| Catering Services: Event Estimates |
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Event Estimates
A number of factors go in to the total costs of a catered event. We have provided guidelines below that will help you anticipate costs for food, service, beverages, and miscellaneous items, as well as recommendations for the budget-conscious.
For an estimate tailored to a specific occasion, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Food
Strange as it sounds, per-person costs for main courses often goes down as the guest count goes up, since we can be more efficient in preparing larger quantities. There are, however, some dishes — lobster, caviar, truffles, and some hors d'oeuvres — which require more intricate preparation, and realize fewer cost efficiencies. We will work with you to find the combination and quantity of foods that will work within your budget — and that will delight your guests.
Beverages
Caterers are required to steeply mark up alcohol in order to cover extra insurance. A less expensive option? Provide your own, and let us serve it for you under our general liability insurance coverage. We can assist your selection by suggesting wines that coordinate with your menu and are priced within your budget. Plus, we'll steer you to where the best buys can be found.
Service
Critical to the perfect party is well-trained, efficient service. If you're trying to estimate the quantity of service people you will need, consider these questions:
- • What type of event are you hosting (BBQ or seated dinner?)
- • Does food preparation require an on-site chef?
- • Will you need a bartender (or two)?
- • How extensive is your set-up (formal dining tables or a buffet)?
- • What are the logistics of the venue (will tables need to be carried up stairs)?
Based on our experience, we will recommend the minimum number of servers to make your party run smoothly. Our employees are well-trained and are paid commensurately, but we do not realize any profit on servers. Please note that gratuity is not included in your bill; tipping is at your discretion.
Miscellaneous
When planning an event, there are a few small expenses that are often overlooked. Keep these items in mind as you establish your budget.
- • Wild Thyme charges 18% (of the food cost only) to cover catering house fixed costs, such as workmen's compensation and alcohol liability.
- • Use of dishes is included in the food cost; we do not rent our service equipment or dishes to you. We simply charge a minor fee to clean the dishes upon their return.
- • Outside rentals (that we do not own in-house) are an additional expense.
- • We allow thirty minutes travel time each direction. Any additional time will be charged as overtime.
- • Standard California sales tax is 8.25%.
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