who will take your brief and work within your budget.The better professional companies will include chefs, kitchen assistants, back house support staff, table top hire, linen, cutlery and crockery and rubbish removal/recycling within the menu price.You shouldn’t have to pay any extra for those items.Front of house food service teams and waiting staff are usually charged separately.

Look for experience in outside catering at a range of venues from barns and stately homes to boats and castles.  Even if none of those are as grandiose as the venue you have in mind, it will at least demonstrate the firm’s capability to physically cope with transport, set up, preparation and service no matter how extreme the situation.Insist on references and testimonials and if they are unwilling to provide them, avoid at all costs!

Make sure they share your enthusiasm (if the event is important to you, it should be important to them)  and since the most important element is the food, make sure it’s fresh and  up to the quality you’d expect rather than just be re-heated rubbish!  Most outside catering companies can create bespoke menus to your exact specification, using seasonal and local produce if you desire.

The best ones employ Masterchefs with tremendous culinary experience who can devise inspiring food and drink magically transformed into a spectacular eating experience.  So make sure it’s the headlined chef who will be creating and cooking your menu and get the lowdown on his or her experience.Again get references from people who have actually sampled the fare.Ask all those questions and you should guarantee a catered event with a significant wow factor, no matter where you hold it.