DECODING YOUR CATERING QUOTE

Sometimes I feel like reading a catering quote is like taking a peek into my husband’s Structural Engineering textbooks (P_cr=(π^2 EI)/L^2 AKA how to determine the critical load that a column can bear without buckling AKA Euler Buckling Equation…duh, right??!). I mean, besides hotel room block contracts, catering quotes can be the most confusing contractual document while planning a wedding. So, let’s decode what key aspects you should look for.

Photos by: The Waldron Photograph Co.

At Hawthorne House, we use a preferred catering list, thus making the workload much lighter on you. All of our caterers offer full service catering only for Hawthorne House weddings and have the option for buffet/plated/stations/family style and either disposable or china dinnerware. You’re welcome :)

1. Extra fees: what is included, what is additional? (For example: service fee, gratuity, taxes)

2. Is there a cutoff for children and, if so, what is the age?

3. Is it “full service catering”? This means they do all setup, all bussing of the tables and all tear down. They don’t drop off food and leave ya hanging.

4. What kind of dinnerware is included?

Some caterers offer free tastings and others charge a small fee. Be sure to take advantage of tastings! You’ll want to not only see if your taste buds like what they have to offer, but also confirm you are a fan of the menu options and get along with the catering representative.

If you’re in Kansas City, my ultimate fav is Brancato’s. Their pricing structure is similar to Hawthorne House’s- simple and straight forward. They include service fees in their per person rate so the only additional fee is sales tax! I have worked with Emily Rempel for yeeeeeears and she is the literal bomb.com. Be sure to take advantage of their free tastings and ask about all the china and charger options- there are so many and they are so good (I’m not drooling, you’re drooling).

Happy planning from Hawthorne House!