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Where are you located?
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| We are located in Raleigh, NC. We are approved at over 60 reception locations throughout the Triangle. Some of our favorite event venus include Duke Gardens in Durham, The Cotton Company in Wake Forest, the Museum of History and the Royal Banquet Center in Raleigh. In Cary, the Page Walker Arts Center and The Homewood Suites are two of the best banquet facilities. We are the exclusive caterer at Historic Crenshaw Hall in Wake Forest, NC. We can provide catering services over a geographical area within three hours of the Raleigh-Durham Metro area. |
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| I have never hired a caterer before. What should I expect? |
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| We understand how challenging it can be to plan an event and feel comfortable about all the little decisions one must make. We have developed a process to help you. At our first meeting we will determine the equipment and staff required for the event. We will also discuss the menu and beverages. We will then prepare a budget proposal for your review. Finally, we will invite you for a tasting to insure that the food we prepare meets with your approval. |
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| What must I do before booking you as my caterer? |
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| It is important that you have your reception date and reception location secured before trying to book us as your caterer for two reasons. First of all, we need to know that we have your date available, and secondly, the banquet facility will effect catering costs. Some banquet rooms provide certain rental items such as tables, chairs, linens and dishware, while others do not. |
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| How much is my wedding reception or corporate banquet going to cost? |
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| The cost for catering an event is determined by you. The following Five components contribute to the cost of your event. |
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- Food
- Beverage
- Decorations
- Equipment
- Staffing
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| A buffet is less expensive because it requires fewer staff. A meal is often less expensive than heavy hors d'oeuvres because less labor is required. Generally, we first identify the equipment and staff required for the wedding reception, party or corporate event. We then help you select the best menu possible within the budget you have established. |
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| What packages do you offer? |
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| It is our approach to create a special menu for each event that reflects the theme of the banquet and taste of the individuals involved. We would rapidly get bored if we were producing the same meal over and over again. "Classic", "Gourmet" and "Premiere" is our way of giving titles to various budget ranges. We work with your vision for the menu and within your budget to prepare a package unlike any other. |
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| Are there set numbers of menu items that I can choose for each package? |
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| No. We determine the per person price for an event by the cost of the items you select and the labor required to produce these items. The size of the party is also a factor. Smaller parties are often more expensive to produce because some rental costs, like the venue, photographer and music, will stay the same no matter how many guests you have. |
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| What should I look for in a location to keep my costs down? |
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| Your rental costs will increase significantly if your location does not come equipped with tables and chairs. Furthermore, should you have an outdoor event, a tent rental could be necessary given that we cannot foresee the weather in advance. |
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| Does the rental company set up the tables & chairs or does the caterer or is it my responsibility? |
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| We prefer that the rental company set up and break down the tables and chairs. This way, our staff is is fresh for the reception. On occasion, we will be responsible for it, especially if the tables and chairs are provided by your location. |
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| Is it more expensive to use stemware, china and silverware over plastic? |
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| Yes. We can provide high quality, clear, disposable flatware and plates. However, many of our clients choose to rent silverware, china and stemware as a way of adding extra elegance to their event. The cost per piece for most of these items is about 35-40 cents each. If it is appropriate, we will recommend disposable appetizer or cake plates to preserve budget dollars for the food. |
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| Do you provide linen napkins and tablecloths or are we responsible for that? |
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| We can provide the napkins and tablecloths from a rental company when you require special items. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from and we will meet with you at the rental company to help you with your selections. |
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| Do you set up the tables with centerpieces and place settings? Is there an extra charge for that? |
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| Yes, we do set up the tables completely. There is no extra charge for that service. Our staff comes in early to help set up the entire room from start to finish so that you can enjoy the banquet or wedding reception. |
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| What are the additional fees for set up and clean up? |
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| There are no additional fees. When we write your budget proposal, we charge a fee per staff member. Those staff members are responsible to set up and clean up the event venue. |
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| Do you charge a cake-cutting fee? |
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| We do not. Our staff will be happy to cut the cake at no additional charge. |
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| Can we bring our own alcohol and do you charge a corkage fee? |
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| As a catering company, we are bound by the rules and regulations of each individual venue. Some locations allow a full bar including liquor, wine and beer, some allow only wine and beer, and others do not allow alcohol at all. There are also some locations that require you to purchase your alcohol and bartending services from them. You should keep this in mind when searching for and booking your location. If it is permitted by the event venue, you can bring the alcohol. We will bring an experienced bartender(s) to service your event. We do charge a minimal corkage fee. Please ask your event coordinator for detals. |
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| Can we do a cash bar? |
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| North Carolina law prohibits cash bars at many banquet facilities. One of our event coordinators will work closely with you to insure we operate within the law. |
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