CATERING

Yes, but please see the question and answer above. Initially we allowed outside catering, because honestly most venues don’t and we didn’t understand why!

It seems like a great benefit to allow outside catering. The truth is, after two years of allowing any caterer under the sun to waltz through our door, we realized that not a workable business model if quality food and a quality experience is important to our couples and their guests. Some caterers were amazing, but some were clearly in it for the money and not the couple (like when we asked, do you help with XYZ and the caterer responded “they didn’t pay for that.” Once you get to know us, you’ll know that attitude doesn’t sit well with us.) We had issues with caterers showing up hours late and unprepared. We had caterers run out of food. We had caterers who routinely sent three 16 years olds to be the event staff.  Although we had many great experiences with caterers who were new to us, when it was a bad experience it was really bad, for us, the couple, and their guests.

We selected the caterers on our list after having many come through our doors those first few years because we thought they had good food, good service, because they had very affordable options along with a variety of upgrades, and honestly because we thought they were nice people. Don’t discount the fact that all of the vendors that you choose you’ll work with a lot leading up to the big day. It’s important to actually like your vendors!

Additionally, we have purposely selected small business owners, because although no one is perfect, and none of our caterers claim to be, when you work with a small business owner they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day.