The Chef's Table

Frequently Asked Questions about our Weddings:

What sets you apart from other caterers? We believe that there are three things that set us apart.

1. Our desire to customize your reception and menu to fit your vision for your wedding. One of the reasons that couples choose a venue that allows outside caterers is that it gives them the freedom to incorporate their own tastes into the menu – we revel in this challenge!

2. The quality of our food – we use only the finest local ingredients. All of our hors d’ouevres, dressings and sauces are made fresh!

3. Our staff – time and time again, we have been told that we have the friendliest, most enthusiastic staff and we agree!

What services do you provide? We can handle as many or as few of the details as you like. We have contacts with all types of vendors and can assist you with cakes, décor, entertainment etc. Typically, we handle all of the food, rental equipment (linens, tableware, glassware, cooking and service equipment) and staffing of culinary and service staff.

What is the average cost of catering? The costs of each event vary widely depending upon the menu choices and equipment chosen. We have included a sample proposal in this packet that uses some of the most common choices. We will be happy to prepare a detailed, customized proposal for you based upon your preliminary menu selections.

Can I offer my guests a choice of entrée? Yes. The most cost effective way to do this is to include the choice in your invitations and ask for your guests’ selection in the response card. This allows us to prepare the correct amount of each dish. We strongly suggest that you allow us to help you customize your selections so that both choices utilize the same accompaniments – this will save you money and allow us to provide your guests with the most efficient service. In our experience, it is best to offer no more than two choices (although special vegetarian meals do not need to be counted as a selection). Please be advised that offering a choice of entrée will result in higher labor costs due to the increased culinary staff that will be needed on-site.

Will I be able to do a tasting of my menu? Yes, once we have created a proposal that meets your satisfaction we will invite you and your fiancé in for a tasting. Due to seasonal availability and other factors, it is not always possible to have you taste every item that will be on your menu. The purpose of the tasting is to give you an overall sense of our quality and presentation, and occasionally our chefs will add other items that they think you might enjoy. Menu selections do not have to be finalized until two weeks before the wedding.

Can I purchase a cake from my favorite bakery? Do you charge a cake cutting fee? Absolutely, one of the best parts of planning a wedding is the cake tastings! We just ask for the name and number of the vendor that you choose so that we can contact them to verify size, delivery and serving instructions. If you need suggestions on a bakery please let us know – we can suggest several depending on what you like.

No, we do not charge a cake cutting fee. You are paying our staff by the hour to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly. We consider this to be part of the service that you should expect. There will be nominal charge for any garnish that you us to use to decorate your cake plates such as fresh fruit, whipped cream or coulis.

How do you handle deposits, final guest counts and payment? We require a 25% deposit to hold the date. This is refundable up until 8 weeks before the event. Your final count will be due 7 days before your wedding. After we receive your guaranteed count, you may increase (at the chef’s discretion) but you may not decrease. Payment is due in full on the day of your event, however, if you wish to pay by credit card, we require that this be run through three days before your wedding.

How do you handle meals for vendors? We charge a flat fee of $20 per vendor meal (this does not include our staff – we feed them!). Your vendors will have a choice of eating before the event (“Family Meal” with our staff) or if they prefer to eat the meal that you have chosen for your guests then we will offer this to them after all of your guests have been served.

How do you handle guests with dietary restrictions? We will discuss vegetarian options with you during the planning process. However, we will always do our best to handle an unexpected dietary restriction at the event. If you know that you have a guest with food allergies, please let us know. Our chef would love to have the opportunity to call them in advance of the wedding to find out exactly what precautions we need to take.

Who manages the timing and flow of events at my wedding? If you are working with an event planner then we will work closely with them throughout the wedding to ensure that everything is timed perfectly. Otherwise, The Chef’s Table Manager will work with your dj or band leader, photographer and the Brookmeadow Manager to make sure that everything flows according to your predetermined schedule.

Your wedding is the most special day of your life. We are humbled by the trust that you place in us to ensure that you and your guests experience the day as you have envisioned. We will do everything possible to help make your dreams come true!