Ever since legislation was introduced last year, civil celebrants have been able to marry a couple any time, anywhere. But food can be a problem as some venues do not provide catering services. Johnson Lee, director of veteran catering company Gourmet International, offers some advice on what to consider when choosing a caterer for the event. 'Different venues allow different types of food,' he says. 'Sometimes one just has to compromise because some dishes are not possible.' Mr Lee cites boat weddings as an example. Boats do not usually have a powerful generator, and stoves are not allowed on a boat with the capacity to carry 40 to 50 people. Caterers must therefore keep the menu simple. Dishes such as steak cannot be served, so cold dishes like sushi or sandwiches are provided instead. 'Outdoor catering is a little better,' Mr Lee says. 'If there's a power supply, we can use stoves as well as other electrical appliances. This provides much more flexibility.' However, there are some points to remember when considering outdoor catering. Food that can easily turn bad when exposed to sunlight such as sushi, open-face sandwiches or oysters should generally not be served. And timing is important to keep the food fresh. Mr Lee says it is important to find an experienced caterer, especially for outdoor catering services. 'When choosing a caterer, its reputation is crucial,' says Mr Lee. 'And it is always more useful to ask friends who have tried the service than to search blindly on the internet.' Mr Lee says a couple should have decided on their budget, style and the service they want for their wedding before looking for a caterer. 'We always start with the budget and the style. After we know what they want, we will propose several menus as a basis for further discussion.' It is also important to have enough waiters. Mr Lee says at least one waiter is needed for every 30 guests. Customers can also choose what style they want the waiters to dress in. Catering services of Gourmet International (26140835) is flexible and all kinds of cuisines can be requested. A cocktail reception for 100 people with all services and utensils included costs from HK$5,000, and can be as luxurious as you want - the company has provided abalone steaks on boats for HK$10,000 per person. Chit Chat Outstanding Catering (29675028) provides a western buffet package at HK$400 per person and a western barbecue package at HK$220 per person, with five hours of service, utensils and delivery included. Sodexho's (21159955) serves a range of meals from breakfasts and light party buffets to dinner buffets and three-course meals costing HK$50 to HK$238 per person, plus a 10 per cent service charge, all inclusive. Encore Catering (36068106) provides buffets with a combination of Chinese and western dishes. Menus ranges from HK$98 to HK$138 per person, with waiter and chef service rates at HK$120 an hour per staff member and delivery charges ranging from HK$460 to HK$680, depending on the location. Utensils are provided free. Fresh and Fresh (27857128) provides a western buffet ranging from HK$98 to HK$238 per person, and a cocktail reception from HK$35 to HK$50 per person. The waiter service costs HK$480 per waiter for the first two hours, and HK$100 for each additional hour. Delivery charges are from HK$150 to HK$320. Disposable containers and tableware are provided. Tai Hing Worldwide Development (2558 6808) specialises in high-quality Chinese barbecue dishes such as whole roast pork, supreme chicken and crispy roast goose. Assorted dishes range from HK$198 to HK$288 per dish. It also provides poon choi (a traditional dish with meat and vegetables) and many other Chinese dishes. Delivery is free for orders over HK$1,500, but the company does not provide any other services.