A Handbook to Austin Wedding Catering

When it comes to Austin wedding catering, you have some truly elite options to choose from. Many brides wonder where to begin, so we put together this handbook to catering, aiming to guide you through the process as well as help answer any pressing provision questions. We asked these local culinary creatives a few things you need to know when planning our your wedding catering, plus their elevated expertise worked to reimagine some tried-and-true culinary pairings to put a luxe spin on a few classic combos, photographed around Lucky Arrow Retreat. Get menu inspo and all your questions answered down below. Cheers!

Photos // Annique Marie Photography

Salmon & Seared Pork Belly

Salmon, seared pork belly, chile fish sauce, scallions, crispy rice cake, corn and pepper relish from Royal Fig Catering

Wedding Catering Serving Options

From the kitchen of Royal Fig Catering

What should a serving process look like for a wedding? Who takes charge of that – the couple, the planner or the caterer?

Once the couple decides on a style of service, the caterer takes over from there. Our staff is trained on each style of service in a specific way, so it’s best to trust your caterer to execute.

What are the different catering service options for weddings?

Buffet, plated, family-style, stations. We usually start our planning with the question to the couple about the atmosphere they want to create. This directly affects the style of service. For a more formal atmosphere, plated or family-style will set the mood. For a more casual “cocktail party” feel, stations is the way to go. Buffet tends to be more traditional and casual and many times is dictated by budget. We have all of these styles of service outlined on our website if you find it helpful.

Is bar service typically included in a catering package?

For specific venues, yes.  Some venues handle their own bar service, so those do not have bar included in our contract.

Hawaii and London

Ahi poke in wonton cones and braised beef short ribs in Yorkshire pudding from Austin Catering

Austin Wedding Catering Tasting & Order Expectations

From the kitchen of Austin Catering

What questions should a couple ask before booking an Austin caterer?

When is the final headcount due? Are menu changes allowed after signing the contract? Are vendor meals included? Make sure you understand upfront what is and isn’t included with your catering order so you can budget accordingly. We give our clients the peace of mind that signing the contract doesn’t lock them into a specific menu, which has been important for some of our couples that postponed from Spring 2020 weddings to Fall 2021.

How far out from the wedding should you book catering for your wedding?

6 to 9 months out is a good guideline, but Fridays and Saturdays during the peak spring and fall wedding season will require more notice.

How does a wedding menu tasting work?

We schedule private tastings for our clients and ask that they send us 10–12 items that they are most interested in sampling. Our chef will then select 8–9 items for the client to sample at the tasting. There is a fee for tastings.

Seared Whitefish

Seared whitefish served with sweet corn bisque, white bean succotash, and topped with avocado mousse from Hank’s Catering

Austin Wedding Catering Trends

From the kitchen of Hank’s Catering

What unique catering presentations are trending now?

We are doing a lot of grazing tables for all kinds of events. Also, cheese and charcuterie cones are the COVID-19 friendly version of a charcuterie board!

How can couples be sensitive to social distancing and Covid-19 concerns with their catering?

Implement social distancing/COVID-19 protocols as well as spaced out stations outdoors. We have also been seeing a lot of smaller weddings with under 50 guests.

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