Question 1

Do you have a minimum for weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our pricing is based on a minimum of 120 adults. Smaller events are subject to a price adjustment.

Question 2

Do you offer tastings?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have several tasting options to help you experience our delicious food. How to Sample Our Food: Visit our website and select the tasting option that best fits your needs and schedule. ✨ Group Tastings – Sample over 50 different menu items at one of our scheduled tasting events. 🍽️ Private Tastings – Complimentary for up to 6 guests. Choose any 5 items from our menu to taste. ⭐ Enhanced Private Tastings – Also complimentary for up to 6 guests. Select 5 items from our menu, and CK will enhance your tasting with a selection of popular appetizers, sides, and desserts. We can't wait to share our food with you!

Question 3

Do you offer cake cutting services?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our cake-cutting service is included at no additional charge. We’ll handle cutting and serving your dessert—whether it’s cake, pies, or other sweets! Desserts will be arranged on clear acrylic plates, each with a clear fork, making it easy for guests to pick up their selection from the dessert table.

Question 4

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and special meal requests. To ensure a smooth experience, we encourage discussing these details well in advance of your event. Please note that our kitchen is a shared space, and while we take precautions, cross-contamination is always a possibility. Guests with severe allergies should carry any necessary medications, and in some cases, bringing their own food may be the safest option. CK Catering is not liable for any allergic reactions that may occur. Your guests’ well-being is important to us, and we’re happy to work with you to find the best solution.

Question 5

How far out do you recommend booking your services?

Accepted Answer

For summer and fall weddings, we recommend at least 10 months in advance.

Question 6

Where are Private Tastings held?

Accepted Answer

Private tastings are held at CK Catering, 2430 Plaza Drive, Benton Harbor, MI, 49022, 269-849-0693. We are on Eastern time.

Question 7

I’ve attended a group or private tasting - am I all set for catering now?

Accepted Answer

Not quite! About 2–3 months before your wedding, CK Catering’s Catering Coordinator will reach out via email to schedule a phone call to review the details of your big day. At that time, you’ll receive a Google Drive folder containing: 📄 Your menu 📋 Event sheet 📝 Pre-wedding questionnaire During the call, we’ll go over these details to ensure everything is set. Once finalized, our team will be fully prepared to bring your vision to life on your wedding day!

Question 8

What is in my Google Drive folder? Why do I have one? Who can see my folder?

Accepted Answer

Your Google Drive folder is a central hub for all your catering details. It includes: 📄 Your Menu – A finalized list of the delicious food you’ve selected. 📋 Event Sheet – A detailed outline of your catering timeline and service logistics. 📝 Pre-Wedding Questionnaire – A form to confirm important details before your big day. You’ll review these documents during your call with your CK Catering Coordinator. Your Coordinator will share the folder link with you and, at your request, with others such as your wedding coordinator. Let us know if you need any updates or additional access!

Question 9

Why do I need to do additional phone calls after attending a tasting and choosing my menu?

Accepted Answer

A private tasting is a great first step—it allows you to sample the food that will be served at your wedding, explore our linens, tablescapes, and glassware, and discuss menu options with our team. However, tastings don’t cover every important detail needed for a seamless event. Additional phone calls help us gather crucial information for our chefs and waitstaff, including: 📅 Timeline 🍰 Dessert details 🍸 Bar details 📍 Floor plan ➕ Other key logistics These calls ensure we fully understand your vision and can execute your event flawlessly.

Question 10

How long do these additional phone calls take?

Accepted Answer

📞 First Call (About 60 Minutes) Covers key details; may run longer based on questions and participants. 📞 Second Call (About 30 Minutes) Scheduled three weeks before your wedding to finalize details. May run longer if needed. 📞 Third Call (If Applicable) If you’ve selected a plated dinner with choices, we’ll schedule an additional call the week of your wedding to finalize the guest meal selection spreadsheet. These calls ensure everything is in place so your wedding day runs smoothly!

Question 11

Who is my day of contact with CK Catering?

Accepted Answer

On the day of your wedding, Melissa Hollerbach, 269-325-4609, will be your main contact for CK Catering. While she may not be at your event, she can quickly reach our catering captains, chefs, kitchen, and warehouse teams. For any last-minute changes on your wedding day, you can call or text her at 269-325-4609. Before your wedding day, please reach out to your catering coordinator, as they are handling all catering preparations for your event.

Question 12

Does my retainer go toward my final bill?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your retainer, paid when signing your contract, will be applied to your final invoice, which you will receive two weeks before your event. Final payment is due 7 days before your event. Your Catering Coordinator will review your menu and invoice with you during your final phone call.

Question 13

Am I expected to tip? How do I tip?

Accepted Answer

At CK Catering, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional food, presentation, and service. Our team, typically consisting of 2-3 chefs, a captain, and 3-8 servers, is dedicated to executing your event perfectly. While tipping is not required, it’s always appreciated for excellent service. Most couples tip between 5-15% of the final bill. You can choose to tip at the time of invoicing or distribute cash directly to the catering captain on the night of your event for them to share with the team.

Question 14

Why does CK need a preliminary floor plan?

Accepted Answer

To make sure we get everything just right, we ask for a preliminary floor plan from you (or your coordinator) to help us accurately order and deliver linens. This gives us a clear idea of your vision for linen sizes and colors. Since linens come from an outside vendor, it’s important to have the floor plan ready and shared with both the venue and caterer before your event. We ask for your preliminary floor (rough draft) plan to be submitted at the time of your first phone call with your Catering Coordinator (6-8 weeks before your event) to keep everything running smoothly!

Question 15

Why does CK Catering need my final floor plan?

Accepted Answer

A detailed and finalized floorplan benefits all. One of the reasons we require your floorplan is so that we can order your linens. All linens are ordered and delivered from an outside company. To ensure an accurate order and timely delivery of linens, it is essential the client and/or coordinator provide an updated and completed floor plan to the venue and caterer before the event. Creating a detailed floor plan allows for efficient use of the venue’s staff to set up the tables and chairs. An accurate setup of the room, in return, gives the caterer, the wedding couple, and/or coordinator the best use of time to decorate tables and the venue.

Question 16

When does CK Catering need a final floor plan?

Accepted Answer

A finalized floor plan is due 3 weeks before your event. This will help us confirm linen and tablescape counts for your setup, and our Day of Captain will use it to ensure the correct order of meal service and delivery of special meals to your guests. Having everything finalized by this point ensures smooth service and a perfectly organized event!

Question 17

Does our staff wear a uniform?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our staff members wear uniforms. Our captains and waitstaff wear black shirts, aprons, pants, and shoes. Our onsite chefs wear black chef’s coats, black pants, and shoes to maintain a professional and cohesive appearance.

Question 18

What time does our staff get to the venue?

Accepted Answer

Your venue will have a specific time when vendors are allowed to enter. Our CK Catering set-up team will arrive as close to that opening time as possible to deliver and set up your tables with linens and place settings.

Question 19

Are linens provided at my venue?

Accepted Answer

Typically, venues do not provide linens for your event. However, the good news is that CK Catering packages include linens for many venues! We provide 90x90 table linens in white, ivory, sandalwood, and black, with additional sizes available for optional upgrades. We also offer linen napkins in 26 different colors to complement your event.

Question 20

Can we use different colors of linens for napkins, guest tables & cocktail tables?

Accepted Answer

We love hearing about your décor ideas and are happy to assist in bringing your vision to life by offering a variety of linen colors at no additional cost. You’ll be able to view all available color choices at your CK Catering tasting—whether group or private. Your CK Catering Coordinator will also provide you with a linen color chart to help you select the perfect options. Have fun with it!

Question 21

I need linens for gift tables and dessert tables.

Accepted Answer

CK Catering packages include linens for all cocktail tables, guest tables, gift tables, and dessert tables. We will review your preliminary floor plan with you to discuss your linen needs, sizes, and color preferences. Our standard linens are 90x90 in white, ivory, sandalwood, and black, with additional sizes available for optional upgrades. Please provide your preliminary floor plan at least 4 weeks before your event.

Question 22

We want to use our linen napkins, is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to provide your own linen napkins. CK Catering will gladly fold them (limited selection of folds) and place them on the tables. After dessert, we will collect the napkins and place them in your container so you can take them with you at the end of the event.

Question 23

We want the CK Catering linen napkin folded into a Menu Fold.

Accepted Answer

Napkin dimensions: 17” x 17” Best size of the fold: 4”-4.5” wide x 8”-9” tall Smallest fold size: 3.75” wide x 8” tall

Question 24

Can we pick up our linens and set up our tables ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You are welcome to pick up your linens as early as the Wednesday before your event at CK Catering, located at 2430 Plaza Drive, Benton Harbor, MI, 49022, during office hours (9:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST). Please let us know in advance so we can have the linens ready for you.

Question 25

Will you be able to help set up our centerpieces?

Accepted Answer

CK Catering offers Month-of and Day-of Coordination services. For centerpiece setup, we typically recommend that your coordinator or florist handle it. If that’s not an option, we suggest asking close friends or family to assist with placing your beautiful centerpieces. For coordination services, please contact Melissa at melissa@ckcatering.biz.

Question 26

Open Seating vs Assigned Tables vs Assigned Seats?

Accepted Answer

CK Catering highly recommends either Assigned Tables or Assigned Seats, with Assigned Tables being the most popular. While Open Seating may seem simpler, Assigned Tables (or Seats) help ensure dinner service runs smoothly and efficiently for all guests.

Question 27

When should I ask my guest to RSVP?

Accepted Answer

We recommend setting a final RSVP deadline 6-8 weeks before your wedding. This allows time to follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded, finalize details with your venue and vendors (including bartenders and caterers), and create a final floor plan.

Question 28

What is the difference between a Dual Plated meal and a Plated with Choices meal?

Accepted Answer

A dual-plated meal includes a smaller portion of both selected entrees, along with the sides you’ve chosen. A plated meal with choices features only one of the selected entrees and the sides you’ve chosen. For a plated meal with choices, guests must select their entrée at the time of RSVP, and place cards must be created to indicate their choice, allowing our staff to efficiently serve dinner.

Question 29

Plated Dinner with Choices: Will CK create the place cards for me?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide place card creation. However, your CK Catering Coordinator will be happy to assist you during your phone call when reviewing the Pre-Wedding Questionnaire (PWQ) to ensure your place cards include guest names and a marker indicating their entrée selection. Feel free to get creative with your design!

Question 30

What does CK Catering need for a Plated Dinner with choices?

Accepted Answer

We require: Each table should be named or numbered. Individual place cards (no couple cards) with an identifying marker for each guest’s entrée selection. The marker must be at least the size of a penny, with distinct, easy-to-see colors (avoid pastels; jewel tones work best). A completed spreadsheet with the Keycode and entree list per table. CK Catering will provide the spreadsheet in your Google Drive folder.

Question 31

What do most people use for Identifying Markers on the place card for a Plated Dinner with choices?

Accepted Answer

Most couples choose to use a symbol, such as a stamped animal or vegetable, on the place cards to indicate their guests' meal selections. Some may also color-code the names of guests to represent their food choices. We kindly ask that you provide us with a picture of your place cards in advance of the wedding to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Question 32

Can we take the leftover food home with us?

Accepted Answer

We apologize, but due to the unpredictable nature of offsite catering, CK Catering considers all leftovers to be unsafe for consumption. As a result, it is our policy not to provide leftovers.

Question 33

Can we add extra appetizers or additional entree sides?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Your CK Catering Coordinator will be happy to assist in customizing your menu and providing quotes for any additional selections. On average, extra sides or appetizers will add about $1.00 per person.

Question 34

What happens if I didn’t know a guest had an allergy, do you always bring special meals?

Accepted Answer

We do not automatically prepare special meals for allergies, vegan, or vegetarian diets without prior notice. However, when reviewing your menu with your CK Catering Coordinator, you can make any special dietary requests, and we will happily accommodate them at no additional charge. It's always best to provide these details in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Question 35

My guest has severe allergies, can you speak with them about their meal options?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We are happy to speak directly with any guest who has severe allergies or dietary restrictions. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable meal while ensuring their health and well-being.

Question 36

Can the wedding couple order special meals differently from the guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes! CK Catering can prepare a separate meal for the wedding couple if it is similar to the selected menu. However, a completely different meal may be more challenging to prepare onsite and could incur an additional charge. Your CK Catering Coordinator will be happy to discuss options with you during menu selection.

Question 37

Do you provide water for the guests' tables and the entire event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are pleased to offer table-side water service. Guests can choose between our stemmed water goblets or fun 1-pint mason jars. Each table will also have a water carafe, which our staff will keep filled through dessert. Table-side service is available from the start of salads through dessert—otherwise, guests are welcome to visit the bar for water at any time.

Question 38

What if I am having a Dry Wedding with no alcohol? Can CK provide beverages, cups, ice, & a bar server?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you’re hosting a dry wedding with no alcohol, CK Catering can provide beverages for an additional cost. This service includes beverages, condiments, 9oz clear plastic cups, and glass dispensers with stands (styles may vary). If needed, an attendant can be scheduled at an hourly rate. Your CK Catering Coordinator will be happy to assist with these arrangements.

Question 39

Can we use our special glasses for the wedding couple and rent glasses for the guests?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You’re welcome to use special glasses for the wedding couple or even the head table. Our glassware selection is available to view at our tastings, and you can also find photos in your Pre-Wedding Questionnaire (PWQ).

Question 40

Can we pay for fewer people for the pre-ceremony beverage?

Accepted Answer

Pre-ceremony beverage pricing is based on your total guest count. If you have specific requests or considerations, we encourage you to discuss them with your CK Catering Coordinator while reviewing your menu and completing your Pre-Wedding Questionnaire (PWQ).

Question 41

Do I need to bring plates, napkins, and forks for the dessert table?

Accepted Answer

We've got you covered! All CK Catering packages include clear acrylic dessert plates, forks, and/or bowls and spoons, along with napkins for your dessert table. Upon request, your CK Catering Coordinator can also arrange for our staff to set up and replenish your dessert table while they are onsite.

Question 42

Does CK make small wedding cakes?

Accepted Answer

While our dessert department offers many delicious options, we do not create wedding cakes. However, your CK Catering Coordinator would be happy to provide a list of excellent local bakeries that we frequently see at our events.

Question 43

Do we have to use CK Catering for late-night snacks or can we arrange our late-night snacks?

Accepted Answer

CK Catering offers a fun and delicious late-night snack menu to keep your guests energized, complete with all necessary plates, silverware, and napkins. While we would love to provide this service for you, you are not required to use CK Catering. If you choose to provide your own late-night snacks, please note that our staff will not be able to serve them or supply additional plates and napkins.

Question 44

Can we pay for fewer people for a late-night snack?

Accepted Answer

Our late-night snack menus are priced at a reduced rate to account for the fact that some guests may have left before service begins. These menus are designed to accommodate approximately 75-80% of your guest count, ensuring a cost-effective option while still providing a great late-night experience.

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