Full-Service Catering in Charleston

cocktail and decor set up by Duvall catering

Planning an event in Charleston, SC? Full-service catering takes the stress out of hosting by handling every culinary detail and at Duvall Catering & Events, we go even further. As Charleston’s oldest caterer with decades of experience, we transform events into unforgettable experiences through comprehensive service that extends far beyond just food. From intimate gatherings in historic downtown venues to grand celebrations at waterfront locations, our team brings expertise, creativity, and Southern hospitality to every occasion.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, graduation celebration, or milestone birthday, understanding what full-service catering includes helps you make the best choice for your Charleston event.

Jump Ahead

What Does Full-Service Catering Include?

Full-service catering in Charleston typically includes your choice of menu for your event, food prepared by professional chefs, complete dining setup, and attentive food service throughout your function. After your celebration concludes, the catering team handles all cleanup and breakdown.

Standard full-service catering packages typically include:

  • Professional menu consultation and planning
  • Fresh ingredients and chef-prepared cuisine
  • All necessary serving equipment (chafing dishes, serving utensils, etc.)
  • Complete table setup with plates, silverware, and glassware
  • Experienced service staff for the duration of your event
  • Food presentation and replenishment throughout the occasion
  • Full cleanup and breakdown after your event

With most Charleston catering services, when you select full-service catering, everything concerning food preparation and service is professionally managed from start to finish.

Duvall’s Full-Service Catering in Charleston

Duvall Catering & Events does things differently. We provide everything you’d expect from premium Charleston event catering and add comprehensive layers of service on top. We believe the “full” in “full-service” should mean truly complete—addressing every detail that transforms a simple gathering into an extraordinary experience.

Culinary Excellence

Our award-winning chefs create customized menus featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and diverse options accommodating all dietary needs. From Low country classics to contemporary cuisine, we craft memorable dining experiences that reflect your vision and Charleston’s culinary heritage.

Professional Bar Service

Our thoroughly trained and certified bartenders provide complete beverage service, from craft cocktails to wine and beer selections. We handle all bar setup, service, and breakdown, ensuring your guests enjoy expertly mixed drinks throughout your Charleston celebration.

Stunning Floral Arrangements

Our talented Charleston florists designers create beautiful arrangements that add natural elegance to your venue. From centerpieces to ceremony installations, we select seasonal blooms that complement your event’s style and Charleston’s natural beauty.

Complete Event Décor

We design and install comprehensive event décor including lighting, furniture, table settings, and decorative accents. Whether you’re hosting at a historic Charleston mansion or a modern downtown venue, we create atmospheres that evoke precisely the right mood and style for your celebration.

Seamless Coordination

Beyond catering and aesthetics, our experienced event coordinators ensure flawless execution. We manage vendor relationships, oversee timelines, and handle all logistics so you can relax and enjoy your event as a guest, not a host.

Benefits of Full-Service Catering for Charleston Events

Full-service catering has its benefits, and not having to worry about food prep can be a massive relief. You will have staff available to help facilitate the occasion, meaning you don’t have to worry about hiring any outside help. You can rest assured that your guests will have an excellent time while a well-staffed catering squad addresses their food and drink needs.

Full-service caterers take care of food prep and dining prep before the function, and all post-event clean-up is handled afterward. When it comes to food, you don’t have to raise so much as a finger.

Benefits of Duvall’s Full-Service Catering

Choosing full-service catering for your Charleston event provides significant advantages that transform the hosting experience from stressful to seamless.

Stress-Free Planning

Full-service catering eliminates the overwhelming tasks of menu planning, shopping, food preparation, and service coordination. Your catering team becomes your partner, guiding you through decisions while handling all execution details.

Professional Expertise

With decades of experience catering Charleston events, our team brings invaluable knowledge about what works in different venues, seasons, and celebration styles. We navigate Charleston’s unique climate considerations, venue requirements, and Southern hospitality expectations with ease.

Comprehensive Staffing

You receive a complete team of culinary professionals, servers, bartenders, and coordinators who work together seamlessly. No need to recruit family members or friends to help—everyone can enjoy your celebration while our staff manages all service needs.

Quality Assurance

Professional caterers maintain food safety standards, ensure proper serving temperatures, and present dishes beautifully throughout your event. Our chefs prepare everything fresh, and our service team monitors food stations to maintain excellent presentation from the first guest to the last.

Time to Celebrate

Perhaps most importantly, full-service catering gives you the gift of time. Instead of spending your event in the kitchen or managing logistics, you’re free to connect with guests, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories.

Flawless Execution

From setup through cleanup, our team coordinates every detail with precision. We arrive early to prepare, serve attentively throughout your event, and efficiently handle all breakdown—often before you even notice we’re working.

Elegant table setting for catered wedding in Charleston

Full-Service vs. Drop-Off Catering Services

Understanding the differences between full-service and drop-off catering helps you select the right option for your Charleston event.

Drop-Off Catering Services

Drop-off catering is an affordable option best suited for casual occasions like office lunches, small family gatherings, or informal celebrations. With drop-off catering in Charleston, you can expect:

  • Fully prepared food delivered to your location
  • Basic buffet table setup
  • Disposable or minimal serving equipment
  • No service staff during the event
  • Host responsibility for serving, monitoring, and cleanup
  • Lower cost compared to full-service options

Best for: Casual office meetings, informal family gatherings, budget-conscious small events, occasions where hosts don’t mind managing food service.

Full-Service Catering

Full-service catering provides comprehensive support ideal for formal celebrations, significant milestones, and events where hosts want to be guests. Full-service Charleston catering includes:

  • Professional menu consultation and customization
  • Chef-prepared cuisine with premium ingredients
  • Complete staffing (servers, bartenders, coordinators)
  • Elegant presentation and attentive service
  • All setup and breakdown handled
  • Professional equipment and table settings
  • Ability to accommodate complex dietary needs
  • Peace of mind knowing every detail is managed

When to Choose Full-Service Catering in Charleston

Full-service catering elevates any Charleston celebration, but certain occasions particularly benefit from comprehensive professional service.

Weddings and Receptions

Charleston wedding catering requires meticulous coordination, elegant presentation, and seamless service. Full-service catering ensures your special day unfolds beautifully while you focus on getting married, not managing vendors.

Corporate Events and Conferences

From board meetings to company celebrations, corporate events demand professional polish. Full-service catering demonstrates your organization’s commitment to quality while keeping attendees energized and impressed.

Milestone Celebrations

Significant birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations deserve exceptional treatment. Full-service catering transforms milestone moments into unforgettable celebrations that honor life’s important achievements.

Holiday Gatherings

Charleston’s holiday season brings beautiful weather and festive spirits. Full-service catering handles the complexity of holiday menus and décor while you enjoy time with family and friends.

Charity Galas and Fundraisers

High-profile events require impeccable execution. Full-service catering creates impressive experiences that reflect well on your organization and make guests feel valued.

Multi-Day Events

Conferences, retreats, and celebration weekends benefit from varied menus and consistent professional service across multiple meals and occasions.

Duvall Catering & Events bar service at a seminar

Get Started with Duvall Catering & Events

Any Charleston event that needs catering deserves a service that genuinely cares about creating extraordinary experiences. If you’re planning a celebration and want something truly spectacular that lives in the minds of your guests for years to come, you need more than typical catering to make it happen.

You need Duvall Catering & Events to bring your occasion to life with:

  • Customized menus showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients
  • Impeccable floral arrangements and sophisticated décor
  • Professional bar service with craft cocktails and premium selections
  • Experienced staff who anticipate needs and deliver seamless service
  • Comprehensive planning that removes stress from your shoulders

Not only do your guests deserve a memorable experience, but you also deserve to relax and enjoy your own celebration. Duvall takes care of every detail so you don’t have to struggle balancing it all yourself.

Ready to discuss your Charleston event?

Give our team a call at 843-763-9222 or contact us online to start planning your unforgettable celebration.

We serve Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and throughout the greater Charleston area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Service Catering

How much does full-service catering cost in Charleston?

Full-service catering costs vary based on guest count, menu selections, service style, bar options, and additional services like florals and décor. Charleston event catering typically ranges from $75-200+ per person depending on complexity. Contact us for a customized quote tailored to your specific vision and budget.

What’s the difference between full-service and drop-off catering?

Full-service catering includes professional staff who handle all setup, service throughout your event, and complete cleanup. Drop-off catering delivers prepared food with minimal setup, leaving service and cleanup to the host. Full-service is ideal for formal events and celebrations where you want to be a guest, while drop-off works for casual gatherings with smaller budgets.

How far in advance should I book Charleston catering services?

We recommend booking full-service catering 6-12 months in advance for weddings and large events, especially during peak Charleston wedding season (March-May and September-November). For corporate events and smaller celebrations, 6-8 weeks advance notice is typically sufficient. However, we’re always happy to accommodate shorter timelines when possible.

Do you provide catering outside Charleston?

Yes! While based in Charleston, we provide full-service catering throughout the Lowcountry including Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, James Island, and surrounding areas. Contact us to discuss your venue location.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?

Absolutely! Our chefs excel at creating delicious alternatives for all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and other restrictions. We work carefully with you to ensure all guests have excellent dining options that meet their needs without compromising flavor or presentation.

What venues do you work with in Charleston?

We cater events at virtually any Charleston venue, from historic mansions and waterfront estates to modern event spaces, hotels, private homes, and outdoor locations. Our experience with Charleston’s diverse venues means we understand each location’s unique requirements and possibilities.

Does full-service catering include tables, chairs, and linens?

Yes! We coordinate all necessary rentals including tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, and specialty items. Our comprehensive service means you work with one team for all your event needs rather than coordinating multiple vendors.