Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding venues, there are a variety of options available that cater to different preferences and requirements. Some venues provide all-inclusive packages, offering various amenities such as food, drinks, cake, entertainment, and decorations, while others may only provide the space and basic facilities. It is essential to carefully consider your needs, budget, and guest count when selecting a venue. Some venues allow couples to bring their own food or vendors, providing flexibility, while others have in-house catering services with exceptional food experiences, Michelin-starred chefs, and sustainable, seasonal menus. Food tastings are often available to sample the venue's offerings and customize the menu to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities, with all-inclusive venues offering convenience and stress-relief, and bring-your-own-food venues providing greater customization and control over the menu.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food quality | Food quality can vary, with some venues serving bad food and others serving exceptional, inventive dishes. |
| Food type | The type of food served depends on the venue, with some offering traditional options like chicken, steak, or salmon, and others offering more eclectic options like sushi or seasonal, farm-to-table fare. |
| All-inclusive | Some venues offer all-inclusive packages that include food, drinks, cake, DJ, decorations, etc. These can be more expensive but may offer better value and less stress for the couple. |
| Customization | Some venues offer fully customizable menus, while others have set menus with little flexibility. |
| Vendor meals | It is customary to provide meals for wedding vendors. The quality of vendor meals can vary, so it's important to choose a venue or caterer that offers appropriate selections. |
| Tastings | Many venues offer food tastings for couples to sample various food options and make informed decisions about their wedding menu. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding venues that allow outside food
When it comes to wedding venues, some allow outside food, some provide their own catering services, and others restrict outside food. The policies and restrictions vary depending on the venue and its location. Here are some things to keep in mind and some venue options that allow outside food:
Finding Venues that Allow Outside Food
Finding wedding venues that allow outside food can be challenging, and you may need to contact each venue individually to inquire about their policies. Some suggestions to find these venues include:
- Searching for "function hall rental," "event space rental," or "event rental." These searches will yield atypical wedding spaces like VFWs and athletic clubs, which may be more flexible with outside catering.
- Looking for venues that do not traditionally have their own caterers. Hotels, for example, often restrict outside catering because they generate revenue from providing food and beverages.
- Asking a wedding coordinator for suggestions on venues that allow or require outside catering.
- Finding a caterer you like and seeing if they have relationships with specific venues.
- Horning's Hideout: An outdoor venue in North Plains, Oregon, about 45 minutes from downtown Portland.
- The Eliot Center: A fellowship hall in downtown Portland with a conference center and an adjoining historic chapel for wedding ceremonies. They allow self-catering, outside caterers, and alcohol service according to their policies.
- Multnomah Arts Center: A community center venue in Portland with a large auditorium and stage for indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- The Glenn and Viola Walters Arts and Cultural Center: A venue in Portland with a large auditorium, classrooms, a lobby, and an art gallery. It has a kitchen facility convenient for self-catering or bringing your own caterer.
- Olio: A modern/industrial event space in downtown Peabody, Massachusetts, that allows clients to choose their own caterers.
- Venues in Colorado: A list of Colorado venues that allow couples to bring their own caterers and/or alcohol can be found on the Dgass Photography website.
- Venues in Georgia: Several venues in Georgia and Atlanta allow outside caterers, and a list can be found on the Atlanta Bridal website.
- Lewallen Farms: A working farm in Waleska, Georgia, that caters to both casual and black-tie weddings. They allow DIY brides to take control or provide staff and vendors for a stress-free day.
- Juliette Chapel & Events: A small, intimate venue in Decatur, Georgia, with a separate reception building and a kitchen.
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All-inclusive venues
All-inclusive wedding venues can be a great option for couples looking for a simple and stress-free planning experience. These venues typically offer a comprehensive package that includes the rental space, food, drinks, cake, and other services such as a DJ or decorations. While this option may be more expensive per person, it eliminates the need to source and coordinate multiple vendors, which can save time and effort.
One important consideration when choosing an all-inclusive venue is the lack of flexibility, especially regarding the menu. Couples usually have to use the in-house caterer and select from a predetermined list of menu options. While some venues may allow customisations or substitutions for dietary restrictions, others may not, which can be a significant drawback for couples with specific culinary preferences or requirements.
It is worth noting that all-inclusive venues rarely provide food tastings before booking. Tastings are typically reserved for couples who have already signed a contract and paid a deposit. This can be a significant disadvantage, as it doesn't allow couples to sample the food before committing, and changing venues after a disappointing tasting can result in losing money. However, some all-inclusive venues do offer workarounds, such as participating in expos or charging a fee for early tastings.
When considering an all-inclusive venue, it is essential to evaluate the situation holistically. Couples should consider whether the convenience of an all-inclusive package outweighs the potential risk of mediocre food. It may be a better option for those who prioritise simplicity and ease of planning over having extensive customisation options.
Additionally, couples should not forget to include their wedding vendors when planning meals. Feeding your vendors is a must, and it is worth accommodating any dietary restrictions they may have. Discussing meal options and preferences with your vendors can help ensure they feel appreciated and energised throughout your special day.
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Tasting the food before booking
Firstly, it is worth asking the venue directly if they can accommodate a tasting session before booking. Some venues will hold open houses for prospective clients, or you may be able to purchase a ticket for a tasting event. Some venues may even allow you to pay for a tasting and, if you decide to book, deduct the cost from your deposit. If the venue uses an external caterer, you could try the food by dining at their restaurant.
If you are unable to taste the food before booking, it is worth reading online reviews to see what others thought of the food. You could also ask the venue for references that you can contact. If you decide to book without tasting the food, ensure you are comfortable with the level of risk and happy with all the other aspects of the venue.
If you are able to secure a tasting before booking, it is customary to tip the waiting staff, just as you would when dining out. It is also a good idea to meet the chef and thank them for their efforts. It is recommended to bring a small group of honest and helpful people to the tasting, ideally including your wedding planner, who can give feedback on both the quality of the food and the service.
Remember, the food served at your wedding will play an important role in the overall experience of your guests, so it is worth taking the time to ensure the catering is up to scratch.
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Providing meals for vendors
Providing meals for your wedding vendors is an important part of any wedding catering order and should be included in your wedding budget breakdown. Wedding vendors who are on-site for the majority of the wedding day should be fed and shouldn't have to provide their own food.
Vendors such as your makeup artist, florist, and baker are usually gone from the venue by the time you start your ceremony and cocktail hour, so you are not expected to provide a meal for them. However, if they are present for most or all of the day, they should be included in your meal count. This includes your photographer, videographer, wedding planner, venue manager, photo booth attendant, and DJ or band. Some of your vendors will have an assistant with them, whom you should also feed.
When deciding what food to provide for your vendors, it is not critical that they are fed the same meal as your guests. What matters is that they are given something substantial that will keep them fuelled and focused. This usually means a hot meal, and some vendors will indicate this in their contract. It is always worth double-checking with each vendor about their meal preferences and any dietary restrictions.
When deciding where your vendors should eat, consider that some professionals feel awkward eating where guests can see them. Providing a separate space for them to relax and eat can allow vendors to truly unwind. However, some may feel disconnected from the party when there is too much distance. Discuss your options with your venue and planner to determine the best case scenario for your wedding.
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Venues with in-house caterers
When it comes to wedding venues, some provide in-house catering services, while others allow you to bring your own caterer (BYO). In-house caterers offer convenience and familiarity with the venue, but they often have food and beverage minimums that must be met, and the quality of their food may not be their primary focus. On the other hand, BYO catering provides greater flexibility, customisation, and potentially better food quality, but it requires additional coordination and research. Ultimately, the decision between in-house and BYO catering depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
The Benefits of Venues with In-House Caterers:
In-house caterers at wedding venues offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide convenience and ease of coordination. In-house catering teams are familiar with the venue, its facilities, equipment, and staff, eliminating the need for additional venue walk-throughs and coordination. This can streamline the wedding planning process and reduce potential logistical challenges.
In-house caterers may also have packages or all-inclusive deals that include not only food but also drinks, cake, decorations, entertainment, and other services. While this can result in a higher overall cost, it simplifies the planning process by consolidating various elements under one vendor.
Additionally, in-house caterers often have set menus or a range of customisable options that showcase local ingredients and seasonal produce, ensuring fresh and flavourful dishes for your special day.
- The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney: Features a Parisian-styled atrium, garden, or patio with creeping vines and bountiful greenery. Offers a sustainable, farm-to-table dining experience.
- Healdsburg Shed, Napa Valley: A sustainable restaurant with an open, airy space and handmade tables. Led by a Michelin-starred chef, the menu is inspired by the ingredients sourced from their gardens.
- RT Lodge, Smoky Mountains: Serves made-from-scratch dishes with seasonal ingredients, including bread, pickles, charcuterie, and dry-cured meats.
- Keeneland, Lexington: Executive Chef Marc Therrien crafts customised menus featuring seasonal and locally sourced produce, meats, and grains, embodying southern hospitality.
- House Estate, Houston: Provides creative catering dedicated to the art of food, offering exceptional dishes and cakes.
Potential Drawbacks of In-House Caterers:
One potential drawback of in-house caterers is the limited flexibility in terms of menu options and pricing. Many in-house caterers have food and beverage minimums that must be met, regardless of the final guest count. This can result in higher costs, especially if your RSVP count is lower than expected.
Additionally, in-house catering at hotels and country clubs has a reputation for being mediocre, as these venues are primarily known for their hospitality and other services rather than their culinary offerings.
In summary, while venues with in-house caterers offer convenience and ease of coordination, they may have higher costs due to minimum spending requirements and potentially limited menu customisation. The quality of the food may also be a factor to consider, with some in-house caterers receiving mixed reviews.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the venue. Some venues require you to use their in-house caterers, while others allow you to bring your own food or hire an external caterer.
Some venues offer food tastings before you book, while others only offer them after you've signed a contract. Tastings are usually private or group events where you can sample various menu options.
If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences, it's important to communicate these to the venue or caterer. Private tastings may be a good option to ensure your needs are met.
Feeding your wedding vendors is considered a must. Some vendor contracts include a meal requirement, and it's important to accommodate any dietary restrictions they may have.
The type of food served at your wedding is a personal choice and can vary depending on your preferences, cultural traditions, and budget. It's essential to consider the quality of the food and whether it aligns with your priorities.
