February 21, 2019
Here’s what you need to know about full-service vs. drop-off catering.
Full-Service Catering vs. Drop Off Catering: What’s the Difference?
Catering is one of the most important choices you’ll make on your wedding day. It’s important to know your options. Here’s what you need to know about full-service vs. drop-off catering so you can decide what’s right for you.
Catering is a huge part of your wedding budget and should be one of the most important choices you will make for your big day.
After all, if the food is delicious, your guests will go home happy and full
Drop Off Catering
What Is It?
Drop off is for the budget savvy couple who is looking to have yummy food, but doesn’t want to pay for the bells and whistles of fancy serving ware, wait staff, bartending and clean up staff.
Things to Consider
- Who will clear the plates/flatware/glassware/trash/napkins during dinner service and/or after?
- You don’t want to get charged by your venue for whatever’s left behind.
- Who will be in charge of cleaning and racking the items that you rented such as plates, glasses, flatware, napkins, etc.?
- Insider tip: Rental companies will charge if plates are left un-scraped of food, glasses are not emptied, napkins are not bagged and flatware is not altogether in the appropriate tub.
- Who will bartend for the duration of the event?
- Remember, you must have a licensed bartender on public property accompanied by your ABC license.
- Who will pack up the bar at the conclusion of the event?
- If you’re not paying the bartender to do this, make sure you a plan.
- Who will dispose of the trash at the end of the night?
- Most venues require the catering company to remove ALL trash from the property.
- Most venues require the catering company to remove ALL trash from the property.
Make sure you ask yourselves these questions when you’re making your decision between full-service and drop-off catering.
Again, if you rented from a rental company, these items are required to be broken down and ready for pick up upon their arrival. You could incur a hefty breakdown fee from the rental company if their staff has to take the time to break it all down. Keep in mind, however, the rental companies do offer this as a paid in advance service to their clients. ; )
The Lowdown
Drop-off service is a wonderful service for any couple, but just remember those very important “to-do’s” so you are not left holding the trash when you should be heading to your honeymoon.
Full-service Catering
Full-service catering means exactly that. You are most likely getting a
It’s all
About the Author: Angela Simpson is the Sales Manager at Party Perfect, a wedding and event rental serving all of Virginia. Visit their website at www.partyperfect.com. She is also the Lead Coordinator of XOXO Weddings and Events LLC, a wedding management and coordination service in Richmond and the surrounding area. To learn more, visit their website at www.xoxoweddingsandeventsllc.com.
Read More on the Party Perfect Blog
- Real Richmond Weddings: Sonia and Brian at Shirley Plantation
- Full-Service Catering vs. Drop Off Catering: What’s the Difference?
- It’s All About the Cocktails: Your Guide to Wedding Cocktail Table Decor
- Real Richmond Wedding: Allison and Bryan at The Omni Richmond Hotel
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