Catering doesn't need to be boring - soggy mini pies, mini samosas, mini spring rolls and dry rolls are not the standard offering from most Christchurch catering companies. MoneyHub's list of trusted caterers includes both established food catering companies and food trucks that know how to deliver beyond expectations.

The list below covers caterers who offer everything from salad platters, spit roasts, Polynesian, European, middle eastern, delicate French canapés and more, these caterers have you and your event covered.

Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event

• If you're unsure about the company you are dealing with at the quote stage, then it's best to trust your instinct.
• Different catering businesses will usually have different specialities or strengths, so being familiar with their past work is important.
• Our list below includes trusted Christchurch ​companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Christchurch events. 

Our review covers:

• What Does Catering Cost (and how can I drop the price)?
• Top 10 Classic Christchurch Caterers

Arranging catering quotes is easier when you know what a catering company needs to know upfront. When inquiring, make sure you decide on:

1. The number of people attending
2. The budget you have for the entire event
3. Whether you want a drinks package 
4. Whether you need bar staff or additional serving staff

You can let the caterer know later your final numbers the number of people with dietary requirement and any other special requests - these don't need to be confirmed upfront. 

Catering quotes will almost always be 'food only', so you'll need to budget for 'optional' (but often essential) items such as:

• Crockery, cutlery, glasses, jugs etc
• Linen - napkins and tablecloths (if required)
• ​Refrigerated chillers (if needed)

Catering prices are usually charged per person, and the cost varies based on your event type, requirements and additional services. 

Generally:

• For weddings, you will pay between $50 and $150 per person
• For parties or events in your home, you will pay between $30 to $60 per person
• For buffets (i.e. corporate catering), you will pay between $40 and $70 per person

Before you agree to a quote, make sure you go through the quote line-by-line. If you're unsure what the costs cover, ask. If you're happy upfront with the costs, you'll establish a good working relationship. 

Spiralling catering costs are quite common - there is an expectation that you will get a lot for your money, but the reality is catering is a costly service given everything that goes into it. We've listed proven ways to bring down the costs and yet still deliver a five-star catering experience. 

1. Exclude Seafood. Christchurch ​has access to excellent seafood, but the cost of serving up oysters, prawns, scallops and anything with salmon can blow your budget. By keeping things seafood-free, a lot of guests will have a wider selection, and you'll save money. 
2. Hand-pass canapes rather than offering a buffet. Guests will eat less, with most caterers disclosing that the costs can be around 25% to 40% lower as a result. 
3. Two courses ARE reasonable, even if you're catering a wedding. It's likely you'll have already included pre-drinks and canapés, so serving a main and a dessert is perfectly reasonable. It also speeds up the meal service and gives more time to dance.
4. Vegetarian canapés are increasingly popular, and cheaper. Plenty of excellent vegetable-based canapés create intrigue and give guests a wide choice, while late-night vegetarian quesadillas, pizzas, and grilled cheese are proven favourites. 
5. Limit the varieties of canapés. There is a temptation to offer 4-8 different types, but three is sufficient and much cheaper to serve.
6. Buffets are rarely cheaper. There's a lot of prep work involved, and wastage. It also extends the time of a meal service, whereas a two or three-course setting is more often efficient and cheaper. 
7. Negotiate BYOB. Some venues and/or caterers will insist on using their alcohol supply, but this can add considerable cost. A simple bottle of Oyster Bay can retail for $18 in a supermarket but be charged at $40+ by caterers. If you're flexible, try to include BYOB - many alcohol shops offer a delivery service for catered events.
8. Consider looking beyond traditional caterers. Try local food trucks, farmers market stands, or even your favourite cafe or restaurant. 
9. Reduce the number of guests. If your costs are spiralling, consider trimming the number of guests to help bring you in line with the budget.
10. If children are attending, look for a discount. Find a caterer who offers free or half-priced meals for children up to age 16.

Most caterers accept a range of payment methods, including

1. Direct Credit (internet banking)
2. Cheque
3. Cash with invoice
4. Credit Card via the catering company's website (a surcharge may apply)
5. On-site Eftpos (on delivery etc)

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Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:

1. A non-refundable $250 deposit on the date of acceptance of the quote
2. 50% of total quote price 4 weeks from the event date
3. Final Payment 7 days after the event date

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others. Caterers listed provide food for events such as parties, weddings, events and corporate.

No catering company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any catering company below.