Event Catering Budgeting & Financing in Charleston
As you’re making plans for your big event, your catering budget is likely to be at the top of your mind. When it comes to catering costs in Charleston, there are several factors to consider, as each can contribute to your total.
Here, we’ll discuss everything that you should account for when setting your event catering budget, tips to better manage your budget, and financing options that are designed to keep things affordable.
The primary eight factors that will
determine your catering budget are:
Headcount
The number of guests attending an event is one of the most important factors in setting a catering budget. Typically, the headcount acts as a multiplier for estimating food costs, no matter which catering style you choose. You might find that certain catering styles start at a particular dollar amount per person, for instance.
Timing or Season
When you’re choosing the time or season for your event, you might notice that event catering costs fluctuate. This is largely due to demand. Some seasons have a higher demand for services than others. For example, over 70% of weddings take place in the summer months, so you can expect costs to go up during that time.
Timing may also affect the varieties of food that are available. For example, costs may go down for certain kinds of fruits in the summer or vegetables in the fall and winter.
Location
Just like timing, location is an important consideration due to demand. More attractive locations tend to see higher demand as venues for events and parties. Because of this, the cost of setting an event in certain locations can be more expensive than others.
Serving Style and Food Costs
Not all catering service styles have the same expense. This is due to the varying costs of the food involved, the complexity of food preparation required, and potential staffing requirements for service.
Some catering styles, like plated or served dinners, can offer controlled food costs, but require considerable staffing to execute. Likewise, a buffet needs minimal staffing.
Bar
Selecting the beverages that you would like to offer your guests is the next step in creating your budget. We recommend determining whether you would like a full bar, beer and wine bar only, or a non-alcoholic station for the beverage service at your event.
We offer a range of tiers for bar packages within each category and we can always customize our services to your particular tastes.
Flatware, China, and Production
Our equipment and production line item is tailored to your event logistics. We provide all china, glassware, flatware, cooking equipment, and serving equipment to perfectly execute your event. We offer a variety of china and flatware options to suit any style, taste, and event catering budget.
Services such as event preparation, menu creation and revision, client/vendor meetings, site visits, insurance, and other administrative costs incurred throughout the planning process are included within this line item as well.
Rental Equipment
Our Catering and Event Sales Managers can streamline your experience by coordinating rentals and equipment from other companies that contribute to your overall theme. We also offer a wide selection of tables, chairs, and linens from trusted vendors at competitive pricing.
The kitchen facilities at the location of your event may vary, which may require a mobile kitchen space to be arranged. We are prepared to cater from any location, however, orders from rental companies may be required depending on the type of setup that you desire.
Staffing
We will staff your event with the most highly trained hospitality professionals available. Service staff charges include travel time to and from your event, setup, execution, and breakdown of all items that we provide.
Choices in service and event style, along with specific event logistics, will determine the number of staff members required to serve at your event. Gratuities for excellent service are greatly appreciated by event staff, however they are completely at your discretion. Many clients chose to offer $20-50 per service member in thanks for wonderful service.
Why Choose Duvall Catering?
Duvall is the go-to event catering service in Charleston and the surrounding communities for weddings and more. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, when you partner with us, every little detail will be taken care of on your behalf so you can spend time enjoying the event experience. Our team of experts can help you to select the optimal catering style, decor, and design for the best presentation possible. If you want to use the best catering service in Charleston, call us at (843) 763-9222 or request a quote through our contact form.