What’s Included in Most Wedding Catering Packages?
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Introduction:
So, like, planning a wedding can be super fun, especially if it’s in a dreamy destination—but wow, there’s, like, a lot to handle, you know? One of the biggies ya gotta nail down is the catering. Whether you’re tying the knot on a beach in Key West, dancing it up in a swanky ballroom in Orlando, or saying “I do” in a sweet garden spot in Sarasota, gettin’ a handle on what’s in most wedding catering packages can really help. This is, like, extra important if you’re doing a destination wedding because you’re juggling tons of logistics.
In this, uh, guide (I guess you could call it that), we’ll totally, like, break down what you can usually expect from most wedding catering packages with some examples from the popular spots in Florida where people love to get hitched.
What Are the Basic Components of a Wedding Catering Package?
Alright, so usually a standard wedding catering package throws in a few basic things: food, staff to serve it up, setup, and cleanup.
Depending on who you pick for your wedding destination catering, you might find some extra goodies wrapped into the deal or maybe offered as those add-on thingies.
So, llike, let’s say you’re having your shindig in Fort Lauderdale. Most caterers there will offer you a smorgasbord of hors d’oeuvres, main courses, sidess, and sweet treats for desserts.
They go with a per-person pricing thing most of the time, and sometimes you can even do a little tasting before you lock in what’s on the menu.
You’ll often get a team of servers, kitchen helpers, and, maybe, bartenders too. The setup and cleanup are, like, usually included but check with those folks just to make sure there are no last-sec surprises.
Do Packages Vary Based on the Wedding Location?
Oh, totally, they do. The spot you’re getting hitched at can really change up what’s on offer. Like in busy cities like Miami or Tampa, you might find the catering packages to be, like, all fancy and diverse. Meanwhile, in smaller places like Venice or St. Augustine, you could be looking at more intimate, maybe even budget-friendly choices.
For example, a beachfront bash in Naples might be all about seafood, with decorations that scream tropical vibes, and they’d bring in, you know, portable kitchen gear. On the flip side, in downtown Orlando, you might have a shot at a plated, gourmet feel paired with sleek, modern aesthetics.
Now, if your venue is kinda off the beaten path or, like, unconventional—thinking a private estate or a barn or somethin’—your caterer might need to haul in their gear, and that could cost extra. Some packages might throw in giants tents, generators, and mobile kitchens for these kinda spots, though.
Are Rentals Like Tables, Chairs, and Linens Included?
Well, in a lotta cases, yeah, they are, but not always. While food and staff are pretty standard in destination wedding catering packages, rentals like tables, chairs, linens, and silverware might be considered extras.
Here and there, you’ll find full-service caterers, especially in ritzy places like Palm Beach or Delray Beach, that will toss in basic rentals to, like, make life simpler for ya.
But if you’re dealin’ with a caterer who’s more budget-conscious, or maybe a smaller biz in towns like Ocala or Gainesville, they might steer you to third-party rental services.
It’s smart to ask early on so you’re not left hangin’ and wonderin’ what you still need to book separately.
And, I mean, you gotta ask if the rental style (like rustic, modern, or fancy) matches your theme, or if you’re gonna have to, ya know, upgrade to make it look the way you want.
What Types of Food Are Typically Offered?
Food choices tend to switch up a lot depending on your caterer and where your wedding’s at. Most packages serve up a combo of these dishes:
– Little starter bites (or hors d’oeuvres, if you wanna get all fancy)
– Main dishes (could be buffet style or like plated)
– Sides
– Bread and butter (gotta have the carbs)
– Desserts (and it’s sometimes optional if you wanna bring your own cake too)
If you head over to Clearwater, lots of couples are into menus filled with seafood—think shrimp, crab cakes, and all sorts of grilled fish. But if you’re in Tallahassee, you’ll probably encounter more Southern-style meals like roasted chicken, cornbread, and, uh, green beans.
Then, some caterers throw in ethnic or themed grub—Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Latin dishes are kinda hot in places like Miami and Fort Myers. Plus, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly menus are increasingly on the menu these days.
Are Beverage Services Included?
Beverage stuff is, like, often a separate item in catering deals. Some caterers might throw in non-alcoholic drinks like water, tea, and lemonade with their standard pricing, but booze gets tricky thanks to those pesky licensing laws in Florida.
In cities like Tampa and Orlando, the full-service caterers could have licensed bartenders and a choice between a hosted bar, cash bar, or BYOB setup. Make sure you scope out whether your wedding location has any no-alcohol rules too.
Definitely ask if they include glassware or if it’s more of a disposable cup kinda deal. Some Sarasota caterers have eco-friendly options with, like, biodegradable stuff, which might go really well with a beach or nature-themed wedding.
Is Cake Cutting Part of the Package?
Surprissingly, cake cutting ain’t always bundled in. Some high-falutin’ wedding catering packages, especially at posh venues like those in West Palm Beach, might charge ya per slice.
Others might just cut it for free and give ya plates, forks, and napkinss to boot.
If you’re planning to haul in a cake from a different vendor, check whether your caterer will still, like, take care of slicing and serving it. It’s pretty important to, ya know, coordinate between the cake peeps and the catering folks so your event doesn’t hit a snag.
What About Kids and Vendor Meals?
So, for the little kiddos, most catering places cut you some slack and offer cheaper meal options for, like, kids under a certain age—usually somewhere around 10 or 12. These are simpler—think chicken tenders and mac ‘n’ cheese, not the adult gourmet plates.
Vendor meals, which are meals you, like, give to photographers, DJs, planners, and whoever’s working your wedding, also come at a reduced cost. Just make sure to budget for these, especially if you’re in spots like Jacksonville or Cape Coral, where vendors prolly expect to be fed as part of the whole hospitality shebang.
Are Tastings Included Before Booking?
Tastings are, like, a fantastic way to sample the goods and really know you’re choosing the right flavors.
Most destination wedding catering folks in places like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando will offer tastings if you’re almost ready to book or have already signed a deal with them.
There might be a fee for the tasting, but sometimes you get that back if you actually book with them.
Other times, it’s just, like, included in the package anyway. It’s best to do tastings 4-6 months before the big day, giving you time to tweak the menu if needed.
Are Setup and Cleanup Services Guaranteed?
So, yeah, full-service caterers almost always cover setup and cleanup, but those limited-service guys might not. Setup typically involves getting tables, linens, serving stations, and decor all set up.
Cleanup can range from, you know, collecting dishes to, like, tearing everything down and trash disposal.
At wedding spots like Amelia Island or Key Largo, where outdoor weddings are popular or you’re using private residences, setup and cleanup become even more crucial. Always double-check what’s covered and if you’ll need extra staff based on your guest count and the site layout.
What Hidden Fees Should You Watch Out For?
Some caterers slap on service charges that are around 15–20% of the whole bill. Watch out because others might toss in extra charges for travel, especially if you’ve picked some remote Florida getaway like Marco Island or Sanibel. There could also be overtime fees if you’re partying late into the night.
Don’t forget to inquire about gratuity. Sometimes caterers include it with the service charge, while others expect you to tip separately.
Always ask for an itemized invoice so you see exactly what you’re paying for, avoiding any surprise charges later.
Conclusion:
Every wedding’s gonna be its own thing, you know, and your catering package should match your specific style, budget, and location vibes. Whether you’re doing your thing on the sandy shores of Destin, under the palm trees of Coconut Grove, or in a rustic barn near Brooksville, picking the right wedding destination catering service means knowing what you’ll get—and what’s not included.
From the food and staffers to things like rentals and special services, knowing the deets helps you plan with confidence and make sure your guests go home full, happy, and super impressed.
If you are in need of professional Catering Services, feel free to reach out to our experienced team at VNV Events — we’re here to help make your event exceptional.
