Catering is a whole adventure, and we’re endlessly grateful for the amazing teams who turn wedding meals into happy, full‑bellied memories. To keep everything running smoothly (and sustainably!), here are a few easy guidelines to help you plan.
That “$15 per person” meal you saw online, it’s usually just the food. Your final catering cost depends on things like:
Service style (buffet, plated, food truck)
Cuisine (pasta vs. lobster — big difference!)
Staffing, drinks, setup, cleanup, rentals, bussing
All those pieces come together to create a great dining experience for your guests, so build your budget with the full picture in mind.
Full‑Service Catering
These folks bring the whole crew; setup, serving, bussing, cleanup, and sometimes even plates and silverware. They make the night feel effortless.
Minimum Service Catering
Your Catering Company will bring the food and set up the buffet, refreshing dishes as needed, clean up and box leftovers for you to take. They do not provider servers to set you tables or bus and clean the tables. That service would have to be added.
DIY / Drop‑Off Catering
This service is only for groups of less than 30 guests and requires added service staff to:
keep food at temperature
set up the buffet, serve, refresh dishes,
bus tables, and clean up
We do not have a 'kitchen' or cooking equipment, but we do have;
A catering prep room
Prep and buffet tables
Space for portable kitchens, food trucks, and BBQ setups
Need serving equipment or utensils? We can rent those to you.
Your catering or service team is responsible for boxing up leftovers and storing them safely in the fridge before they head out. For bigger groups or more complex setups, our in‑house team can help make cleanup a breeze. Ask about our bussing services.
We provide garbage and recycling service for most of your trash.
To keep things eco‑friendly (and avoid a mountain of garbage at the end of the night), please limit one‑time‑use plates, utensils, and disposable containers when possible.
Excessive trash may result in a $250 disposal fee.
Thank you for following these guidelines. It helps us maintain a clean, eco-friendly space for all guests and future events.
(Your Trash Bags and Car Will Thank You)
One‑time‑use plates and forks seem harmless… until you’re staring down a mountain of trash at the end of the night. We’d love to help you avoid that “why is there so much garbage?” moment, and keep things eco‑friendly while we’re at it.
Plus your guests deserve to eat from real plates!
Reusable, charming, and zero delivery or pickup fees.
Keep It Simple Set: $2.25 per place setting
White Dinner Plate • Knife • Fork • Napkin
Mismatched Vintage Plates: $3.75 per place setting
A little whimsical, a little cottagecore
Dinner Plate • Knife • Fork • Napkin
Appetizer / Cake Plates: $0.50 each
Perfect for dessert tables, grazing boards, or late‑night snacks.
Extra Silverware — $.50 per setting, forks, knives or spoons
(because your guests deserve real utensils)
Gold Chargers: $2.50 each
Instant glam without the landfill guilt.
(but they do need hand washing!!)
Want to go even fancier? try one of our full-service rental companies below.
To ensure you and your guests have the best dining experience for your wedding, we have gathered some of our favorite catering companies for your consideration.
If you have a favorite catering company you are considering, please share their information before you enter into an agreement with them to provide service at our venue.
My Melissa Events
Our exclusive bar service provider with special pricing just for you!
The Wait Staff Team - servers, trash, and rentals
MyMelissaEvents - Bar and beverages
goblets and water service (dinner)
A Covered Affair - rentals
Power of Love Rentals - rentals
For the Love of Pete - rentals
Arden Event Collective - rentals