VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: GILL STOTTER CATERING
Waiheke Island's boutique family business Gill Stotter Catering, is undoubtedly the go-to choice when it comes to selecting your all important catering vendor if you're lucky enough to get married on the Island.
With a history of close family ties to Waiheke (including many memories of good food and wine!), it was inevitable that Emma Stotter of Gill Stotter Catering would be drawn back to Waiheke as an adult to take over the reigns of the family business from her mum Gill. Managing a team of experienced and professional locals (all self professed 'foodies'), she is completely passionate about creating gorgeous food and providing fantastic service for the locals, holiday makers and visitors alike, using the freshest and finest local ingredients, with an emphasis on free range and organic where possible. In fact many of the businesses suppliers are friends and neighbours!
We chat to Emma about the key elements to consider in planning an unforgettable wedding menu and the importance of trusting your caterer!
1. Why is selecting a caterer so crucial on your wedding day?
Food is what brings people together and the very act of eating together as a group is steeped in wonderful tradition. It’s not just the food that is important, it is all about the timing, the way it is presented and how it is served. It can help structure the day and brings groups of people together. All of this adds to the whole experience, which is what we are really passionate about. Food is such a big part of the day!
2. How would you describe the Gill Stotter approach?
We are fanatical about food and delivering it with exceptional service. We love to chat and take a friendly, personable and attentive approach to the people we work with. We love crafting a menu and service suited to each individual and what they want to create. We take each occasion as seriously as our clients.
3. How early do you need to book a caterer?
For a wedding we would recommend a good year ahead to make sure you get the caterer you want on the date you want. Caterers are integral to the flow and feel of the wedding so the sooner you get them booked the better. They’ve also been involved in a lot of weddings so can offer heaps of really practical advice!
4. What are the different options you provide for styles of eating?
We are happy to work with our clients to decide how they want their guests to be catered for, some clients know exactly what they want, others need advice which we are more than happy to provide. It also depends on the venue what option people go with. The trend at the moment is all about sharing so shared platters are really popular and other informal options like feasting tables and food stations are a delicious alternative as well. We love the casualness of the walk & fork style which is also a really nice way to keep people mingling and socialising throughout the dining experience, while also saving on costs associated with tables and seating.
5. What is your favourite style of wedding menu right now?
We’re loving the casual, inclusiveness of weddings right now. The formalities have been relaxed which have allowed for more freedom on how the food is presented and shared. This doesn’t take away from the level of detail or standard of food, it’s just done in a more interesting and relaxed way like fun food stations or the walk and fork option.
6. Are there any trends emerging for wedding feasting?
There’s been a big shift away from the formal sit-down dinner and an increase in couples looking to personalise their catering, such as interactive food bars either during the cocktail hour, like oyster bars and gelato carts or during the reception with rustic feasting tables.
Additionally we are seeing more rehearsal dinners which are an awesome way to see what your guests are going to enjoy. Pre-wedding day family get togethers and after wedding brunches and BBQ’s are also really popular, with people really seeing the benefits of getting these events catered with staff so everyone can relax and simply enjoy the company.
7. What is your key advice for couples designing their wedding menu?
Don’t get too caught up with planning your menu around the few guests that have dietary requirements. Trust your caterer! They have the experience and know-how and don’t be afraid to ask them a million questions – we love it!
Images from Gill Stotter Catering.