Wedding Planning Guide
Our comprehensive guide to wedding catering — from tasting to day-of.
Your Complete Wedding Catering Guide
Planning a wedding is one of life's greatest adventures — and your catering should be the highlight, not a source of stress. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about working with A Tasteful Affair, from your first inquiry to the last dance.
Wedding Catering Timeline
- Set your overall event budget and allocate a catering portion (typically 35–50% of total)
- Determine your approximate guest count
- Research and shortlist catering companies — request initial consultations
- Choose your venue; confirm whether it is a licensed kitchen facility or requires an approved caterer list
- Schedule your first meeting with A Tasteful Affair to discuss vision, style, and menu concepts
The Tasting Process
We want you to be completely confident in your menu before your wedding day. Our tasting process is designed to be personal, unhurried, and genuinely delicious.
Submit Your Inquiry
Begin by submitting an event inquiry through our Plan An Event page. Once we've reviewed your details and developed a preliminary menu concept, we'll reach out to schedule your tasting.
Schedule Your Appointment
Tastings are held at our licensed commercial kitchen in Pleasanton, CA. We charge $125 per person for the tasting.
Taste Your Menu
Our Executive Chef personally prepares a curated selection of your proposed menu items. This is your opportunity to taste, adjust portions, swap proteins, and fine-tune every course to perfection.
Finalize & Sign
After the tasting, we refine the menu based on your feedback, present the final proposal, and walk you through the contract. Most couples leave the tasting feeling completely at ease — and hungry for the big day!
Tasting Fee: We charge $125 per person for wedding tastings.
Wedding Menu Formats
Every wedding is different. Here's a quick guide to the most popular service styles to help you decide what's right for your celebration.
| Service Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| Plated Dinner | Formal receptions, sit-down celebrations |
| Buffet Service | Relaxed receptions, larger guest counts |
| Food Stations | Interactive receptions, cocktail-style events |
| Cocktail Reception | Pre-dinner hour, standalone evening events |
| Family-Style | Creating intimate engagements, sit-down celebrations |
All menus are fully customizable. Our team will recommend the best format based on your guest count, venue, and vision. Staffing ratios shown above are general guidelines; each event is unique in its requirements.
Day-Of Logistics
On your wedding day, A Tasteful Affair handles every catering detail from first setup to final cleanup — so you can be completely present for the moments that matter.
Catering Arrival & Setup
Our team typically arrives 2–3 hours before your reception begins. We coordinate directly with your venue to access the kitchen, set buffet or table stations, and have everything plated and ready before your first guests are seated.
Cocktail Hour Coverage
While you're taking photos, we're working. Passed hors d'oeuvres and stationed bites keep your guests happy and engaged during the cocktail hour. We staff this separately from dinner service.
Dinner Service Flow
We coordinate with your DJ or band for dinner announcements and course pacing. For plated dinners, we synchronize every course drop. For buffets, we manage flow to avoid lines and ensure consistent quality throughout service.
Cake Cutting
Cake cutting is included in our service at no additional charge. We coordinate with your baker on delivery timing and ensure slices are plated and served beautifully when you're ready for that moment.
Wrap-Up & Cleanup
After dinner service concludes, our team breaks down all catering setups, clears tables, and cleans the kitchen area — leaving the venue exactly as we found it. We work quietly so your celebration can continue undisturbed.
Menu Planning Advice
Account for Dietary Needs Early
Collect dietary restriction and allergy information on your RSVPs. The earlier we know, the more elegantly we can accommodate every guest — without compromise.
Season Makes a Difference
Menus built around the season of your wedding will always taste better and photograph beautifully. Ask about our seasonal ingredient options when you meet with our chef.
Don't Skip the Cocktail Hour
Guests arrive hungry after the ceremony. A well-curated cocktail hour with passed bites and stationed spreads sets the tone for the entire reception.
Plan for Your Bar Program Early
We are not licensed to sell alcohol, but we provide full bar service when you supply the beverages. We can offer recommendations on quantities and selections based on your guest count and event style.
Think About Late-Night Snacks
As the evening winds down, guests love a surprise late-night bite — sliders, a taco station, or a dessert spread can extend the celebration and delight even full guests.
Customize Freely
Every menu on our website is a starting point, not a limitation. We love creating something unique for each couple — bring your ideas, cultural traditions, or favorite foods to the conversation.
Ready to Start Planning Your Wedding Menu?
Let's talk about your vision. Submit an event inquiry and our team will follow up within two business days to schedule a consultation and tasting.