Real talk, dear soon-to-be-weds.
WEDDINGS AREN’T CHEAP.
Between the breathtaking flowers, the stunning venue, the gorgeous outfits, and that lavish five-tier cake you saw on Pinterest, costs add up super fast.
But if there’s one area that eats up a huge chunk of your budget, it’s catering.
And here’s the kicker: many couples unknowingly blow their food budget before the first satay hits the plate. The good news? You don’t have to be one of them.
We’ve rounded up the 7 biggest wedding catering mistakes that could cost you thousands, plus smart fixes to keep your guests (and your wallet) happy.
- Not Setting a Realistic Food Budget From the Start
You’ve found the perfect dress and picked your dream venue, but now you’re shocked to find out that feeding 200 guests might cost more than your honeymoon.
💸 The Mistake:
Underestimating how much wedding catering actually costs leads to last-minute panic and overspending.
✅ The Fix:
- Allocate 30–40% of your total wedding budget to food and drinks.
- Factor in your guest count, menu complexity, and catering style.
- Ask your caterer for a clear, all-inclusive quote to avoid hidden costs that sneak up on you like uninvited plus-ones.
If you’re not sure where to begin, looking up price ranges for wedding catering in Malaysia can help give you a better idea and set realistic expectations.
- Choosing the Wrong Catering Style for Your Guest Count
Buffet? Plated? Food stations? Decisions, decisions.
💸 The Mistake:
Choosing a catering style that doesn’t suit your guest count or event flow results in long lines, wasted food, or worse—hangry guests.
✅ The Fix:
- Buffet
- Best for 100+ guests.
- Budget-friendly and allows your guests to pick what they like. Just make sure it’s well-organized.
- Plated Service
- Best for smaller, elegant weddings
- Fancy, but costs more and takes longer to serve.
- Food Stations
- Interactive but pricey.
- Great for mingling and Insta-worthy, but requires more space and staff.
- Cocktail-Style Reception
- Trendy, albeit a bit risky.
- Chic and minimal, but may leave guests searching for the nearest mamak afterwards.
If you're hosting your wedding in the Klang Valley, there's no shortage of variety when it comes to options for wedding catering in Kuala Lumpur. Choose what fits your vibe, budget, and venue best!
- Not Paying Attention to Hidden Catering Costs
That attractive "RM60 per pax" might not include everything you think it does.
💸 The Mistake:
Only looking at the per-pax price without checking for additional charges.
✅ The Fix:
Ask your caterer to clarify:
- Are service fees, setup charges, and waitstaff included?
- What about tableware, decor, or transportation?
- Is there a buffer for last-minute guest changes or food wastage?
Doing your due diligence and getting a detailed cost breakdown upfront can save you from budget shock later.
- Over-Ordering or Under-Ordering Food
You want your guests to leave full, not stuffed or starving.
💸 The Mistake:
Ordering way too much (hello, food waste) or too little (cue awkward looks at the empty buffet tray).
✅ The Fix:
- Work with your caterer to estimate realistic portion sizes based on guest count and meal style.
- Consider your guests’ eating habits. Some eat like a bird while some eat like a horse!
- Don’t forget to account for kids and special diets separately.
That’s why couples often turn to experienced wedding catering services who can help estimate just the right amount of food based on your guest list and preferences.
- Not Catering to All Your Guests' Dietary Needs
Planning one menu is tough enough. It’s okay, we understand. However, ignoring dietary needs could leave guests hungry, unhappy, or worse—sick.
💸 The Mistake:
Skipping halal, vegetarian, or allergy-friendly options, especially in a multicultural setting like Malaysia.
✅ The Fix:
- Ask about dietary restrictions on your RSVP forms.
- Make sure your caterer is halal-certified (like PM Catering!) and can provide vegetarian or allergy-friendly dishes.
- Include a mix of local favourites and global flavours. Variety = happy tummies.
For couples seeking the best catering for weddings Malaysia has to offer, inclusivity is just as important as taste.
- Skipping the Food Tasting (Or Not Asking the Right Questions)
Don’t judge a dish by its menu name or its photo on Instagram.
💸 The Mistake:
Booking a caterer based on looks alone without tasting their food or checking their flexibility.
✅ The Fix:
- Always schedule a food tasting before locking in your caterer.
- Ask:
- Can the menu be customised?
- What happens if the quality on event day isn’t up to par?
- What’s the plan if food runs out mid-service?
A good caterer should be transparent and open to feedback (like we are at PM Catering).
- Booking Too Late and Missing Out
So you’ve found your dream caterer… but they’re fully booked. Yikes.
💸 The Mistake:
Waiting too long to book, especially during peak wedding or festive seasons.
✅ The Fix:
- Book 6–9 months in advance, or earlier if your wedding falls near Raya, Deepavali, or the New Year.
- Confirm your headcount later, but secure your date early.
You don’t want to settle for second-best because your top pick is already cooking for someone else’s big day.
Great Food, Happy Guests, and a Budget That Still Exists
Weddings are meant to be joyful, not stressful.
Avoiding these common catering mistakes means no budget blowouts, no hungry guests, and no regrets on one of the most important moments in your life.
Remember: It’s not about how expensive your menu is. It’s about how thoughtfully it’s planned and served. And that’s exactly what Perfect Match’s wedding catering services do best.
Contact us today to avoid these costly wedding catering mistakes and start planning your perfect wedding menu that guests will rave about for days to come!
