The Best Caterers in Lower Hutt
Updated 15 November 2024
Summary:
Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event
Our review covers:
- 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 Lower Hutt 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 Lower Hutt companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Lower Hutt events.
Our review covers:
What do I need to consider when asking for a catering quote?
Arranging catering quotes is easier when you know what a catering company needs to know upfront. When inquiring, make sure you decide on:
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:
- The number of people attending
- The budget you have for the entire event
- Whether you want a drinks package
- 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)
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What does catering cost?
Catering prices are usually charged per person, and the cost varies based on your event type, requirements and additional services.
Generally:
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.
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.
How can I reduce catering costs?
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.
- Exclude Seafood. Lower Hutt 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Limit the varieties of canapés. There is a temptation to offer 4-8 different types, but three is sufficient and much cheaper to serve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Consider looking beyond traditional caterers. Try local food trucks, farmers market stands, or even your favourite cafe or restaurant.
- 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.
- If children are attending, look for a discount. Find a caterer who offers free or half-priced meals for children up to age 16.
How do I pay caterers?
Most caterers accept a range of payment methods, including
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- Direct Credit (internet banking)
- Cash with invoice
- Credit Card via the catering company's website (a surcharge may apply)
- On-site Eftpos (on delivery etc)
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- A non-refundable $250 deposit on the date of acceptance of the quote
- 50% of total quote price 4 weeks from the event date
- Final Payment 7 days after the event date
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Top Classic Lower Hutt Caterers
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Lower Hutt. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Lower Hutt, 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.
Blue Carrot Catering
Base: Petone, Lower Hutt
Hours: Tue to Sat 6 am – 10 pm
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Website: Blue Carrot Catering
Facebook page: Blue Carrot Catering
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 04 568 8838
Service Areas: Wellington and Lower Hutt
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Hours: Tue to Sat 6 am – 10 pm
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Website: Blue Carrot Catering
Facebook page: Blue Carrot Catering
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 04 568 8838
Service Areas: Wellington and Lower Hutt
Customer Feedback:
- Fantastic and perfectly presented food
- Excellent customer service
- Always on time
- Professional waitstaff and event chefs
Pros:
- Provides delivery options
- Recycles any plastic, glass, and paper containers that can’t be reused
- Employs local staff and supports the local economy.
Cons:
- None
- They have been in the industry since 2000 and continue to serve the Wellington region with great food choices.
- Blue Carrot Catering specialises in corporate catering, wedding catering and private catering but also provides service for private gatherings, corporate functions, funerals and more.
Valley Caterers
Base: Street, Avalon, Lower Hutt
Hours: Not specified
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Website: Currently unavailable
Facebook page: Valley Caterers
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 04 939 3888
Service Areas: Lower Hutt
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Not specified
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Website: Currently unavailable
Facebook page: Valley Caterers
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 04 939 3888
Service Areas: Lower Hutt
Customer Feedback:
- Reasonably priced
- Plentiful and fantastic food
- Very organised and cleaned after the event
- Wide variety of food choices
Pros:
- Online booking is available on their website
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Valley Caterers have been in the catering business for over ten years.
- They offer catering for all occasions, including weddings, buffets, spit roast, hot drop-offs, morning teas, afternoon teas, Christmas gatherings and corporate events.
Chalet Caterers
Base: Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Sun 8 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Chalet Caterers
Facebook page: None
Email address: Undisclosed
Phone: 04 566 4602
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Sun 8 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Chalet Caterers
Facebook page: None
Email address: Undisclosed
Phone: 04 566 4602
Customer Feedback:
- Great food, professional, timely service and friendly people
- The food just kept coming and was well prepared
- Serves delicious trifle for dessert
- Very accommodating
- Provides excellent food selections
Pros:
- Foods are supplied within the client’s budget
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Chalet Caterers has provided a Polynesian catering food experience to Lower Hutt gatherings and occasions for more than 40 years.
- They serve roasted whole pigs, taro and other specialist Polynesian dishes.
- They cater for morning teas, weddings, Christmas gatherings, finger food parties, barbecue parties and others.
⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.