Frequently Asked Questions
Can you create a customized menu based on our preferences and theme? Certainly! We would be delighted to incorporate your personal touch into the culinary experience.
What is your policy on providing waitstaff, and how is the service staff dressed? Carmelita Catering Co. will provide wait staff exclusively for food services at your event. Our team will enhance the experience by serving passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour, clearing tables, and managing the cleanup of dinnerware rentals for the designated rental company. The attire includes black pants, a white buttoned-up shirt, and a tie.
Are there additional charges such as delivery fees, setup fees, or gratuity that we should be aware of? Certainly! Each event is unique, and an 18% gratuity fee is included. Additionally, a service fee, determined by the total cost of the food, is added to ensure exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail throughout your special occasion.
What are the payment terms, and when is the final payment due? A nonrefundable retainer of 30% is required to secure our services. The remaining balance is due four weeks before the event, aligning with the finalization of guest numbers.
What types of cuisines do you specialize in for wedding catering? While our Mexican cuisine remains a top favorite, we enjoy creating freshly made menus from scratch. Our culinary expertise extends beyond Mexican fare to include American and Italian dishes, providing a diverse and delightful dining experience.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests for individual guests, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options? Certainly! Our menu includes choices for gluten-free dietary preferences, and we are more than happy to customize options for vegetarians and vegans to cater to your specific needs.
How do you handle food-tasting sessions, and is there an additional cost for this service? Upon finalizing your menu choices, we arrange a tasting consultation to delve into presentation and flavor variations. The price for this experience is $150 per couple, and you can include additional guests for an extra fee.
Do you provide all necessary catering equipment, such as tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware? Carmelita Catering Co. will manage all catering-related equipment for your event. Tables, chairs, and linens can be rented separately from other vendors, and we are delighted to provide recommendations for trusted vendors we collaborate with. Additionally, for an extra cost, high-end disposable and compostable dinnerware options are available for purchase.
Event Staff
Calculating event staff costs can vary widely depending on various factors, such as the type and duration of the event, the number of attendees, the roles required, the skill level of the staff, and the location. However, we can provide a general overview of the types of staff commonly hired for events and their typical rates:
Chef: The rate for a chef can vary based on their experience, expertise, and the complexity of the menu. Our highly skilled chefs may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 or more per hour.
Kitchen Personnel: This category includes kitchen assistants, prep cooks, dishwashers, and other support staff. Kitchen personnel's rates typically range from $170 to $190 per day, depending on their experience level and responsibilities.
Event Butlers: Event butlers or servers provide service during the event, including serving food and beverages, clearing dishes, and attending to guests' needs. Hourly rates for event butlers can vary based on their experience and the required service level. Rates may range from $150 to $165 or more per day.
Event Coordinator/Manager: Oversees all aspects of the event planning and execution, including logistics, scheduling, and coordination with vendors. Hourly rates can range from $25 to $100 or more, depending on experience and expertise. This only applies when an event requires.
Setup and Cleanup Crew: Responsible for setting up event spaces, arranging furniture, decorations, and equipment, as well as cleaning up after the event. Hourly rates may range from $25 or more, depending on the tasks involved. This only applies when the event requires.
When estimating event staff costs, it's important to consider additional factors such as:
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Overtime rates: If the event extends beyond the agreed-upon timeframe, overtime rates may apply, increasing the overall cost.
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Gratuity: Gratuity is not included in our pricing.
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Additional fees: we may charge additional fees for equipment rental, travel, or special requests.
It's important to note that these rates are general estimates and can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, demand, and the event's specific requirements.