Question 1

What is included in your pricing?

Accepted Answer

All of our wedding catering packages include:
Kitchen & Serving Equipment – Everything needed for seamless food preparation and service.
White China, Flatware & Water Glasses – Includes water service at each table during dinner.
Assortment of Dinner Rolls & Butter – A fresh selection to accompany your meal.
Cake Cutting & Service – We cut and serve your wedding cake on white china.
Professional, Uniformed Staff – Our experienced team ensures excellent service throughout your event.
Full Setup, Service & Cleanup – We handle everything from start to finish, so you can enjoy your special day.
All Necessary Labor – No hidden fees—our team is there to manage every detail.

Question 2

What can I expect from your service at my event?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional dining experience during your wedding reception. To ensure the highest level of service, all of our staff undergoes thorough training and testing before working at any of our events. We take pride in not only delivering quality service but also ensuring that our staff maintains a professional appearance while taking care of your guests. From seamless service to attentive care, we are committed to making your event memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Question 3

What is your policy on retainers, contracts, and cancellations?

Accepted Answer

To secure your event date, we require a $2,000 non-refundable retainer, which must be accompanied by a signed contract.While retainers are non-refundable, they are transferable to a different date or service, based on availability.

Payment Terms:
The estimated balance is due 15 business days prior to the event.
Payments can be made via credit card, cash, or certified check payable to Antigua.
A 3% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.

Cancellation Policy:
Securing your event date prevents us from accepting other bookings and requires us to allocate resources, staff, and planning efforts specifically for your event. Because of this, cancellations will incur fees based on the following schedule:
60 to 90 days before the event – 30% of the remaining balance is due.
30 to 59 days before the event – 50% of the remaining balance is due.
29 days or less before the event – 100% of the remaining balance is due.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing, along with payment of any outstanding balance. Failure to settle the remaining balance in accordance with our cancellation policy may result in legal action to recover the owed amount.

Question 4

How can I schedule a tasting with Antigua Catering, and are there any fees involved?

Accepted Answer

Tastings are primarily scheduled on Wednesdays between 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm for a focused and personalized experience. However, we do have limited availability on Sundays for tastings, depending on the schedule.

If you require a weekend appointment or a different day, please reach out to your dedicated catering manager, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that a nominal fee of $50 per person applies for each tasting, ensuring a memorable and customized culinary experience.

You can schedule your tasting with our Catering Director using this link!

Question 5

How do you accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or special needs?

Accepted Answer

Accommodating guests with dietary restrictions is essential to providing an inclusive experience.

We encourage you to focus on selecting your desired menu, and once that is finalized, our catering manager will work with you to create a separate menu for guests with dietary restrictions at no additional cost.

Whether it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, or any other special requirement, we’re here to ensure that all your guests enjoy a wonderful meal. Rest assured, we are committed to seamlessly meeting their needs without compromising on quality or taste.

Question 6

When is the final payment due, and what payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

The final payment must be received at least 10 business days before your event. Payments can be made by:
Checks or Cashier’s Checks – Payable to Antigua.
Credit Cards – A 3% convenience fee will be added to the total amount.
Please ensure timely payment to avoid any service disruptions. Let us know if you have any questions regarding payment options.

Question 7

When do I need to provide my final guest count?

Accepted Answer

Your final meal count must be submitted no later than 15 business days before your event so that we can generate an invoice and allow enough time for payment processing.

The final payment is due 10 business days before the event, so submitting your final count on time ensures you receive an accurate invoice and can make timely payment.

You may increase your guest count up to 48 hours before your wedding, but reductions cannot be made after the final count is submitted.

To maintain flexibility, we recommend basing your contract on the lowest expected guest count and increasing if needed. Let us know if you have any questions regarding guest count adjustments.

Question 8

Can I customize the menu for my wedding?

Accepted Answer

While we offer a variety of pre-set menus for your convenience, our award-winning culinary team is excited to go the extra mile by creating a customized menu tailored specifically to your preferences. The culinary possibilities are truly limitless!

To begin this exciting culinary journey, we encourage you to call and schedule your tasting appointment as soon as possible. Please note that dates fill up quickly, especially during the busy wedding season, and availability may be limited.

We’re here to help bring your vision to life, so feel free to reach out with any questions or special requests!

Question 9

Do you offer coffee or bar service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer both coffee and bar service! If your venue does not provide these services, we can gladly arrange them for you. Please reach out to your catering manager for more details on how we can tailor the coffee or bar service to fit your event’s needs. We’re here to ensure that every detail is covered to make your reception as seamless as possible!

Question 10

What happens to leftover food after the event?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with strict health department regulations, guests are not permitted to take any food or beverages off the premises. Antigua Catering & Events does not provide carry-out containers for leftover food. Any unused food and beverages remain the property of Antigua Catering & Events unless prior arrangements are made with management, and a waiver is signed at the time of payment. We are happy to accommodate requests for leftovers under these conditions.

Question 11

How do you handle damaged equipment or missing items?

Accepted Answer

We take great care to ensure the safety and integrity of our equipment and belongings. However, in the event of any damage or loss caused by attendees, we reserve the right to charge the client for the replacement or repair of any missing or damaged items. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining our inventory and helping us ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Question 12

Is there an extra service charge for catering on holidays?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to schedule catering services for your wedding on a legal holiday or holiday weekend, please note that an additional 25% service charge will apply, and the duration of service will be capped at a maximum of six hours. This adjustment applies to the following holidays:
New Year’s Eve/Weekend
New Year’s Day/Weekend
Easter Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
Fourth of July/Weekend
Thanksgiving Weekend
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Additional charges may apply based on the specifics of your event. We appreciate your understanding and are happy to discuss any questions regarding holiday service.

Question 13

Do you charge extra for room flips or reconfigurations?

Accepted Answer

While we work closely with the venue to assist with flipping the room for your event, additional charges may apply if the flip is extensive or if there is limited time to complete the setup. Should it be necessary to reconfigure the room for dinner service, a fee of $1.50 per person will be charged if additional staff is required by the venue or deemed necessary by us. Additional charges may also be incurred if the setup is more complex and requires extra staffing. We will always discuss these details with you in advance to ensure transparency and a smooth event.

Question 14

How do you handle additional rentals for my event?

Accepted Answer

If you would like us to coordinate any additional rentals for your event, please notify your catering managerno later than 30 days before the scheduled date. While we are more than happy to assist with this, please note that we cannot guarantee the availability or pricing from third-party vendors. We will do our best to accommodate your requests within the specified timeframe, but availability may vary based on vendor schedules and inventory.

Question 15

What is your service charge fee, and what does it entailed?

Accepted Answer

A 22% service charge (in addition to Wisconsin Sales Tax) is applied to both food and beverage.

It's important to note that this service charge is not a staff gratuity, but rather a labor charge. The labor charge covers various costs associated with your event, including equipment or disposables used during service, administrative expenses, insurance, delivery and fuel charges, as well as the coordination and production of your event.

Gratuity for our staff is entirely at the discretion of the client and is not included in the service charge. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to your catering manager.

Question 16

Why do you charge a venu fee/management fee?

Accepted Answer

Our venue/management fee is designed to fairly account for the varying requirements and logistical costs associated with catering at different venues. Instead of increasing our overall prices for every event, this fee ensures that clients only pay for the specific costs tied to their chosen venue and its management. This allows us to maintain high-quality service while keeping our pricing fair and transparent. The fee helps cover the unique needs of each event, ensuring a seamless experience without impacting the cost for other clients.

Question 17

Do you charge a travel fee for weddings outside of the Milwaukee County area?

Accepted Answer

If your wedding reception is held outside the Milwaukee County area, an additional travel fee will apply. On average, our travel charges range from $300 to $600, depending on the distance and logistics. For more specific details, please reach out to your catering manager, who will provide you with an accurate quote based on your event location.

Question 18

What happens if there’s a delay in arrival?

Accepted Answer

We take pride in delivering on-time, high-quality service. However, in the rare event of uncontrollable circumstances such as traffic, weather, or other unforeseen delays, Antigua Catering & Events may experience delays in arrival. In such cases, we request a buffer window of 1 to 1.5 hours from the contracted arrival time to ensure we can still provide the exceptional service you expect. We will always do our best to minimize delays and keep you informed if any issues arise.

Question 19

Do you take photos or videos during the event?

Accepted Answer

Throughout our events, we may capture images and videos of our culinary creations, the venue, couples, and other moments for marketing purposes. If you would prefer that we do not photograph or videotape your event, please inform your catering manager in advance. Your preferences are important to us, and we are committed to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Question 20

Do you offer linen rentals, and what’s the process?

Accepted Answer

We work with a select group of linen rental companies to accommodate any special requests you may have. If you prefer to rent your linens independently, we’re happy to coordinate the setup at no additional charge. However, if you need our assistance with pickup and/or return of the linens, a $250 fee will apply for staff time.

Please note that you are still responsible for any missing or damaged linens, regardless of the rental company used. Antigua Catering & Events does not receive any additional compensation for linen rentals; our goal is simply to assist in providing a seamless experience for you.

If no one from your party is available to help with the linen pickup at the end of the event, we will need to charge for staff assistance to handle the pickup and return. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring everything runs smoothly!

Question 21

What venues do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We take pride in our collaborations with the following venues:
Anodyne Coffee—Walker’s Point
Birch
Denizen
Filament MKE
Flores Hall
Grace Center
Ivy House
Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Zoo
Pritzlaff Events
Rustic Manor 1848
Sanger House Gardens
Story Hill Firehouse
The Best Place & Blue Ribbon Hall
The Box
The Rivulet
The Starling
The Society
The Tinsmith - Madison
Turner Hall
Twelve29 - Lannon
Urban Ecology Centers
Veterans Terrace - Burlington
War Memorial Center
10 South - Janesville
If you don’t see your preferred venue listed, please inform us! We may have the flexibility to accommodate your request, and we are committed to ensuring your event is held at the location of your choice. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we will work with you to make it happen.

Frequently asked questions