Top 20 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer and Bar Service

Wedding Catering Questions:

1. What is your per-person pricing, and what does it include?
   Does the cost cover appetizers, entrees, dessert, staff fees, and all wedding catering essentials? Are there extra charges for linen, utensils, and other items?

2. Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for the wedding guests?
   Are you able to create vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or other allergy-sensitive options for a variety of wedding guests?

3. Do you offer a wedding catering tasting session before the event?
   How many people can attend the tasting? Is there an additional fee for this wedding food tasting experience?

4. What is your food preparation and delivery process for weddings?
   How do you ensure the wedding food stays fresh and hot, and how early will your catering team arrive to set up for the big day?

5. Can you help with menu customization?
   Do you offer a set menu, or can we tailor the food offerings to fit my wedding theme, preferences, and specific needs for the reception?

6. What are the service fees for your wedding catering services?
   Are there additional costs for waitstaff, cleanup, or equipment rental specific to our wedding event?

7. What types of meal service do you offer for weddings (buffet, plated, family style, etc.)?
   What’s the most popular option, and what do you recommend based on the style of our wedding reception?

8. Do you provide all necessary tableware (plates, glassware, linens) for the wedding meal?
   If not, do you offer rentals, or should we source them from a third party for our wedding reception?

9. How much of the total catering cost is required as a deposit for our wedding?
   What is the payment schedule, and when is the final payment due before the wedding day?

For more information on catering services and recommended menus, check out our Full menu offerings here

10. Do you provide a wedding coordinator for the catering portion of the event?
    Will someone from your team oversee all catering details during the wedding celebration?

11. What happens if there is leftover food after the wedding reception?
    Can we take it home, or do you allow us to donate it to a local charity for wedding leftovers?

12. Are there any hidden or additional charges we should be aware of for wedding catering?
    Are there extra charges for delivery, late-night snacks, or special requests for the wedding meal?

13. How do you handle unforeseen issues (e.g., food allergies, last-minute changes) on the wedding day?
    Do you have contingency plans in place for any emergency situations related to food on the wedding day?

14. Do you offer bar services in addition to catering, or do we need to hire a separate wedding bar vendor?
    If you offer bar services, what types of drinks are included, and are they part of the catering package?

For answers to more Frequently Asked Questions, check out our website here

Wedding Bar Questions:

1. Do you provide an open bar, cash bar, or both for the wedding reception?
   What’s the pricing for each, and do you offer wedding drink packages that fit our budget and needs?

2. What is the pricing for signature wedding cocktails?
   Can we create our own signature drinks for the wedding, and what would the cost be for customizing them?

3. What types of alcohol do you provide for wedding bar services?
   Do you offer top-shelf liquor, or are the options limited to standard brands? Can we request specific premium wedding brands?

4. Do you charge a corkage fee if we want to bring our own alcohol for the wedding?
   If yes, what is the corkage fee for our wedding bar?

5. Are bartenders included in the wedding bar service price, and how many bartenders will be provided?
   How many bartenders will be assigned based on the number of wedding guests?

6. What types of non-alcoholic drinks do you serve for the wedding?
   Do you offer soda, juice, mocktails, or water stations for our guests at the wedding reception?

7. What is the cost per drink if we choose a cash bar for the wedding reception?
   Can guests purchase drinks individually, or do you require a minimum purchase for a wedding cash bar?

8. Do you provide glassware for the wedding bar, or do we need to rent them separately?
   Are the glassware types (wine glasses, champagne flutes, etc.) included in the bar services for the wedding reception?

9. How do you handle drink consumption limits or guest intoxication at the wedding?
   Do you have policies in place to manage alcohol consumption and guest safety during the wedding celebration?

10. Do you require an event license for alcohol service at the wedding?
    Are there any restrictions based on local laws that affect alcohol service for the wedding event?

11. Do you have insurance for serving alcohol at the wedding?
    Can you provide proof of insurance for the wedding reception and bar services?

12. Will you provide a final guest drink count to us post-event?
    How will we know how many drinks were served, and how do we account for any leftover alcohol after the wedding celebration?

13. What happens if there’s an issue with alcohol delivery or if we run out of drinks during the wedding?
    Do you have backup plans in place for alcohol shortages at the wedding reception?

14. Are gratuities for bartenders included in the wedding bar service fee, or should we provide them separately?
    If separate, what is the standard tipping amount for bartenders at the wedding event?

For more information on wedding bar services, click here

By asking these essential questions, you’ll ensure that you’re hiring a wedding catering and bar provider who perfectly aligns with your expectations, budget, and the vision for your dream wedding celebration.

For more information on Michaelis Events and all of the services we offer, check out our website at www.MyMeStory.com