152 West Lake Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-9444
ken@montereybaycaterers.com
Fax: (831) 722-7697
(831) 722-9444
Weddings
Congratulations from MBC
How to Proceed
Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding Packages
Why Choose Monterey Bay Caterers
We are a high quality small catering company you will be dealing with a Chef/Owner in planning your event. Our company tag line When Experience Counts will show its self from your first contact. We are professionals, organized, flexible, upbeat and best of all experienced.
When you are shopping caterers look for a caterer who:
leaves you with a good feeling after the first meeting…
seems available and adaptable to changes…
comes from referrals of friends and family…
is timely in returning phone calls and emails…
communicates open and honestly…
is consistent in who your dealing with…
Monterey Bay Caterers would like you to enjoy your special day as much as your guests. Thank you for your interest in our wedding and reception services. Our experienced staff is committed to excellence in food and service. I am confident we can make your wedding a memorable one for years to come.
The best way to proceed is to contact Ken to discuss date availability, location, style of event, menu selections, etc. Then, set up a site meeting. This meeting will generally take about one hour. You should bring the people that matter most to you who can help make decisions about your special event. We will discuss your timeline, ceremony, beverages, appetizers, food, cake, flowers, colors, music, equipment and more. Let your imagination run wild. After this meeting, you will receive a detailed, written proposal for your specific event in about a week. This will give you the ability to have hard facts and costs to proceed with your wedding event.
Contact Ken Schwan by e-mail at ken@montereybaycaterers.com or phone: (831) 722-9444.
What's the amount of deposit?
This will depend on how far away your event date is. Generally, a 25 percent deposit is required to confirm any date. The goal is to give 90 percent of the estimated cost of your event to Monterey Bay Caterers 30 days prior to your date. We often waive deposits for repeat customers. A $2,500 minimum deposit is required to hold dates at our Pajaro Dunes location.
After your deposit is received, you will get a confirmation letter with receipt. This letter will include when your count guarantee is due and other related information.
When is the deposit due?
ASAP. Without a deposit, the date and our services are not on hold. Once we send you a bid, we will follow up in about a week to discuss the status of your event.
If we do not receive your deposit in 10 days, we will give you a courtesy call or e-mail. If we do not hear back from you within 48 hours, the date will be released.
When is the balance due?
You will receive a final detailed statement after your event, usually within five days. Final payment is due within 15 days of your event.
What is a count guarantee, and when is it due?
A count guarantee is how many people you anticipate will attend your reception / ceremony and is due five working days prior to your event. Our confirmation letter will give you a specific date. Once you have guaranteed a specific count, that number cannot be decreased, but it can be increased within reason. You will be billed for your count guarantee as a minimum. Monterey Bay Caterers will prepare a three percent overage on plated meals and five percent overage on buffets.
What if it rains?
As many of you know, our beautiful California coastal region provides us with lots of different kinds of weather. With 27-plus years of experience and having worked on marriages more than 800 times, our experience says to plan the wedding the way you want it, but to be realistic about the normal weather pattern for your time, date and location. Then, have an alternative game plan.
What about tastings?
Once we have a deposit, Monterey Bay Caterers will provide upon request a no-charge tasting of the items you have selected or would like to see. If we do not have a deposit, there will be a minimal charge for tastings. We also have our deli if you just want to try our great food and service.
Average Event Costs
The catering is often the biggest cost of a wedding, but costs will differ based on your specific event. The bid will include food, labor and equipment. For a full-service event, including food, non-alcoholic beverages, staff and rentals, average costs range from $50-$100 per person.
For 2009, our Pajaro Dunes site rental is $3,000. This includes use of the facility for the day, standard tables and chairs, security, setup and breakdown labor, and post-event room cleaning.
Food Cost
Appetizer: $3.00 – $10.00 for a cocktail hour prior to a meal
Appetizer Buffets: $10.00 and up for two hours
Buffets: $10.00 and up
Sit Down: $10.00 and up
Station Buffets: $15.00 and up
All prices are per person and are subject to labor and equipment charges, plus a 19 percent service charge and sales tax (current rate 9.25 percent).
Beverages
Charged on consumption. Prices range from $0.50 and up.
Alcohol
Monterey Bay Caterers has a full-service ABC liquor license with all appropriate insurances and can provide full or partial bar service at your request.
Staffing
Catering staff will be billed on an hourly basis. Staff rates range from $25 – $75 an hour. As a general rule, we need one staff for every 15-50 guests, depending on the style of service and location of the event.
Equipment
Monterey Bay Caterers offers everything from paper and plastic to full high-end china / glassware. We also have a variety of chairs, tables, canopies, etc. We own a lot of our own equipment, but we also work with local rental companies.
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