Question 1

Which dinner style works best for a Santa Cruz wedding?

Accepted Answer

The right format depends on the venue, timeline, budget, and atmosphere you want. A staffed buffet offers flexibility, family-style service creates a communal seated meal, and plated service delivers the most structured experience. We can help compare the staffing, dinnerware, rentals, and room flow needed for each option.

Question 2

What can be included in a wedding catering proposal?

Accepted Answer

A wedding proposal may include menu planning, setup, professional service staff, buffet, plated, or family-style dinner service, and cleanup of the catering areas. Couples may also add passed appetizers, stations, coffee and tea, cakes, bartenders, tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, florals, and coordinated tablescapes.

Question 3

Can we schedule a tasting before choosing the final menu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mobile tastings are complimentary for confirmed wedding bookings and may also be purchased before signing a contract. If you later book with Santa Cruz Catering Company, the tasting charge can be removed from the final bill. Tastings are most useful after you have narrowed the menu to a focused selection.

Question 4

What is a typical per-person budget for wedding catering?

Accepted Answer

Wedding catering packages generally range from about $55 to $120 per guest, depending on the menu, service format, and staffing level. Buffets are usually more economical than detailed plated dinners. Premium entrees, appetizers, beverages, cakes, rentals, florals, bartenders, and difficult venue logistics can increase the final investment.

Question 5

How do you plan wedding meals for dietary restrictions and allergies?

Accepted Answer

We offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free selections and can label applicable buffet dishes. Plated receptions may require final dietary counts and a visible meal-identification method. Provide specific allergens and the number of affected guests early because food may be prepared in facilities that also handle common allergens.

Question 6

Will your team coordinate with our planner and venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can coordinate meal timing, loading access, staging space, floor plans, rental responsibilities, and breakdown requirements with your planner, venue manager, and relevant vendors. Coastal properties, redwood settings, private homes, and campus venues may have parking, weather, power, or access limitations that should be included in the service plan.

Question 7

When should we reserve the date, and what confirms the booking?

Accepted Answer

Booking at least four to six weeks ahead is recommended, although popular wedding dates may be reserved months earlier. Orders totaling more than $3,000 require a 50% deposit. The signed catering agreement and required deposit secure the date according to the proposal, and the remaining balance is due 10 days before the wedding.

Question 8

Can you provide bartenders for our reception?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bartenders and expert bartenders are available for hire. Santa Cruz Catering Company does not sell or furnish alcohol, so the couple or venue must purchase and provide it. The proposal should clarify responsibility for mixers, ice, glassware, refrigeration, and other bar supplies.

Santa Cruz wedding catering

Four ways to dine.

Casual Wedding Buffet Dinner

Full-Service Wedding Buffet Dinner

Plated / Family-Style Wedding Dinner

Exquisite Plated Wedding Dinner

Cakes, fully customizable.

Sheet Cake

Buttercream Cake

Fondant Cake

Everything you need on the day.

Frequently asked questions

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