Frequently Asked Questions
I have never hired a caterer before. What should I expect?
What must I do before booking a caterer?
How much is my event going to cost?
Are there set numbers of menu items that I can choose for my event?
Is it more cost effective for me to take care of rental items or to let the caterer do this for me?
Are there additional fees that I can expect to be charged for?
Can you supply servers and bartenders for my event?
Do you supply decorations for events?
I have never hired a caterer before. What should I expect?
We understand how challenging it can be to plan an event. We have a process that can help you. During our first meeting or telephone conversation we will discuss budget, menu options, and will help you determine the equipment and staff required for your event. We will then prepare and send a proposal for your review. If you approve of the menu and service items, contact us and we will then send you a contract to sign and return with your deposit. Your contract will be specific to your event and will spell out the items included and those that are not. EVENT DATES WILL NOT BE HELD WITHOUT A DEPOSIT AND SIGNED CONTRACT.
What must I do before booking a caterer?
It is important to have your event date and location secured before booking your caterer. First of all, we need to know if we have your date available, and secondly, the facility you have chosen may or may not provide tables, chairs and linens. You will also need to know if the facility accepts “outside” caterers or if you have to use the in house caterer.
How much is my event going to cost?
It is important to have a budget in mind for your event. We are unable give you an accurate quote without a per person or total event budget. The cost for a catered event is based on several components. Food, Beverages, Equipment & Staffing. A buffet is generally less expensive than a plated dinner or a party requiring heavy hors d’oeuvres because less staffing and labor are involved. Generally, we identify the staff and equipment required for your event, and then we help you select the best menu possible to help you stay within the budget you have established. We will advise you if your budget is unrealistic for the event you are planning.
What packages do you offer?
It is our approach to create an individualized menu that reflects the theme for your event. Though we offer several basic menu packages we prefer to design a menu to suit various budget ranges. Menu proposals are priced either per person or by the amounts of the individual items ordered.
Are there set numbers of menu items that I can choose for my event?
Our hors d’oeuvres are sold by the dozen unless otherwise specified. Minimum amounts are specified on the catering menu. For a cocktail party we recommend the number of pieces per person that you will need, and for buffets, luncheons, and dinner parties we advise you on the minimum amount of food needed. We do not do this to increase your bill. The minimum needs come from years of experience and are in place so that we can both look good at your event.
Is it more cost effective for me to take care of rental items or to let the caterer do this for me?
For most rental items we deal regularly with an outside vendor. For the service of securing your rental items, we charge you more than the rental company would charge you. If you decide to book the rentals yourself, we will be happy to give you a list of the rentals needed for your event. but expect to be responsible for delivery and pick up as well as counting all items prior to and after your event. Our staff is able to set up and break down tables and chairs and for this service you will be charged a fee. Our staff DOES NOT set up tents but we can assist you with permitting issues related to this.
Are there additional fees that I can expect to be charged for?
Delivery fees depend on the size and location of your event. Set up and clean up fees may also be included. Gratuity will show on your original proposal. If your guest count or food amounts increase your gratuity amount will also increase.
Can you supply servers and bartenders for my event?
YES. Our servers and bartenders are paid by the hour with a 3-hour minimum required. Server/Bartender hours are determined according to guest count, type of service needed, and location of event. Please note that we may unable to provided last minute servers and/or bartenders for your event. Once booked, we will not “cut “ our servers so in the event your guest count decreases you will be still be billed for the number of service hours on your original quote. Chef, event manager, server & bartender fees are double for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, and Easter.
Do you supply decorations for events?
We can supply everything from floral displays and simple tabletop centerpieces to entire event décor. These items differ in price may have to be ordered weeks to months in advance.