How to Plan Indian Catering for a Wedding in Melbourne

Indian food is a natural fit for weddings: it's made to share, it feeds a crowd generously, and it works for guests with very different diets. If you're planning Indian catering for a wedding in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria, these are the steps that make it go smoothly.

1. Lock in your date, venue and guest numbers

Caterers plan quantities, staffing and transport around three facts: when, where and how many. Even a rough guest count helps you get an accurate quote early. Confirm whether your venue has a kitchen, warming equipment or rules about outside catering.

2. Choose a banquet-style menu

Most Indian wedding menus follow a simple shape that keeps everyone happy:

• Entrées: samosa, onion pakora, paneer tikka, chicken tikka or seekh kebab.

• Mains: two or three curries, such as butter chicken, lamb rogan josh and a vegetarian curry like palak paneer or dal makhni.

• Rice and breads: saffron or plain basmati rice, plus naan.

• Sides: raita, mango chutney, pappadams and salad.

• Dessert: gulab jamun or carrot halwa.

Mixing mild dishes like korma or butter chicken with one spicier option means guests of every age find something they love.

3. Plan for every guest's diet early

Indian weddings often bring together guests who eat halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or nut-free. Ask your caterer to label each dish and to cook allergy-sensitive dishes separately. At Banyan Tree all our meats are halal, our menu has a full vegetarian section, and we take special orders for other requirements.

4. Decide how the food will be served

• Delivery: food arrives hot and ready for your team to serve.

• Pickup: you collect from the restaurant – good for smaller gatherings.

• On-site catering: food served at your venue, with a menu built around your event.

5. Don't forget the smaller events

Mehndi nights, engagements, sangeets and family lunches before the big day often need catering too. Booking them with the same caterer keeps the menu consistent and the planning simpler. For smaller celebrations, our Moonee Ponds restaurant can host up to 60 guests.

Wedding catering with Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Indian Restaurant in Moonee Ponds caters weddings, engagements, birthdays and corporate events across Melbourne. Send us your date, venue and guest numbers through our Functions & Catering page or call (03) 7006 0699, and we'll reply with menu options and a quote.