Question 1

What services can be built into a San Mateo wedding catering package?

Accepted Answer

Wedding catering can include menu planning, rental coordination, 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 complete tablescape styling.

Question 2

Can we taste selected dishes before finalizing the reception 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 San Mateo 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 set of options.

Question 3

What wedding catering price range should we expect per guest?

Accepted Answer

Wedding packages generally range from about $55 to $120 per guest, depending on the menu, service format, and staffing level. A buffet is usually more economical than an elaborate plated dinner. Premium entrées, rentals, florals, appetizers, cakes, beverages, bartenders, and challenging venue logistics can increase the final per-person investment.

Question 4

How do you plan for dietary meals and food allergies at weddings?

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 clear meal-identification system. Provide specific allergens and the number of affected guests early because food may be prepared in facilities that also handle common allergens.

Question 5

Will you coordinate meal service with our planner and Peninsula venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The catering team can coordinate with your planner, venue manager, and rental vendors regarding access windows, floor plans, staging areas, serving time, and breakdown requirements. San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Foster City, and Belmont venues may have parking, elevator, security, or loading restrictions that need to be included in the final service plan.

Question 6

When should we secure our wedding caterer?

Accepted Answer

Booking at least four to six weeks before the wedding is recommended, although popular dates are often reserved months earlier. A wedding may occasionally be accepted with as little as 10 days of notice, but availability is not guaranteed. Weekends and the months of June, November, and December typically book first.

Question 7

What deposit and payment schedule applies to a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Orders totaling more than $3,000 require a 50% deposit. The signed agreement and required deposit reserve the date according to the proposal terms. The remaining balance is due 10 days before the wedding.

Question 8

Can your team provide bartenders for our reception?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bartenders and expert bartenders are available. San Mateo Catering Company does not sell alcohol, so the couple or venue must provide it. The proposal will clarify mixers, ice, glassware, refrigeration, and other bar supplies.

San Mateo County 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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