Catering - how far in advance?

[Deleted User]

Just a quick catering question - how far in advance do you need to have your caterer in place? Can they do more than one wedding in a day? (It's not like how a photographer can only do 1 event per day, is it?)

FI and I are planning a trip down to the OBX for a few days in Nov or early Dec, after my long term sub position is over. We were going to check a few things out. Is that too late to set up with a caterer? (Our wedding is July 6th)

jendem8

I don't think that's too long, but some caterers only do have 1 wedding per day (I know that I'm looking at Argyles and they only do 1 a day).  Others (like Black Pelican) can do more in a day, so it all depends.  I would probably start comparing some now (tell them what you're thinking about for the menu and have them come up with an estimate on the price per head), so that when you do go down in Nov/Dec, you can have appointments set up with the caterers you're most interested in and do a small tasting (most seem to be willing to do a tasting with you before you sign a contract - except for Black Pelican, which is why we didn't even consider them).

Some big names I keep hearing over and over:
Argyles (highly recommended by the lady at 108 Budleigh)
Ortegaz (also highly recommended by her)
Good Life Gourmet
Red Sky Cafe

...good luck!

[Deleted User]

I'll have to check out Argyles. I haven't looked at them yet. Thanks for the ideas!

Btw... what part of pitts are you from. FI and I used to live out that way. We used to live along the orange belt in Plum. I also see that your wedding is about 2 weeks before mine. If there's anything you need while I'm down there in Nov/Dec just let me know

jendem8

Wow, we live in Monroeville!  So weird.  Where's your long-term position at?  I teach at Hampton High School.

Thanks!  Our date is June 22.  I'll probably (hopefully) stop down a few times before the big day, but I'll definitely let you know!  Same goes for you if/when I get down there again.

RussoWill

I would definitely start speaking with caterers and getting an idea of what you want for your menu. We ended up emailing back and forth with 3 different caterers and did a tasting with just one of them and signed the contract about a month later.  She called and told us someone else was interested in using their services on our date and gave us a head up so we could sign the contract or she would be available for others.   I think having your name in with then kind of holds you places while you are still deciding (we had also gotten an email from another caterer we had spoken with, although we hadn't really discussed much with the,).

[Deleted User]

Jendem8- Thanks. We're not out that way anymore. I miss being out there. I swear I used to spend all my time eating at the sushi restaurant in the Monroeville Mall or drinks down at Rivertowne. We actually had to move back towards the Altoona area.

RussoWill- Who did you decide to go with?

jendem8

Love Saga!  And Rivertowne!  :-) 

We'll have to keep in touch though in case we do need anything when the other goes down to the OBX.  Also, let me know if you have qusetions about Argyles or anyone else; hopefully I can help!

Lcam510

My wedding is June 2nd - Im going down this weekend with my Mom and wedding planner to do the tastings with the caterer, meet with one of the cake places and meet with a florist...phew.

tcigal

Our caterer is doing 2 events in one day (a rehearsal dinner and our wedding) which at first made me nervous, but she assured me SHE would be at our event until we were all eating and happy, and then she'd leave the bartending/serving/cleaning to her staff so she could go check out the other event.  Since theirs was only the rehearsal dinner and simple, her staff was okay to handle it, and the other bride was okay with that too.  I think if it coordinates like that, it's fine.
I'm using Gwen Hart from Enchanted Cuisine (formerly Culinary Magick) and she also does the catering for events at the Saltaire House in Duck.  I was very happy with her prices and menu selection, and how much she worked with us to be sure we stayed in our budget.
I booked her by April and we're getting married in September, but she told me the other day she JUST had a bride sign her to do an event with less than 60 days notice.  Especially if you're having your wedding on a weeknight, you still have PLENTY of time to get the caterer, I think.

Lcam510

tcigal - Im getting married at The Saltaire House and am using Gwen from Enchanted Cuisine. I'm going down there this weekend for my tasting and I'm sort of nervous, I really havent heard that many things about her so not sure what to expect. I was glad to read your positive review!

Kelsey Lopez

Lcam our wedding is on the same date! Very exciting!

Kelsey Lopez

Lcam our wedding is on the same date! Very exciting!

RussoWill

Teach- We ended up going with Lone Cedar Cafe. We'd eaten there once when my parents met his parents (his parents live in Duck and we were vacationing). Amy is very easy to work with and can help you choose options to stay within your budget. 

Lcam- My future SIL got married there in 2008! We had such a great time, and The Saltaire is beautiful!  They had their buffet line inside the dining area of the house (not sure if thats the norm, but it worked well for her tented wedding).