Wedding FAQs

Wedding Catering Frequently Asked Questions

Every great celebration starts with delicious food and a caterer who truly understands your vision. We've answered the questions we hear most to help you plan with confidence.

Wedding Catering in Rochester, NY

Your wedding day should taste as beautiful as it looks. 

At Chef's Catering, we understand that your wedding isn't just another event—it's a milestone moment surrounded by the people who matter most. That's why we don't treat wedding catering as a transaction. We work closely with you from the rehearsal dinner through the reception, creating a culinary experience that reflects your style, honors your guests, and lets you relax knowing we've handled every detail with care. 

Whether you're envisioning an intimate family dinner, a grand celebration, or something uniquely yours, we'll partner with you to bring it to life.

How much does wedding catering cost?

Wedding catering pricing depends on several factors unique to your celebration: guest count, service level, menu selections, and venue location. Our packages range from elegant buffet options to fully plated dinners with professional staff.

What Affects Your Price:

• Menu style (plated dinner, family-style, buffets, stations, hors d'oeuvres)
• Service level (full-service with staff, modified setup, or drop-off)
• Guest count and any dietary accommodations
• Beverage packages (bar service, limited bar, or BYOB)
• Any special requests or custom menu items

The transparency piece: We quote per event, not per person alone, because wedding receptions require different staffing and timing than a corporate lunch. When you call for a quote, we'll ask about your vision and provide exact pricing tailored to your celebration.

Ready for a number? Call 585-752-2149 or request a quote online, and tell us about your dream wedding. We'll provide personalized pricing within 24 hours.

What wedding menu packages do you offer?

We offer a range of wedding packages, from our chef-curated selections to completely custom menus designed just for you.

Our Package Options:

• Platinum Package — Multi-course elegance with premium proteins, seasonal vegetables, and gourmet sides
• Gold Package — Upscale plated or family-style dining with excellent protein and vegetable selections
• Silver Package — Classic elegance at a mid-range price point with quality proteins and beautiful presentation
• Bronze Package — Budget-conscious without compromising flavor; delicious, satisfying options for every guest
• Premium & Classic Packages — Curated selections with flexibility to swap proteins or sides.
• Station-Based Service — Interactive carving stations, slider bars, or specialty stations that add energy to your reception. 
• Custom Menu — Work directly with our Chef to create a menu that reflects your tastes, cultural traditions, or culinary dreams. Nothing is off the table.
• Hors d'Oeuvres & Cocktail Receptions — Beef, poultry, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options for a sophisticated cocktail hour.

Pro tip: Most couples use our curated packages as a starting point, then customize. Maybe you love the Platinum main but want the Gold side options. That works. Or you want a completely custom menu with your family recipes. We do that too.  Browse our sample wedding menus below or call 585-752-2149 to discuss what's possible.

 View Our Wedding Packages (PDF) 

Can I customize my wedding menu?

Absolutely. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all weddings, and we don't believe in one-size-fits-all catering.

Your Menu, Your Way:

• Want to honor your cultural heritage with traditional dishes? We'll create them.
• Have a family recipe you love? Bring it to your tasting and we'll recreate it.
• Dreaming of something you've never seen served at a wedding? Let's make it happen.
• Want to mix and match from different packages? Done.

The Process: After we provide your quote, we'll schedule a consultation to dive deep into your vision. Then we'll create a custom menu proposal. Once you've approved it, you'll have a tasting so you can try everything and make final adjustments with confidence.

Your wedding menu should feel like you—and we'll make sure it does.

Do you have experience catering at my venue?

Very likely—we’ve catered at dozens of wedding and event venues throughout Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York.

Wedding and Event Venues:

• Chef’s Event Center
• The Arbor Loft
• Arbor at the Port
• The Cracker Factor
• Studio 180
• The Penthouse at One East Avenue
• Historic German House 
• Village Gate
• Rochester Brainery

Barns, Farms and Vineyards:

• Pond’s Edge Venue
• Kin Loch Farmstead
• Kindred Ground
• Cobblestone House
• Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards

Historic Estates, Mansions and Museums:

• Manor House Estate
• Oaks Manor
• The Perkins Mansion
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
• Genesee Country Village & Museum

Parks, Lodges and Outdoor Venues

• White House Lodge at Webster Park
• Greece Canal Park
• The Webster Arboretum
• St. Joseph’s Park
• Highland Park
• Churchville Park
• Durand Eastman Clubhouse
• Mendon Ponds Park
• Roger Robach Community Center at Ontario Beach Park

Community and Nontraditional Venues:

• AAUW House
• University of Rochester Helen Wood Hall
• Comedy @ The Carlson

Already booked at one of these locations? Our familiarity with the venue’s layout and logistics can make planning and setup easier.

Using a venue that’s new to us? No problem. Our experienced team and full-service mobile kitchen allow us to work successfully in nearly any setting, including locations with limited kitchen facilities.

• Before your event, we’ll review important details such as:
• Kitchen access
• Power and water availability
• Parking and catering vehicle access\
• Setup and breakdown areas
• Event timing
• Venue rules and restrictions
• Coordinator contact information

Our Approach: We'll visit your venue (or discuss it in detail by phone and video if you're distant) to understand the layout, logistics, and any unique challenges. Then we'll create a detailed timeline and setup plan so everything runs smoothly while you're saying your vows and celebrating with guests.

Want to confirm our experience at your venue? Call 585-752-2149 and tell us where you're getting married—we can likely share stories of other weddings we've catered there, or confirm exactly how we'll make your venue work beautifully.

How far in advance should I book?

Timing matters, especially during peak season.

Booking Recommendations:

• Ideal: 6–12 months in advance. This gives you priority access to our team, time for thoughtful planning, and the ability to lock in your preferred date and service level.
• Good: 3–6 months ahead. Still plenty of time for detailed planning and tastings, though summer weekends book quickly.
• Last-Minute: We sometimes have availability closer to your date. If you're within 6 weeks, call 585-752-2149 directly—we'll do our best to accommodate you, though it may limit some customization options.
  

Peak Season Note: If you're planning a summer wedding (especially June–September), book early. These months fill up quickly. Fall and winter weddings often have more flexibility.

Your Next Step: Have a date in mind? Call us to check availability and get on the calendar.

What's included in full-service wedding catering?

Full-service means we handle everything so you can celebrate.

What We Provide:

✓ Professional Staff — Servers and kitchen staff to manage all food and beverage service

✓ Complete Setup — We arrive early to set up chafers, platters, serving tables, and all presentation elements

✓ Food & Beverage Management — We maintain proper temperatures, replenish platters, and keep food fresh throughout your event

✓ Bar Service (if included in your package) — Professional bartender, full beverage selection, glassware, and bar setup

✓ Table Service — Servers clear plates, refill drinks, and ensure your guests are taken care of throughout the meal

✓ Event Coordination — We work with your wedding planner (or us as your point person) to manage timing, transitions, and any adjustments that come up

✓ Complete Breakdown — We handle all cleanup and removal of equipment at the end of the night so you can leave as newlyweds, not with a pile of dishes

Service Staff Ratio: For most weddings, we recommend one server per 12–15 guests for seamless, attentive service.

Timing: We'll arrive 2–3 hours before your reception to set up, and we typically stay until everything is cleaned up and packed away.

Not included: Rentals like tables, chairs, linens, and dishware (unless your venue provides them). We can coordinate with your rental company or venue if needed.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for all my guests?

Every guest deserves to feel celebrated at your wedding—that includes their dinner. We can accommodate virtually any dietary need without compromise on flavor or presentation.

We Regularly Handle:

• Vegetarian & vegan diets

• Gluten-free meals

• Dairy-free and nut allergies

• Shellfish and seafood allergies

• Kosher and Halal requirements

• Religious dietary restrictions

• Food sensitivities and intolerances

Our Approach: We can prepare a completely separate, equally delicious meal for guests with specific dietary needs so your main menu doesn't have to be altered for everyone. Your vegan guests get a memorable entree, not an afterthought side salad.

How We Track It: During your consultation, we'll ask for a complete list of dietary needs (you can collect this from your guest list). We'll create a detailed plan to ensure every guest is accommodated, and we'll double-check everything in writing before your wedding day.

No Surprises, No Extra Cost: We handle dietary accommodations with the same care and creativity as your main menu, with no additional charges.

Do you offer bar service for weddings?

Yes, and we can customize the bar to match your vision and budget.

Bar Package Options:

• House Brands — Full bar with standard spirits, beer, wine, and mixers (3, 4, or 5 hours)
• Top Shelf — Premium spirits, craft cocktails, full beer and wine selection (3, 4, or 5 hours)
• Limited Bar — Signature cocktail, beer, and wine selections (curate your options)
• BYOB — Bring your own alcohol, and we'll provide bartender service, glassware, and setup 
• No Alcohol — Some couples prefer no bar; we support that too

What's Included:

• Professional bartender who knows how to engage guests and keep drinks flowing 
• All glassware, ice, and bar supplies
• Cocktail napkins and garnishes
• Setup and breakdown of the bar area
• Pricing is based on your package, guest count, and duration. We'll discuss bar details when you're planning your catering.

Interested? Mention bar service when you request your quote, and we'll include it in your pricing.

How early do I need to finalize my guest count?

Your headcount can shift—we just need a final number at the right time.

Headcount Timeline:

• Initial Quote: Give us an estimate (even if it's a range) so we can provide pricing

• 3 Weeks Before: Confirm your final guest count. This is when we lock in quantities, staffing levels, and any last-minute adjustments

• 1 Week Before: Confirm final dietary accommodations and any last-minute additions

Changes Close to Your Date: If guest count shifts within the final week, we'll do our best to accommodate, though it may affect pricing or staffing.

Pro Tip: Build in a 5–10% buffer when planning quantities. Weddings have last-minute RSVPs and surprise guests (it happens). We factor this in naturally, so you never run short.

What if I want a rehearsal dinner too?

We cater rehearsal dinners with the same care as receptions.

A rehearsal dinner sets the tone for your wedding weekend and brings together your closest family and friends. Whether you want an intimate dinner at Chef's Event Center or a casual gathering at your favorite restaurant, we can handle it.

Rehearsal Dinner Options:

• Smaller plated or family-style dinners 
• Buffet service for a relaxed vibe
• Cocktail and hors d'oeuvres receptions
• Bar service or BYOB options
• Custom menus tailored to your group
• Book Together: Many couples book both their rehearsal dinner and wedding reception with us—it's seamless coordination and often more cost-effective.

Ready to discuss? Mention your rehearsal dinner plans when you call for your wedding quote at 585-752-2149.

Why Couples Choose Chef’s Catering

Couples across Rochester and Western New York choose Chef’s Catering because we deliver exceptional food, friendly service, and a stress-free experience. From your first consultation to the final toast, our goal is to make your day extraordinary. We understand the importance of timing, presentation, and flawless coordination on your wedding day — and our team has the experience to make it happen.

Call us today at 585-752-2149 or use our online contact form to secure your wedding date. Let Chef’s Catering help you create a celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.