Q&A
Planning your first event or wedding can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Our experienced team of planners is here to guide you through every detail and scenario that comes up along the way. Check out our frequently asked questions to kickstart your party planning adventure. And remember, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by phone or email—we’re always happy to help! 704.377.4202
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Dietary Accomodations
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for vegetarians and vegans?
​Our sister restaurant, Fern has been Charlotte's favorite vegan restaurant for the last fifteen years and has given us lots of experience in the vegan arena. We love our vegetables and believe that vegan and vegetarian meals can be just as flavorful as meat dishes. Ask about our carrot cake with chai icing and snickerdoodle cookies.
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Catering Deposit
What do you require for a deposit?
​A $500 deposit reserves and saves your date on our calendar. It's not necessary to have the menu or details determined to save your date. At ninety days prior to your event, we do request a 50% deposit. Both of these deposits are non-refundable. Catering is not just the food preparation: there are many hours of planning, scheduling and meetings that go into each event. In addition, booking your event prevents us from scheduling another event at the same time. We strongly suggest that you obtain Event Insurance through your Home Owner's Policy to cover events such as hurricanes, snow, sleet and other Acts of God.
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Food Quanties
How much food should I order?
​Estimating food quantities is an art form. We can guide you on quantities based on the time of day, guest demographics and type of event you are planning. The time of year will affect the quantities that your guests will consume. Remember that you know your guests, so please share with us all the details. Consider offering a variety of 5-6 trays and appetizers from chicken, beef, seafood, vegetarian and a glute-free item. If you have a buffet, we will want to estimate quantities for what we think your guests will put on their plate. Below is a good guide to follow:
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Butlered Hors d'oevres: 3-4 pieces /hour (double if no meal is served)
Charcuterie/Cheese Boards: 2-4 oz per guest (2 oz with other items served)
Dips on a Buffet for Apps: 2 oz per guest
Stations for a Wedding: 2-4 Stations (plus appetizers)
Protein(s) for a Buffet: 6 oz for 1 entree
4 oz of each for 2 entrees
Vegetables or Salads: 4 oz or 3/4-1 cup per serving
Salads as an Entree: 3 cups per serving
Petite Sweets: 2.5 - 3 pieces per guest
Rolls or Breads: 1-1.5 pieces per guest
Cake or Pies: 1-1.5 slices per guest
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Party Beverages
How do I calculate beverages for a party?
​This will depend again on the time of day, type of event and the guests attending the party. In general, we estimate two drinks for the first hour and then one drink per hour thereafter. However, if this is a wedding with heavy revelers, you may want to plan for backup. You can always stock your own bar or save the leftovers for your next party. White and rose wines are more popular in the spring and summer months, and guests love to sip on a good red wine in the fall and winter. The trick on wine is not to offer too many varietals as you may run out of whatever the popular pour of the evening happens to be.​
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Wine: 1/2 bottle per guest (bottle yields 5 glasses)
Beer: 1-2 bottles per guest per hour
Spirits - Alcohol 2 in 1st hour/1 per hour thereafter (16 drinks per 750 ml bottle)
Mixers: 1 Quart serves 3 guests
Soda Water, Tonic (guests drink less of this), ginger ale
Sodas & Iced Tea: 1 per guest if alcoholic beverages are served
2-3 per guest if alcohol is not served
Coffee: 12 oz for breakfast/ 6-8 oz of regular & decaf in the evening
Ice for drinks: 1 - 2 lbs per guest (more for hot days)
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