Food is one of the things guests remember most about a wedding or big event, and one of the easiest places for small planning mistakes to turn into big problems on the day. After cooking for receptions, reunions, and corporate events around Baton Rouge, here is what we tell every client.
Do: book early
Popular dates fill up, especially spring and fall weekends in south Louisiana and any Saturday that does not conflict with a home game. Reach out as soon as you have a date and a rough headcount. You can fine-tune the menu later.
Don't: guess at the headcount
Your caterer plans food, staff, and equipment around the number of guests. Give an honest estimate early, then a final count by the deadline in your agreement. Remember to count your vendors, like the photographer and band, if you plan to feed them.
Do: ask about dietary needs up front
Include a line on your RSVP for allergies and dietary restrictions, and pass that list to your caterer. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options are much easier to plan in advance than to improvise on the day.
Don't: forget about the Louisiana heat
Outdoor events here are beautiful and hot. Ask your caterer how they keep food safe and fresh outside, plan for shade or a tent over the food, and make sure there is plenty of water and ice. For outdoor venues, confirm access to power and a flat space for the cooking setup if your caterer cooks on site.
Do: build a timeline with your caterer
When does cocktail hour start? When is dinner served? Are there toasts before or after the meal? A shared timeline keeps the food hot and the evening on schedule. Share it with your venue, planner, and DJ too.
Don't: skip the details in writing
Get the menu, guest count, service style, setup and cleanup, timing, deposit, and payment schedule in writing. Clear expectations protect you and your caterer, and they make the day itself stress-free.
Do: think about service style
A plated dinner, a buffet, food stations, or passed bites each create a different feel. Stations and live cooking keep guests moving and talking. Passed small bites work great for cocktail hours and more casual celebrations.
Don't: let the couple go hungry
It happens at more weddings than you would think: the couple is busy greeting guests and never eats. Ask your caterer to set aside plates for the two of you, and take ten minutes to actually enjoy the meal you planned.
Do: plan a late-night snack
After hours of dancing, a late-night round of something small and savory is always a hit. Sliders, boudin egg rolls, or mini tacos brought out late in the night will be the talk of the after-party.
Don't: assume everything is included
Ask about plates, utensils, linens, serving staff, cake cutting, and beverage service. Some venues have their own rules for alcohol service, so check with your venue about bartending requirements.
Planning a wedding or event in Baton Rouge?
We cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, reunions, and corporate events across Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, cooked on site by our chefs. Start with our per-person packages and add your special requests, or contact us to talk through your day.