Bay Area Wedding Catering

Full Service Wedding Caterer

Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, San Jose and Bay Area Wedding Catering

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Almost nothing makes us more excited than crafting a delicious and fresh-made meal, but we’ve got to say — true love comes pretty close. Handheld Catering is thrilled to offer wedding catering services throughout the Bay Area including Santa Clara, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and San Jose, so that newlyweds and guests alike can have the dining experience of a lifetime.

At Handheld Catering, your food is made with love on every level. That’s why we take a farm-to-fork approach to dining: our ingredients are locally-sourced whenever possible, grown with care and thoughtfully selected from local farmers’ markets. We take our inspiration from our beautiful California surroundings, and we focus our meals around seasonally-available ingredients — we make sure even nature is giving you only its very best! Our expert chef will craft a beautifully-served meal uniquely suited to your tastes, and fresh-sourced ingredients mean your meal will be deliciously wholesome, no matter how indulgent.

Whether your wedding occasion is extravagant or intimate, Handheld Catering is committed to helping you cultivate the perfect atmosphere to celebrate your love. We’re here to support your special day, and we’ll stay in close contact with your wedding planning team so we fit into your vision for the first day of the rest of you and your partner’s life together.

You’ve already gone through all the trouble (or, you know, bliss) of finding the immensely beautiful person you want to spend the rest of your life with — don’t stress about finding the perfect wedding caterer. Handheld Catering will make sure your wedding dining experience goes off without a hitch, so you and your loved ones can celebrate a day you’ll all remember forever.

If you are looking for amazing wedding catering in Santa Clara, Los Altos, Sunnyvale or other Bay Area locations, give us a call at (408)692-8742 and we’ll get started planning your perfect meal.

Event Planning & Design Consultations

When choosing Handheld Catering you are choosing a full-service catering company which means we can do it all. That being said we offer Design Consultations with an event planner whenever you book a wedding.

Consultation includes:
China, flatware, & linen options for your catering package
Your event inspiration and color scheme options
China, flatware and glassware options 
Dessert table ideas
Seating table and venue layout
Outside vendor referrals
Event & buffet signage options 
Event lighting ideas
What are you envisioning?

full service wedding catering table place setting setup

Private Tastings

We offer private tastings for custom menus and plated dinner packages. Private tastings are scheduled on select weekdays, according to the chef’s availability.  Price is based on menu selection, starting at $75.00 per person. Availability is limited, and a minimum of 2 weeks notice is required. Our Chefs are busy preparing for events on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Please contact your Event Specialist for more information!

How Can Wedding Catering Make Your Life Easier?

Planning a wedding is no small task. From the guest list to the decorations and everything in between, there are a million details to keep track of. But one of the most important things to consider is the food. How can wedding catering make your life easier?

In this blog post, we will discuss the services that a typical Silcon Valley wedding catering service provides, the pros and cons of different food options for your special day, and how fresh ingredients make all the difference in your menu.

By the end, you will have a better understanding of how wedding catering can help make your special day a breeze.

What Does A Typical Wedding Catering Service Provide?

A typical wedding catering service offers a variety of packages, each geared toward the needs and budget of the couple. This can include food, flowers, entertainment, servers, and more. They can also offer furnishings, such as tables, chairs, plates, service ware, glasses and utensils. Many caterers even provide centerpieces to compliment your wedding theme.

Depending on the package you choose, these services can also include ancillary offerings like cake cutting assistance, champagne fountain service and more. While they can be a little more expensive than the basic package, these extras will come in handy and you may find them worth the cost.

You can get a lot of value out of your wedding catering service by selecting an all-in-one package, as this will take care of the major tasks for you and save you money in the long run. It will also save you time and energy, as they will take care of everything from start to finish.

You can also save on catering costs by choosing a buffet or family style menu. This option will allow you to serve more foods at a lower cost, as they can be passed from guest to guest rather than plated. This is especially helpful for couples who wish to avoid the stress of a long wait in line and have more flexibility with their meal selections.

Should You Consider Different Food Options For Your Special Day?

It’s no secret that planning a special day can be challenging. From the food to the decorations, there are endless options and decisions to be made. However, by choosing food options that are budget-friendly and versatile, as well as catering services that offer variety and customization, it can be much easier to pull off your dream day.

First, let’s discuss budget considerations. With so many different food options available on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. With catering services that offer a variety in terms of price and type of cuisine, you won’t have to break the bank to find a service that suits your needs.

Next, let’s take a look at the variety of food options that are available today. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options, or something more traditional like Italian or Chinese cuisine, there’s bound to be something for you.

Plus, with knowledgeable staff who are willing to help customize dishes and menus according to dietary restrictions or allergies, your special day will run smoothly from beginning to end.

Finally, presentation is always an important factor when planning a special event such as a wedding or birthday party.

With careful attention paid to detail in terms of arrangement and color scheme, your event will look picture perfect – no matter what type of cuisine is being served. In addition timeliness is also important – you don’t want your guests leaving hungry after spending all this time together.

So if you’re looking for ideas on how best to celebrate your special day without breaking the bank –choose food catering services that offer variety and customization along with reliable quality control measures.

How To Make A Smart Catering Choice For Your Wedding Day?

No matter how perfect your wedding day may seem, there’s always the chance that something will go wrong. Whether it’s a last-minute guest addition or a forgotten detail, there’s always the potential for chaos. That’s why it’s important to choose a catering company that is capable of handling any situation.

It is important to understand what type of catering is right for your wedding. There are many different types of weddings out there – from casual affairs to lavish ceremonies – so it is important to choose the right one for your event. Once you have an idea of what type of wedding you’re hosting, explore cost effective and creative food options that fit the bill.

One great way to save money on your caterer is to compare their prices, services, and quality of food in depth before making a decision. This way, you can make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money while also enjoying delicious meals.

Additionally, be sure to pick an option that will accommodate the number of guests attending your wedding – no one wants an empty plate at their reception.

Finally, keep in mind special dietary requirements when selecting food items for your wedding day. No one wants anyone feeling sick or left out during their big day, so make sure to ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions before arriving at your caterer appointment.

How Do You Choose A Wedding Caterer?

The food at a wedding reception is one of the most important parts of any event. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a wedding caterer who will deliver delicious food and a seamless experience.

You’ll want to interview and compare several wedding catering companies before choosing your final choice. During these interviews, ask each candidate to prepare a proposal that addresses details like cost per person, menu options, how much it includes (alcohol, rentals, tips), service and presentation style, and less expensive alternatives.

It’s essential to talk about catering costs early on, as it’s common for caterers to quote prices on a per-person basis without fully explaining the details. Getting things like gratuity, set-up and clean-up charges, rentals and cake cutting & corking fees included will help make sure you don’t overspend.

Finally, be sure to get all the information in writing before signing a contract. This will protect you in case last-minute changes or cancellations occur.

A great wedding caterer will be happy to work with you to find the right balance between price and quality for your special day. They should take the time to understand your vision for your wedding and offer ideas to elevate it. And they should have the expertise to execute all of your requests.

Why Working With A Reputable Caterer Matters?

Choosing a reputable caterer to help with your wedding reception can be a huge time and money saver. Not only can they help you plan the event, but they also have a network of reliable resources that you can delegate all your catering needs to. Their team is well-trained and familiar with local regulations and requirements, so you can rest assured that your menu selections will be masterfully prepared. They prioritize high quality ingredients, preparation and presentation, which ensures that your wedding will be remembered for years to come.

In addition, their staff are highly trained professionals who understand customer service. As a result, everything from coordinating the linens to providing drinks will be handled expertly by the caterer team.

No matter what style of wedding you are planning – traditional or modern – caterers have a service that will perfectly match your needs.

They offer services in food catering (menu planning/selection, food delivery/placing orders, set up), floral design & arrangement (designing centerpieces & bouquets), DJ services (planning music selections for ceremony & reception), photography services (capturing memories during the reception), event security (providing coverage during cocktail hour & reception), and more.

So whether you’re looking for an all-in-one package or need specific services like cake cutting or bartending done, they have it covered.

What Factors Into Wedding Catering Costs?

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a large party for thousands of people, wedding catering is an important part of the overall budget. In fact, food and beverage costs account for 30% of most couples’ overall wedding budgets.

Choosing the right caterer is essential for ensuring that you can serve your guests quality food without breaking the bank. You’ll want to consider the type of food you will be serving, how many guests you expect to have, and the venue you are tying the knot in.

If you’re having a sit-down dinner, a plated meal is ideal, with wait staff bringing the dishes to your guests in courses. If you are tying the knot in a less formal setting, a buffet-style meal is a great option.

Location, type of food, and alcohol are also major factors that will affect your wedding catering cost. For example, a trendy downtown or popular seaside spot will be more expensive than a small, rural town.

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?

Wedding catering costs can vary widely, depending on your menu, number of guests, venue, and serving style. You’ll also need to consider rental upgrades, staffing, and bar packages.

You’ll need to factor in a minimum catering fee, especially if you’re hosting a larger wedding or if you’re in a peak season. This amount usually depends on how big the event is and the menu and venu. It can go up or down depending on your guest count, style of service, and location.

Wedding catering tips are also standard practice and are often factored into the bill, but it’s always a good idea to check with your caterer first. A gratuity of 15-20% is typically reasonable for a wedding catering company, and most caterers will add this automatically to the final food and beverage bill.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare An Average Wedding Catering?

It’s important to keep in mind that wedding catering takes a lot of planning and preparation. This includes deciding on a menu, choosing a wedding venue, and making all of the arrangements for your wedding day.

The amount of time it takes to prepare an average wedding catering will vary depending on how much food you’re serving and what type of food you choose. For example, a plated dinner meal with wait staff will take a little more time to prepare and serve than a buffet-style meal with a mix-and-match selection of dishes.

A full-service wedding catering in Silicon Valley event will also require a lot of staff and can be more expensive than buffet-style meals. The staffing costs can add up quickly, so you may want to consider opting for a more affordable option like family-style dining instead.

You can also cut down on catering costs by limiting your guest list to a more reasonable number of guests. This will save you money on fewer rentals, fewer food items, and fewer drinks, all of which will help you stay within your budget.