The term “caterer” is widely used, but it means everything from dropping off food to managing a buffet to a full service wedding caterer.  You need a full service wedding caterer.

If you are looking at a caterer not on the recommended list, first check if they are a full service wedding caterer.  That means from set up (usually about 2-3 hrs prior to your ceremony start time) until the end of the night (usually about 30 mins to an hr after the DJ plays the last song) 

Here are a few questions, with comments in italics, to help net out if they will properly serve you and your guests. If you've selected a caterer off of our recommended list, there's no reason to have to run through this list with them. This primarily mean for caterers who are newer to The BRIX or are at our venue less frequently

  • How many people will you bring? 

Generally, a minimum of 6 to start for a buffet of 150 to approximately one per every two tables for plated.  150+ people can be demanding, so six to start is on the low end.

  • What do you include? 

Best answer, whatever you need.  If they are charging per activity, then this is likely the wrong company.  You want a team to serve for whatever you need

  • When do you leave? 

Best answer, when or after you do. Full service caterers will stay until the party is over and cleaned up.  If they leave before the end of the night, who will clean up spills on the dance floor, remove drinks, take out trash, etc?  For this reason, we require the caterer have at least two people stay until your guests leave.

  • How will you prepare for our day? 

They should want to come out and check out the venue before your day if they have not been to The BRIX.  If they “know it” and “they are all the same”, then beware.  Typically these are caterers that drop food on only serve the buffet vs. full service.)

  •   For a checklist to confirm, so you will.
    • move the ceremony chairs
    • set up the room and move tables after ceremony
    • make sure tables are properly set
    • serve the food
    • bus tables 
    • break down buffet tables
    • wipe and mop up spills plus broken glass and dishes
    • cut the cake
    • serve and cleanup dessert
    • take out trash
    • bus bar/hightops/dining area throughout the night
    • clean the kitchen completely (clean sinks, mop floor, wipe down tables, remove all trash)
    • wipe down dining and buffet tables
    • keep your staff until after the end of our celebration to finish cleanup, i.e. be the last to leave. Here's the end of night checklist. 

(Redundancy never hurts!  Full service caterers know to do this without being told or asked what to do.)

Selecting a full service caterer is critical to making your day the best ever!