Today,  The Wedding Guide posted a blog titled “”Questions for your Caterer.”  We thought we would respond with our answers to all of these very good questions!  Please let us know if we can answer any other questions for you!

• Can you test taste proposed menu items?  Royal Fig does complimentary tastings for all of our clients.  You can taste your complete menu before you even put down a deposit.  It is important to us that you trust that we are going to give you the absolute best food for your event and there is no better way than to taste it first!
  
• Does the price include tax? Tip? If not what is the additional percentage?  Our quotes and contracts have everything itemized so you see the subtotal and tax.  WE DO NOT HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICE CHARGES!  You won’t see any 18-20% administration fees, insurance fees, set up fees, or even delivery fees (within greater Austin area).  Gratuity is not included and is at the client’s discretion at the time of the event.  Any gratuity received is distributed evenly to our service staff.
  
• What dishes/utensils will be used for the reception, plastic or china?  Clear acrylic plates and flatware are included with any food you order free of charge.  If you purchase our BYOB bar package we include acrylic cups.  We offer a china upgrade for $1.50 per person.  For this price, your guests will get a white china dinner plate, bread plate, and stainless flatware.  Glassware is available for rent a la carte based on what you would like to serve at your bar.  Most glasses are around $.60 each.
  
• Additional cost for either? Does bid include cake plates?  We do not include cake plates in the bid since not every event requires it.  If you would like china cake plates there is a $.50/pp rental fee.
  
• Are linens provided and included in the price?  We provide white or black linens for all of our buffet stations and bars.
  
• How many staff/servers are needed for the wedding? How will they be attired?  We will recommend the number of servers and bartenders needed for your event based on the type of food service you would like (plated, buffet, stations, family style) and the amount of set up required.  In addition, if there is a “flip” involved, then we may need some additional hands.  (a “flip” is when the staff turns your ceremony site into your reception site!)  For a typical event we will recommend 1 server for every 30 guests for a buffet service and 1 server for every 20 guests for a plated or family style service.  Our servers are paid $75 for 4 hours and $15 each additional hour.  Our bartenders are $100 paid 4 hours with $25 for each additional hour.  All of our staff members are hired directly by us (not through a staffing service) and work every event with us.  They are TOP NOTCH!  They will be dressed in all black clothing unless the client requests something different.  (we’ve been asked to dressed according to the event’s theme!  The disco party was our personal favorite!)
  
• How often will the buffet be refurbished?  The chef will make sure that the service staff is refreshing the buffet constantly.
  
• Will the caterer’s staff cut and serve the cake? Is there an additional fee?  We do not charge you a fee to cut and serve the cake.  The only charge is for the plate rental ($.50 each).  If you prefer the cake to be served on acrylic plates there is a flat $25 charge to purchase the plates and flatware.
  
• What are the deposit and payment arrangements?  We require a 50% deposit to secure our services for your date.  We will not take multiple events in the same day!  The final balance due needs to be received 3 days prior to the event.
  
• What are the cancellation/postponement policies?  The deposit is non refundable.  However, we can apply it, less $500, to another event occurring within 90 days of the original date (based on availability).
  
• What beverage arrangements have been made? Will liquor be served?  We have a wonderful drink station with fresh squeezed lemonade, iced tea and water that is very popular for only $3/pp!  In addition, we have a BYOB Bar Package that includes sodas, mixers, garnishes, ice, bar equipment, tables, and linens for only $2/pp!  You are responsible for purchasing the alcohol and we would be happy to help with the amounts you will need to buy.  In addition, if you buy at Specs (290 and Brodie Ln), we will gladly pick it up for you and deliver it free of charge.  We can also provide suggestions for wine pairings from our wine experts!
  
• Does caterer have proper licensing? Will caterer serve? Cash or open bar?  Royal Fig has all the necessary insurance and can provide you and the venue with the proper documentation if desired.  All of our staff members (bartenders and servers) are TABC certified.  We typically serve an open bar since the alcohol is provided by the client.
  
• Is the caterer familiar with the facility?  Included in our price is a site visit with our Event Coordinator who will be running your event.  There is no charge for the event coordination services. The coordinator will do a site visit with you before the event.
  
• Will caterer need access to a kitchen and how early?  If there is no kitchen on site, we can bring one!  We just need access to an electrical outlet.  We have set up kitchens in the middle of farms!  Our arrival time will depend on the set up and menu involved with the event.  The food is cooked on site to ensure that it is coming out fresh and hot and not overcooked!
  
• Who is responsible for table decorations including the buffet table if one is used?  Decor is the responsibility of the client unless it is requested that Royal Fig take care of it.  If you don’t want to worry about it we can review all of your options and the costs.
  
• Can box meals or a separate meal be provided for the other wedding professionals?  (Photographer, DJ, security, etc.)  We will prepare between 5 and 10% more food than is actually needed for your event.  This overage is to feed all of the vendors and staff involved in your event.  You do not need to include them in your guest count.  We will do this free of charge.
  
• What is the additional cost?  NONE!
  
• Can the caterer prepare a going-away package with samples from the menu?  We can prepare a plate for the couple to take away.
  
• When is final head count is due?  We need to know your final guest count 5 days prior to your event.  If you have ordered some specialty items that may take longer for us to procure, then we will let you know!

Check out our SERVICES page for more details on what is included in your catering package!  We pride ourselves on high quality organic ingredients and the exemplary customer service.   Call or email for a consultation!