Halal Wedding Catering: What to Check Before You Book

Agree what halal means for your wedding

Families have different standards, and it's worth agreeing them before speaking to caterers. Common questions to settle at home:

• Should the whole menu be halal, or only the meat dishes?
• Does your family require a particular certification for the meat supplier?
• Are there views on stunning before slaughter?
• Will alcohol be served at the wedding, and if so, where?
• Do you need the caterer to avoid all alcohol in cooking, such as wine in sauces?

Sourcing and certification

Most caterers don't slaughter their own meat; they buy it from suppliers. So the key question is about the supply chain:

• Which suppliers do you use for halal meat and poultry?
• Which certification body certifies them, and can you show the certificate?
• Is the certification current for the date of the wedding?
• Are all meat products halal, including stocks, sausages and cured meats?

Storage, preparation and service

Halal food can lose its status if it's mixed with non-halal food along the way. Ask how the caterer keeps it separate:

• Is halal meat stored separately from non-halal meat?
• Are separate utensils, boards and cooking equipment used?
• If the menu is mixed, how are halal and non-halal dishes kept apart on buffets and stations?
• Will serving staff know which dishes are halal?

Ingredients that are easy to miss

• Gelatine in desserts, sweets and some cakes
• Alcohol in sauces, marinades, desserts and flavourings such as vanilla extract
• Stocks and gravies made from non-halal meat
• Cheese made with animal rennet, if your family avoids it
• Some additives and emulsifiers of animal origin

A good caterer will go through each dish with you, and will adapt recipes rather than simply removing items.

Mixed weddings and guest lists

Many weddings bring together families with different food traditions. Often the simplest approach is a fully halal menu that everyone enjoys, which avoids any risk of mixing. If you'd like non-halal or alcohol-based dishes too, agree clearly where and how they'll be served.

We cater halal weddings across London and the Home Counties, including in London, East London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Berkshire, and Asian weddings from walimas to receptions.