Western Iowa & Council Bluffs
Serving: Council Bluffs • Sioux City • Le Mars • Spencer • Storm Lake • Denison • Carroll • Atlantic • Glenwood • Harlan
Western Iowa catering listings coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →
Des Moines & Central Iowa
Serving: Des Moines • Ames • Ankeny • West Des Moines • Urbandale • Johnston • Marshalltown • Newton • Boone • Indianola
Central Iowa catering listings coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →
Great Food Needs Great Music
A delicious meal sets the stage, but the entertainment makes the party. SBC Event Services provides professional DJ and MC services to keep the flow going after dinner.
Check DJ Availability »Cedar Rapids & Eastern Iowa
Serving: Cedar Rapids • Iowa City • Davenport • Dubuque • Waterloo • Cedar Falls • Bettendorf • Muscatine • Burlington • Clinton
Eastern Iowa catering listings coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →
Free interview notes
Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer
Don't sign a contract until you have answers to these. Save each Caterer's answers, rate your gut feeling and compare them side by side. Everything goes into your free Happily Ever Iowa wedding plan.
Free printable checklist: questions to ask every wedding vendor
1. Is my date available?
Always confirm availability first.
2. Do you have a minimum spend or guest count?
Some caterers require a minimum number of guests or dollar amount.
3. Is a tasting included?
When can you schedule it, and is there a fee?
4. Can you handle allergies and dietary needs?
Gluten-free, vegetarian, nut allergies, kids meals.
5. What is the service charge or gratuity?
Often 18-22% on top of the food cost.
6. Do you handle bar service?
Bartenders and alcohol, or just the food?
7. Are linens, china and glassware included?
If not, you may need to rent them separately.
8. Do you cut and serve the cake?
Some caterers charge a cake cutting fee per slice.
9. Can we take leftovers home?
Ask about to-go boxes for the family.
10. When is the final headcount due?
Usually 1-3 weeks before the wedding.
11. What is the deposit and payment schedule?
Most vendors take 25-50% to hold your date. Get the balance due date in writing.