Venue? Check. Cowboy boots? Check. Photographer? Check. Food……wait, what about the food? That’s right, have you thought about how you will feed those 300+ guests? At Goode Co. Catering and Events, we get it. Your big day comes with a big to-do list; the last thing you must worry about is food. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to handle the eats while you focus on tying the knot. If you’re lookin’ for catering tips, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and delicious menu options to make your special day unforgettable.
For over 47 years, we’ve been serving up mouthwatering BBQ, Tex-Mex, seafood, and appetizers to happy couples all over Houston, from the Woodlands and the Heights to Montrose and the Museum District. And trust us, your brisket-lovin’ guests will thank you. So whether you’re picturing a full-service catering feast or a more casual catering delivery approach, let us handle the wedding catering and make your day as Texas as it gets!
What are the different types of catering service options for weddings?
Many engaged couples never consider how you plan to serve your meal, can affect your overall wedding. There are endless ways to cater your wedding, from buffet receptions to family-style sit-down feasts or even an approach inspired by planning corporate catering events. The style you choose sets the tone for your celebration.
Buffet Reception: If you’ve always wanted a sit-down dinner, choosing a buffet is an excellent reception option. A buffet displays food for guests to create their plates, making it a versatile choice for various occasions, from weddings to engagement parties. Pairing this setup with one of the top venues for your event in Houston in 2025 can make your gathering both memorable and seamless.
Live Action Stations Reception: This type of immersive catering is a fun and unique way to serve food to your guests, and at Goode Co. Catering and Events, we take pride in providing this reception with this trendy catering style for our wedding couples. From our guacamole and chilled seafood stations to our Frito pie and Campechana stations, these are extremely popular ways of allowing guests to customize their meals to build them according to flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Cocktail Reception: Instead of having everyone sit down for a formal dinner, save yourself the expense and host a cocktail reception. This is an excellent option for those considering hosting a large event in Houston while keeping things affordable and stylish.
Plated Reception: The catering staff serves the food directly to the seated guests in a plated meal. The advantage is that all your guests will receive a warm plate of food with minimal waste. While juggling meal cards and protein preferences can be challenging, opting for full-service catering can make the process stress-free. Experienced staff handle the details, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your event without worry.
Is Bar Service Included in the Catering Package?
Yes, most Houston catering services typically include bar service in the package—for instance, Goode Co. Catering and Events offer different bar packages, including:
- The Damn Goode Bar Package
- The Goode Bar Package
- The Damn Goode Margarita Party
- The Beer and Wine Package
There are numerous premium bar upgrades, specialty cocktails, and our signature Airstream-Turned-Bar, Yonderlust, a great way to customize drinks and serve them from our unique trailer.
What to consider regarding wedding catering?
We always recommend developing a wedding catering checklist so that you can prioritize the following factors when selecting a wedding caterer and planning your menu. Many of these tips are similar to the planning tips we recommend for a holiday event, ensuring every detail is covered for a seamless and memorable celebration.
- Budget: Catering is usually a significant expense, so allocate a large part of your wedding budget.
- Guest Count: You’ll have difficulty providing enough food without an accurate guest count.
- Meal Style: Consider your guests and decide between a buffet, plated, or cocktail reception. This approach works well for weddings and celebrations, including graduation party catering. Ensure the service style reflects the celebration’s tone and guest preferences.
- Dietary Restrictions: Ensure your caterer can handle your guests’ allergies and nutritional needs.
- Staffing and Service: Evaluate the caterer’s ability to provide adequate staffing and service throughout your wedding day.
- Venue Limitations: Once you’ve chosen your venue, ensure there are no restrictions or limitations regarding catering options.
What questions should I ask my caterer?
Your wedding catering may be the most significant single expense of your day, so whether you’re still debating on-site vs. offsite catering or considering specific styles like Tex-Mex catering, the following questions you should ask your caterer should help you decide what type is best for your special day.
- Are you available for my wedding date?
- What style of catering do you offer?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- Do you provide specific dietary options?
- Are you licensed?
- What is the server-to-guest ratio?
- What is included in your menu pricing?
- Do you specialize in certain types of food?
- How does delivery, set-up, and teardown work?
How to Create a Wedding Catering Timeline?
At 8-12 months
- Interview and choose a catering company (meet with several caterers ahead of time and, if possible, taste their samples).
- Decide on the type of reception you want to have
- Clearly outline your budget for food and beverages
- Attend a tasting with your caterer
- Pay Deposit
At 6 months
- Schedule a formal tasting with your contracted caterer and finalize your menu choices:
- Appetizers
- Dinner
- Desserts
- Late-Night Eats
- Action Stations
- Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Choose plates, tables, glassware, chairs, flatware and linens.
- Finalize the date of your rehearsal dinner menu with the caterer at the venue or restaurant.
2-3 Weeks Before Wedding
- Please review the guest list and check for food allergies or dietary requirements. Then, communicate all of this information to the caterer.
- Finalize the seating chart (if it applies to your wedding).
Week of Wedding
- Provide caterer with final guest count to caterer and venue.
- Give place cards, table numbers, and menus to the catering manager.
- Confirm arrival and teardown times for catering.
- Send the catering team a day-of schedule and floor plan layout.
Make your Wedding Unforgettable with Goode Co. Catering and Events
Your wedding day should be one of the most memorable moments of your life, and what you serve your guests should reflect that. Whether you envision an elaborate fall-themed buffet, a plated meal, or interactive live-action stations, Goode Co. Catering and Events has the experience and ability to make your day as sumptuous as it is unforgettable.
With over 47 years of serving mouthwatering BBQ, Tex-Mex, seafood, and more in Houston, we understand how to deliver service and flavor in Space City. Why leave anything to chance on such a momentous occasion? Let us handle the details so you can focus on celebrating your day.
Contact Goode Co. Catering and Events today to start planning your dream wedding menu and ensure your big day is a Goode one!