Things to Do and Know before initial consultation with Wedding Caterer:
Attend a wedding show or expo in thearea where you can get an opportunity to sample food from various caterers.
Make a list of possible choices and call or email first. Ask initial questions, such as date availability and if they offer menus and culinary styles you desire. Then narrow down your list to about three potential choices, and go for tastings.
If you have already decided to work with other vendors, such as a florist, wedding planner, etc., see who they recommend. Check with friends and colleagues for their feedback.
What to Bring to your meeting:
• Venue location and type of venue
• Number of guests on your invite list
• The day’s timeline
• Your need for special meals, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s meals
• A preference for a cultural menu, such as Italian, Thai, or another specific ethnicity
Questions to Ask:
What are the meal-style options?
Do you offer a sit-down menu, family-style meal, buffet, food stations, or perhaps an informal cook-out, such as a down-home, country-style pig roast?
Do you specialize in certain types of food or service?
Are you prepared to use locally grown and farmed foods if I wish?
What is your average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods I choose, or are there all-inclusive flat rates?
What are your cocktail-hour options?
Are you able to supply the liquor? If so, can I have a choice of an open bar, limited bar with only wine and beer, or perhaps a signature drink?
Can I make a sampling appointment to taste foods that are offered?
How involved is the caterer in a typical reception? Do you work like a wedding planner or banquet manager?
What staff, if any, is included, such as wait staff, certified bartender, or host/hostess?
Do you provide or arrange for rentals, like tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? (If so, ask to see these items to make sure they’re appropriate.)
Can I order the wedding cake, desserts, and late night snacks through the caterer?
What is your local range for delivery? Are there certain venue locations that are out of the your range of travel, and how much extra will this cost be if this is the case?
How close to reception time will food be delivered?
Do you have any photos of weddings you’ve serviced, such as food stations, buffets, or plated meals?
Who will be my main contact? Will the person I work with during the planning stage also be overseeing meal service on the day of the wedding?
When is the final head count required?
Hudson Valley Wedding Caterers:
Black-Eyed Suzie’s
917-692-1274, Hudson Valley
blackeyedsuziesupstate.com
Black-Eyed Suzie’s is a unique catering company and traveling food stand. They specialize in casually elegant menus that celebrate the seasons and honor our region using fresh, local produce and natural meats & poultry from our neighboring farms. Looking forward to meeting and consulting with you to create a superb specialized menu for your occasion.
Blue Mountain Bistro
845-340-9800, Kingston
bluemountainbistro.com
Committed to providing the highest quality food catering service both on the day of your wedding and during the time leading up to your event. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering to cater your wedding in the Hudson Valley, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family, and you will feel totally carefree to relax and enjoy yourselves, knowing that all the details of the day are being handled by their creative, experienced staff.
Bridge Creek Catering
845-255-9234, New Paltz
bridgecreekcatering.com
Bridge Creek Catering is a full-service caterer specializing in unique and personalized weddings and events serving the Hudson Valley and beyond. We provide memorable, handcrafted, seasonal cuisine and an appreciation of your individual event. Our culinary expertise, along with friendly personalized service and experience in executing seamless events allow us to translate your vision into a reality. From the initial planning stages to the big day, we’re here to help!
Brooklyn Oyster Party
646-250-3432, Hudson Valley
brooklynoysterparty.com
A boutique catering company
specializing in oysters sourced from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. They work directly with growers, ensuring the freshest product available. Their trained staff is very knowledgeable and able to coach guests through the different flavor profiles of each oyster on your raw bar. Their setup is completely self-sufficient, so setup and breakdown is yet another thing that you can cross off your worry list. Catering NYC and beyond, their oysters are the perfect addition to your wedding.
Cafe Mio
845-255-4949, Gardiner
miogardiner.com
Farm-to-table wedding and event catering offers the freshest local fare of the Hudson Valley, something that is at the core of their food philosophy. They strive to provide an experience that allows the culinary wealth of the region to shine in every dish. Let Café Mio’s catering make your wedding an event everyone will remember.
Friends and Family II Hillside
845-626-7777, Accord
friendsandfamily2.com
Let Friends & Family II Hillside cater your wedding or private party. Serving fine continental cuisine since September 2004, they have earned a reputation for delicious hand-crafted dishes prepared with only the freshest local ingredients. Serving seasonal, high-quality food by the acclaimed Chef Salah.
Gendron Catering
845-876-4480, Rhinebeck
gendroncatering.com
We are a full-service caterer, from staffing to coordinating all of the rentals you will need for your event. Count on our 15 years of catering experience to make your event run seamlessly. From a stylish bistro evening to a swinging soiree or country barbecue, Gendron Catering can take care of your every need.
Harvest Real Food Catering
845-687-4492, Stone Ridge
harvestrealfoodcatering.com
Harvest Real Food Catering is passionate about food and committed to providing impeccable food and service from concept to table, creating menus that celebrate the seasonal bounty of the Hudson Valley! Their experienced team of wedding professionals are here to help bring your Hudson Valley Dream Wedding to life! Chef Mark will personally meet with you to design a menu that matches your unique style and vision for your special day. His farm-to-table culinary vision will ensure that your menu will be a highlight of your event and the talk of your family and friends for years to come!
Hickory Barbecue
845-338-2424, Kingston
hickoryrestaurant.com
As a full service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding. Included is a selection of our most popular mouth watering items. From the simple backyard barbecue to the special wedding, Hickory can help you with all the details. Many of our
dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan–just ask. Linen and equipment rental are available. Likewise floral, cake, bar, and other services can be provided by Hickory.
Main Course Catering
845-255-2650, New Paltz
maincoursecatering.com
Main Course is a full-service caterer who can coordinate all wedding
aspects from customized menus, overall décor, linens, and coordination of tent and party rentals. A creative passion for food is the philosophy of Main Course Caterers. Under the innovative leadership of chef/owner, Bruce Kazan, his team of talented professionals create the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats. With the bounty of the Hudson Valley as his inspiration, Chef Kazan creates unique menus, reflecting innovation and creativity.
The Village TeaRoom
845-255-3434, New Paltz
thevillagetearoom.com
The Village TeaRoom Restaurant & Bake Shop brings its unique farm-to- table philosophy to your wedding. Beautiful locally sourced ingredients, attention to detail, and a passion for food are the hallmarks of their events. From small gatherings to weddings of up to 500 guests, their staff is dedicated to making your day special. Their stunning wedding cakes have been featured in Style Me Pretty and are as delicious as they are beautiful. info@thevillagetearoom.com
