A perfect wedding wouldn’t be complete without great food. No matter how beautiful the venue
or how stunning the decor, if your menu doesn’t shine, your guests may leave with only a
mediocre impression.
At Tuscany Landing we have 4 Preferred Catering Vendors that are highly regarded for both
excellent service and great tasting food, but we ALSO GIVE YOU THE OPTION to bring in
your own catering company. To help you select your catering company, we thought it would be
helpful to give you a bit of guidance when checking out your options.
Start with the Basic Questions
These simple questions can help you find the right wedding caterer to match your vision:
1.Do you have [insert event date] available?
2.What is your average per-plate cost?
3.How many guests can you serve?
4.What are your food tasting fees?
5.Do you offer food packages, or only a la carte options?
Tip: A la carte options can give you the flexibility to design a menu that surprises your
guests!
6.What are your package upgrade options?
Most caterers offer silver, gold, or platinum package levels, allowing you to pick an
option that aligns with your budget.
7.Do you offer discounted rates for children’s meals?
Many caterers provide reduced rates for children’s meals, so be sure to ask about this if
guests may bring little ones!
8.Is gratuity included in the price?
9.What is your refund and cancellation policy?
10.How long does it take your staff to set up and break down?
11.What are your overtime fees?
12.When do you need the final guest count?
13.Are you licensed to serve alcohol?
14.Do you offer buffet-style or sit-down service?
Be sure to ask about the price difference between these options.
15.Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
16.Can you cut our wedding cake?
17.What does your crew handle for post-event cleanup?
18.What do you do with leftover food?
Catering Styles to Consider
The catering style you choose can set the tone for your reception. Here are some popular options:
∙Plated Meal: A classic, formal option where guests are served at their tables. This style
requires detailed menu planning and typically has a predictable per-plate cost.
∙Buffet: This less formal, cost-effective option allows guests to select what they like from
a variety of dishes displayed on tables.
∙Family Style: Guests are seated, and servers bring dishes to the table for everyone to
share, creating a relaxed, homey atmosphere.
∙Food Stations: Perfect for a modern wedding! Stations offer a variety of food tables
around the venue, each with a unique selection, encouraging guests to mingle.
Schedule a Tasting
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of caterers, it’s time for the fun part—tasting! Tasting
sessions allow you to:
∙Sample the food to ensure it meets your expectations for quality, style, and presentation.
∙Compare flavors and presentation between different caterers.
∙Discuss how to incorporate your ideas into their existing menus before you finalize your
contract.
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