wedding 2019 | CATERING STYLE

From Buffet to Formal

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 09, 2019

You want your wedding feast to be worry-free and wonderful. Finding that caterer will be easier if you have an idea of what you want. And before you choose a menu, you’ll want to decide on the style of service that fits your reception and your wallet.

possibilities to consider:

• Drop-off or on-site? If your wedding’s on the laid-back side, you may be able to manage with a caterer who simply delivers the food and comes back for the dishware.

• Small plates or traditional entrées? Guests may do well with a wide range of nibbles rather than having to choose in advance between, say, the prime rib and the salmon. Small plates also allow guests with various dietary needs a lot of flexibility.

• Food bar or table service? Being served is a luxurious feeling; on the other hand, so is being able to pick and choose exactly how to build your plate. Only you know which vibe suits your vision.

• Passed appetizers or grazing table? There’s something elegant about polished, gracious servers circulating and offering gourmet dishes in a bite-size format. But the grazing table can be gorgeous, too: a mix of charcuterie, crudités, cheeses, fruit, and sweets that a good caterer can make almost too pretty to disturb is both indulgent and simple.

A grazing table can be gorgeous, too: a mix of charcuterie, crudités, cheeses, fruit, and sweets that a good caterer can make almost too pretty to disturb is both indulgent and simple.

things to know:

• Some venues have a list of suggested caterers. If one of those offers everything you want, it may simplify your logistics.

• Some caterers can provide or arrange for tableware, stemware, and even tables and chairs. Again, cutting down on the number of companies you’re working with can smooth your way, but make sure they offer what you want.

• Your budget. Knowing how much you can spend and how many guests you expect will help you choose the right suite of services to complement your menu.

blue mountain bistro-to-go

Kingston, 845-340-9800, bluemountainbistro.com

The exclusive caterers of the Onteora Mountain House, Blue Mountain Bistro is committed to providing high-quality food and service both on the day of your wedding and the days leading up to it. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering for your wedding, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family. Relax and enjoy yourselves knowing that their creative, experienced staff is handling all the details of the day.

bridge creek catering

New Paltz, 845-255-9234, bridgecreekcatering.com

Bridge Creek Catering is an experienced farm-to-table caterer that excels at executing special events. Our extensive experience allows us to provide handcrafted, restaurant-quality food for large groups in unique locations. Our detail-oriented staff will keep track of all the event needs during the planning process and provide day-of coordination with the officiant, florist, musicians, etc. Providing services at Senate Garage and other venues throughout the Hudson Valley Region.

creekside catering

Catskill, 518-943-6522, creeksidecatskill.com

At Creekside Restaurant, our mission is to create individually inspired events that embody our client’s vision and exceed their expectations. Chef/Owner Sean Meagher and his team of professionals personally work with each client to create an unforgettable experience. If it’s quality catering services with a stellar reputation you seek, Creekside is the choice for you.

cucina woodstock

Woodstock/Rhinebeck, 845-679-9800, cucinawoodstock.com , marketstrhinebeck.com

We will accommodate your event with every attention to detail and style. Cucina in Woodstock and Market St. Restaurant in Rhinebeck are both available for a buyout, or we can cater at any location of your choice. The Barn at Cucina is a restored 19th-century barn with original beams, long rustic harvest tables, and splashes of modern décor. The Barn is fitting for rehearsal dinners, weddings, cocktail events, and dinner parties.

frida’s bakery & café

Milton, 845-795-5550, fridasbakeryny.com

Nestled in the apple orchard region of Marlboro on the Hudson River, Frida’s offers beautiful bridal showers in the loft space, as well as after-wedding breakfasts and parties. They can also provide morning-of catering delivered straight to your door, and fantastic favors to make your special day extra special. Expect quality, service, and hospitality with every event using fresh, local ingredients—helping to make your day memorable.

grounded

Kingston, 845-514-3432, groundedny.com

Grounded offers exceptional catering services for events of all sizes, specializing in wholesome food made from farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, and meats. Local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers who use the healthiest, most sustainable methods supply their ingredients. They can also assist with themes, decorations, invitations, and other event elements. They cater to all special-need palates and offer a diverse selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free menus.

hickory barbecue

Kingston, 845-338-2424, hickoryrestaurant.com

As a full-service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding. From a simple backyard barbecue to a special wedding, Hickory can help with all the details. Many of their dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan—just ask. Linen and equipment rentals are available. Likewise, they can also provide floral, cake, bar, and other services.

hudson valley bbq co.

Hudson, 845-240-5095, hudsonvalleybbqco.com

Providing Farm-To-Fire open-fire grilling and whole animal roasting for your wedding. We take great pride in using locally sourced and sustainably raised meats…the best ingredients are the heart and soul of our food. Any item on our menu can be made vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian. This whole focus goes back to customized menus. Tell us your story and what you want on your wedding day.

kovo rotisserie

Kingston, 845-338-KOVO, kovorotisserie.com

Kovo is a Greek-inspired casual restaurant with a focus on rotisserie meats and fresh, seasonal salads. Our food combines the healthy ingredients of the Greek island of Samos and the Hudson Valley. We are committed to serving the finest, freshest local produce and meat possible. All of our meats are cooked in our rotisserie and supplied by regional farms. All of our salads are vegetarian and gluten-free, and can be made vegan.

lily and the rose

Hudson Valley, NYC and beyond, 518-885-8588, 212-747-9080, lilyandtherose.com

Quirky, high-end, and artistic, Kim Klopstock’s The Lily and the Rose is a full-service, farm-to-table, gourmet catering company. Kim and her team of professionals love the experience of creating a memory that will live with you and your guests forever. The Lily and the Rose promotes a lifestyle of quality, taste, and the desire to experience the ultimate in fine food and fun.

main course catering

New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.com

Main Course is a full-service caterer that can coordinate all wedding aspects including customized menus, decor, linens, and rentals. Under chef Bruce Kazan’s innovative leadership, a team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local, organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats.

mangia and enjoy!

Saugerties/Woodstock/Hudson Valley, 914-494-9951, mangiaandenjoy.com

Full-service wedding catering with integrity! Always organic, sustainable, local, farm-to-table bounty. Any and all dietary concerns honored creatively. Add our touch of culinary magic for your delectable, customized wedding feast. Your vision exceptionally realized. Allow our award-winning creativity and impeccable service to help ensure a lifetime of scrumptious memories. Main ingredient: Love! Beautiful food for beautiful people. We travel everywhere!

oriole 9

Woodstock, 845-OR9-5763, oriole9.com

Oriole 9 supports many local and organic farms in the Hudson Valley and is dedicated to serving great food with the simplest amount of fresh ingredients. Sit down with them for a consultation to create a custom, seasonal menu for your event. Their professional staff will guide you through the planning process and provide attention to detail that will make your event shine.

the village tearoom

New Paltz, 845-255-3434, thevillagetearoom.com

As a member of the Hudson Valley chapter of Slow Food USA, the TeaRoom’s mission is to offer high-quality, local, seasonal, and organic food at reasonable prices. Their menus feature hearty dishes from a variety of European cooking traditions. Delicious food and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a catered event by The Village TeaRoom Restaurant & Bake Shop.

wm. farmer & sons

Hudson, 518-828-1635, wmfarmerandsons.com

Wm. Farmer & Sons are many things, but above all they’re excellent hosts. Everything they offer is beautifully curated and creates an atmosphere of modern, upscale comfort. In the hotel or the restaurant, at their place or yours, Wm. Farmer & Sons’ dedication to the craft of entertaining makes any occasion an effortless win. Contact them today to talk about hosting or catering your next event.