9 Tips for Choosing the Best Napa Wedding Catering for Your Big Day
Suzanne Karp Photography
Napa Valley is synonymous with stunning vineyards, world-class wines, and of course exquisite cuisine, making it an idyllic setting for a Napa wedding. One of the most crucial elements of any wedding is the food, and selecting the right catering company can elevate your wedding to new heights. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to choose the perfect Napa wedding catering.
If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Lindsey Nickel and I’m a local Sonoma and Napa wedding planner and the owner of Lovely Day Events. Since 2010, I have helped stylish, fun-loving couples (and their dogs) plan destination weddings. Our clients want the ceremony to be outside, the food to be outstanding, and the dance parties to be epic. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place, so you might want to learn more about our wedding planning services.
Natura Collective Photography & Sage Catering
The 9 Tips for Choosing the Best Napa Wedding Catering for Your Big Day
Plus - Final thoughts
1. Define Your Vision and Budget for Your Napa Wedding Catering
Before you start your search for the perfect Napa wedding catering company, take some time to define your vision for your wedding. Consider the following:
Style: Are you envisioning a multi-course plated dinner, a comfort food buffet, a seasonal family-style dinner, or elegant stations?
Cuisine: Do you want to feature local Napa cuisine, a specific cultural menu, or a mix of favorites?
Special Requirements: Will you need options for dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, Kosher or children’s meals?
Equally important is establishing your budget for catering. Knowing how much you can allocate for catering will help narrow down your options and ensure you find a caterer who can deliver within your financial plan. If you have a specific budget in mind make sure you communicate that when speaking with catering companies. Also, find out what exactly is included such as table linens, flatware, glassware, and a menu tasting.
Suzanne Karp Photography & Fig Caters
2. Start to research Napa wedding catering companies
Start by gathering recommendations from your Napa wedding planner, or your wedding venue. Your wedding planner and wedding venue have seen the local catering companies on event day and can give you honest reviews and referrals.
Once you find two or three catering companies that seem like a fit, the next step is to talk to them on the phone. During the call they will get an idea of the type of food you like, the style of service you are looking for and discuss your overall wedding vision. After that they can send you a quote.
Suzanne Karp Photography
3. Review Portfolios and Menus
Once you have a list of potential caterers, review their portfolios and sample menus. This will give you a sense of their culinary style, presentation, and versatility. Many caterers in Napa Valley pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients, so look for menus that highlight seasonal produce and regional specialties.
Melissa Habegger Photography & Cavallo Point Lodge Catering
4. Schedule Tastings with Your Napa Wedding Catering
Tasting sessions are a crucial part of the menu selection process. PRO TIP: It is best to do your tasting after you book your catering company. This is because at the tasting you will be able to fine-tune your menu (more spice, less onion, etc.). It is no longer common to do multiple menu tastings before booking a catering company as a tool to decide who to book. Also, if you do multiple tastings, your date is not being held by either and you run the risk of not having a catering company available.
At your menu tasting, pay attention to the flavors, presentation, and overall quality. This is also a great opportunity to discuss customization options (including any dietary restrictions) and see how flexible the caterer is in accommodating your preferences.
Before your first meeting make sure you have the following prepared:
Headcount (doesn't need to be exact right now)
Your catering budget
Food preferences (including dietary requirements)
PRO TIP: Come hungry to your menu tasting because you are going to eat and enjoy a lot of delicious food
Cheers Babe Photography & Solage Auberge Catering
5. Evaluate Experience and Professionalism
Experience matters, especially when it comes to wedding catering. Inquire about the caterer’s experience with weddings of similar size and style. A good caterer should be responsive, attentive to details, and willing to work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
Here are some questions to ask when picking a catering company:
How many other weddings / events will you be doing on my wedding day?
Have you worked at my wedding venue before?
Have you worked with weddings with my guest count before?
Do you include any rentals?
Suzanne Karp Photography
6. Discuss Logistics and Services
Logistics play a significant role in the success of your wedding catering. Discuss the following with potential caterers:
Availability and Do They…: Are they available on your date? What are your bar packages? Do they offer desserts?
Staffing: How many staff members will be present to serve your guests? What is their level of experience? What is the staff member to guest ratio?
Coordination with Venue: Is there anything specific or unique to know about catering and your wedding venue?
Suzanne Karp Photography
7. Wine Pairing Expertise
Given Napa Valley’s renowned wine culture, talk to your caterer about recommendations for wine pairings. They should be able to recommend wines that complement your menu and enhance the overall dining experience.
PRO TIP: If you are getting married at a winery, your event manager from the winery can also make recommendations.
Milou and Olin Photography
8. Review Contracts and Policies
Carefully review the contracts and policies of your chosen caterer. Ensure that everything you’ve discussed, including menu details, final pricing, payment schedules, and cancellation policies, is clearly outlined in the contract. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any unclear points.
Suzanne Karp Photography
9. Trust Your Instincts When Hiring Napa Wedding Catering
Finally, trust your instincts. You need to feel confident and comfortable with your choice. The right Napa wedding catering will not only provide delicious food but also contribute to the seamless execution of your wedding day. Choose a caterer who listens to your needs, respects your vision, and is committed to making your wedding a memorable experience.
A Girl & A Camera
Final Thoughts on Picking Your Perfect Napa Wedding Catering
Selecting the perfect caterer for your Napa Valley wedding involves careful research, tastings, and thoughtful consideration of logistics and budget. By following these steps, you can find a caterer who will deliver an exceptional culinary experience, adding a touch of Napa’s culinary excellence to your special day. With the right caterer, your wedding will be a celebration of love, surrounded by beautiful scenery, fine wine, and unforgettable food.
