Catering for your Wedding
Arranging catering for your wedding can be one of the most daunting tasks: not only will your largest outlay be on food and drink, but your guests are likely to hold on to memories of their meal, where they might forget the songs your DJ played. However, it’s one area of your day where there’s no obligation to follow fashion or formality - how you feed your guests on your big day is entirely up to you!
At The National Piping Centre, we believe that your special day should be as individual and personal as you both wish, and our management team have lots of experience in turning your dreams into reality. Here’s their advice for arranging your catering…
- Confirm with the venue if they accept outside catering
Our kitchen prepares the perfect meal for every wedding at The National Piping Centre, using the finest Scottish ingredients. Some venues will allow you to use external caterers, potentially reducing your costs, but may charge a surcharge or corkage fee. It’s worth weighing this up carefully before booking, to avoid spending more than you want to or having costs rise nearer to the day if you need to alter your requirements.
2. Choosing your menu
This will be your first meal as a married couple – pick something you both love! (We’d highly recommend Steak Pie from our wedding menu). Another nice touch might be to serve a menu inspired by special moments in your relationship: perhaps you could offer a craft beer from the city where you met? If you’d like to offer a choice menu to your guests, you will have to submit your pre-order one month before the big day. Getting orders in advance from your guests will be extra work for you, but it may be worth it to ensure that your guests leave happy.
- Kid’s options?
If you’re having kids at your wedding reception, think about keeping them happy with fun options like chicken goujons, macaroni cheese or pizza. It’s also worth serving them dinner first as they can get very restless, particularly if your speeches are before dinner. Their parents will thank you!
- Don’t be scared to ask for something specific!
If your guests have particular dietary requirements or you fancy something a bit different as the special couple, don’t be afraid to ask - it’s your big day! The earlier you let your caterer know about your requirements, the better placed they are to accommodate them – we cater for all dietary options at The National Piping Centre. We once hosted a wedding where the guests were served Roast Beef for their main course, but the bride chose to have Macaroni Cheese instead – let us know what your needs are and we can make it happen!
- Canapes
Remember there is a large amount of time spent drinking and dancing at a wedding - consider serving canapes during the drinks reception to keep your guests going! Our senior manager Caitlin’s favourite buffet options are Salmon & Pepper bites, Roast Red Pepper Cream Cheese Cups, Vegetarian Pakora and Traditional Haggis, Neeps & Tattie Baskets. All perfect to ensure your friends and family can continue the celebrations with you ‘til the wee hours!
If you'd like to find our more about getting married at The National Piping Centre, contact us on 0141 353 5551 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dates for your diary
Wedding Walkarounds
12noon-3pm
Sunday 2nd July • Sunday 3rd September
Take a look at our beautiful venue and talk to our wedding coordinators - no appointment necessary!
Wedding Fayre
12noon-3pm
Sunday 1st October
An intimate wedding fayre, where’ll you be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine; see our venue set up for your marriage ceremony and meet with amazing suppliers who can help you create your dream wedding.
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Photo Credits: Feelin' Groovy Photography / One Big Picture Photography