Planning a wedding involves so many decisions, from the dress and venue to the flowers and seating plan. Among these, one of the most enjoyable and crucial steps is deciding on the menu. A wedding taste-testing session at your venue allows you to sample the dishes and wines before your big day, helping you make informed choices that will delight your guests. We recently were invited to Botleys Mansion alongside couples about to be married, to see what happens at a taste-tasting session and to share with you reasons why, if you’re invited to one as part of the planning process you should jump at the chance.
What is a taste-testing experience?
David Gough, the COO of Harper Weddings, the group that owns Botleys Mansion as well as other wedding venues, explains, “At Harper Weddings, we believe our tasting experiences are an exciting and integral part of a couple’s journey and planning process. These events offer couples a fun and immersive way to sample our exquisite food, wine, and cocktail options, further building anticipation for their big day. Beyond just the tasting, it’s an opportunity for them to soak in the atmosphere and feel the unique dining experience our venues provide. It’s about continuing to build the trust that we can deliver premium luxury at scale. We also love the idea of it being a ‘date night’ for our couples—adding a touch of romance and playfulness to their wedding preparations. The feedback from couples has been overwhelmingly positive; they often tell us how these experiences make them feel even more confident and excited about their choice to celebrate with us, and they appreciate the personalisation and little touches that help make a Harper Wedding special.”
It is worth saying that the food and drinks at Botleys did not disappoint. It was lovely to taste multiple foods to get an idea of the menu and to taste what all your guests will taste. We left super full as you get to taste so much (3 deserts, moi?). It was also great that some of their preferred suppliers were there to discuss the final details with the couples such as stylists and entertainers.
Why attend a wedding taste-testing experience?
1. Ensure Quality and Taste
Your wedding meal is a significant part of your celebration, and you want it to be memorable for all the right reasons. A wedding taste-testing allows you to experience the quality of the food and drink firsthand. You can assess the freshness of the ingredients, the presentation of the dishes, and, most importantly, the flavours. This is your opportunity to make sure that the food and drink matches your expectations and will leave your guests content.
2. Customise Your Menu
Wedding taste-testing sessions are not just about trying the standard options; they also give you a chance to tailor the menu to your tastes. Perhaps you’d prefer a spicier sauce with the chicken or a vegetarian option that’s not on the regular menu. This is the time to discuss your preferences with the chef and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your menu is perfect for you and your guests.
3. Cater to Dietary Requirements
It’s likely that some of your guests will have dietary restrictions, whether they are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have food allergies. A taste testing allows you to explore how the venue can accommodate these needs without compromising on taste or quality. You can ensure that everyone, regardless of their dietary requirements, will enjoy a delicious meal at your wedding.
4. Visualise the Presentation
How food looks on the plate is almost as important as how it tastes. During a taste-testing, you get to see the presentation of each dish as it will appear on your wedding day. This helps you visualise the overall aesthetic of your meal service and ensure it aligns with the theme and style of your wedding. A beautifully presented dish adds to the experience and makes the meal feel special.
5. Understand Portion Sizes
Portion size is an important aspect of any meal, particularly at a wedding where you want your guests to feel satisfied but not overly full. A taste-testing allows you to see the portion sizes that will be served, giving you the chance to make adjustments if necessary. This ensures that your guests receive a balanced meal that they will enjoy from start to finish.
6. Foster a Relationship with the Catering Team
Attending a taste test also gives you the opportunity to build a rapport with the chef and catering team. This can be incredibly valuable, as it allows you to communicate your vision and preferences more effectively. A good relationship with the catering team ensures that they are fully invested in making your wedding meal a success, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that your needs will be met on the day.
7. Reduce Stress on Your Wedding Day
Finally, attending a taste test can significantly reduce stress on your wedding day. Knowing that you’ve tasted and approved every dish allows you to relax and enjoy your special day without worrying about whether the food will meet your expectations. With this box checked, you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones, confident that the meal will be a highlight of your wedding.
A taste-testing is more than just a chance to enjoy a lovely meal; it’s a crucial step in ensuring that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer it, why not suggest it to them – it will be easier to offer this service to many couples at one time rather than doing it one by one.
To end here is what Botleys Mansion couples have to say about their taste-testing and how valuable it was.
I wanted to say what a lovely evening Elliot and I had on Wednesday at the tasting event. All the staff were so helpful and the whole evening was amazing from start to finish- we are so excited now for our wedding!
We thoroughly enjoyed the tasting experience and it was great to be back at Botleys, especially with it lit up at night. We loved the attention to detail that was shown all throughout the event from the food and ambience to the little personalised touches, so thank you! We were thoroughly impressed with all the food we tried too and couldn’t believe the generous portion sizes!
Thanks to Harper Weddings for our invite and meal (pr trip)
