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I Do’s

Did You Just Get Engaged?

Did you know Christmas and Valentines are the number one days to get engaged. Wedding vendors are ready and excited to take your calls and emails. Bridal Shows begin in January and run about 4 times a year so expect savings and discounts at these shows. 

We offer free consultations with either daytime, evening, or virtual appointments. We are booking those at least a week out so call now and set up a time to come in and share your ideas and dreams with us. We want to help you make this the best day of your life. 

Wedding Receptions Catering FAQ

Running Wild Catering would like to CONGRATULATE you on your engagement. Now the planning begins. When planning a meeting with the caterer there are a few things you should have in mind on your first visit. Below is a list of questions we will be asking to help you decide how to fulfill your desires.

  • When should you contact a caterer?

    Of course, there are busier times of the year than others.  If you have chosen a June, October, or December date you need to confirm the date as early as possible.  We suggest 6 months out.  Other months are easier to book at about 3 months out.  Remember good caterers book up fast so if you desire to use us, at least reserve the date with a minimal deposit then the details can be worked out later.

  • How many guests will you be expecting?

    This helps us to decide how much food will be necessary to serve your guests.  Another factor in determining how much food to order is the nature of your family and guests.  Quite simply put are they big eaters?  We certainly don’t want to run out of food.  You may also require an RSVP which may or may not give you a full count.  Allow plenty of time for those to be returned so that you may let us know what to prepare for.

  • What facility will you be using?

    The facility plays a role in determining how much equipment we need to bring.  Is there an ice machine, running water, work tables, or refrigeration?  This could also determine what kinds of food you serve. What amenities does the facility have that you are allowed to use? Linens, dishes, tables, chairs, etc.

  • What time have you chosen for the ceremony and/or reception?

    Time plays a big factor in how much food to serve.  Daytime receptions can consist of lighter foods.  Early evening and later should be a bit more substantial. Especially when serving alcohol.

  • What beverages will you be serving?

    If you are serving alcohol, will you require the services of a bartender or a licensed professional?  If so, we can handle that for you as well. You will also need to consider the foods that are served.  Guests consume more food while drinking alcohol.  You will also want to serve non-alcoholic drinks such as tea, water, lemonade or coffee.

  • Why we need to know what time the reception will be over?

    It is very important that we follow City/County Health standards for serving food.  Anywhere between 3 and 4 hours we must start pulling the food and storing it properly whether the reception is over or not.  The last thing we want to do is make anyone ill.

  • What about service staff and who will be serving the cake?

    We will always recommend service staff to take care of your guests needs throughout the event.  Many times the bride doesn’t want to impose on their guests or family to serve cake.  That is why we will gladly serve your cake at no charge.  Are you using your own cutting knives and cake server?  Have those at the cake table before we arrive.

  • Would you like us to handle the linens for you?

    There is no standard here.  Most facilities don’t have linens so we have to rent them for you.  We have lots of options here so feel free to get a quote from us, they are free.  Have in mind all the tables that will need to be covered including cake tables, picture tables, gift tables, guest book tables, food and beverage tables, and the guest tables.

  • Can you get samples of our foods?

    We would be very happy for you to taste our delicious foods and tour our kitchen.  The one thing that we ask is, can we give you samples of our foods when we are preparing them for someone else? We can let you know when this is and save you portions to pick up.  Exceptions would be samplings of whole meat products like Prime Rib, Pork Loin and Steaks.  We just can’t prepare a whole roast for one or two samples.  We insist on cooking these items fresh each time.

    Sampling of our foods are handled two ways…..one you can come pick up an order to take home for lunch or dinner…or two we can set up a meeting for you to come to our facility to do a formal tasting.  We offer pick up Monday thru Saturday 9:00 to 5:00.  Formal tastings are by appointment Monday thru Friday.

  • What services can you provide?

    We want your reception to be easy to plan. We can handle most every service during the event or provide recommended vendors in our area.  We can provide….

    All rental services. i.e China, Linens, Glassware, Silverware, Tents, etc.
    We have a Professional Bar Service called Spirits A Go Go which is fully licensed and insured.
    We do Cake Cutting at no fee.

    If you can’t find a service you are looking for please ask, we are very connected to the bridal community.

     

  • When is the deposit and final payment due?

    The deposit is due at time of signing of the contract.  This is the only way to secure your date for the event.  Final details of the event are due 2 weeks prior to the event. Final payment is due 1 week prior to event.  We are very flexible about the details.  The menu and head count can be changed as much as you want as long as it is finalized no later than 14 days prior to actual event.  At this point your guest count can go up but not down.

  • What time do we need to arrive for set up?

    First there is no set answer for this.  If we are helping with the linens we may arrive early that day to put them on then come back later with the food.  We may come set up our equipment earlier in the day for larger weddings. As for the food, we like to get there about one hour before the ceremony and get it in place.  We don’t want to comprise the integrity of the foods at anytime.  Quality is our main goal.

  • Why should I make an appointment and come in?

    There are so many factors that need to be considered when planning your reception.  It just takes less time to sit down and discuss your desires with us and let us give you ideas and customize a menu to suit all your needs.  You can look at pictures of our previous events and get ideas.  You can see our style and make sure that we compliment each other. It also instills trust to meet in person and see our operation.  Please note we can do all of this virtually if so desired.

  • What about CDC Guidelines and Covid19 safety?

    Being an established food service company for over 24 years we are well trained and versed in the safety and sanitation of owning a commercial kitchen. Prior to the pandemic we were already cleaning and sanitizing our facility to the utmost using our local city and county health department guidelines.  We keep abreast of any changes they recommend however none of those have changed during this time.  We just ramped up our procedures.  Only changes made were at the actual event.  Our staff is fully masked and gloved.  They are keeping all areas cleaned and sanitized.  The guests are not allowed to touch serving utensils or equipment on the serving lines or stations.  Should any of these rules change we are happy to adhere to them.  This is also a discussion we can have relative to your specific reception.

We hope this information will help you in planning your wedding reception with us. Please feel free to ask all the questions you want. We want you to come away with sincere trust, confidence, and desire to use our services. Check our Policies page for full payment terms.