For couples

Wedding Planning Guide.

Butter & Company loves weddings, and we’re well known for being creative within any budget. These are the questions we ask to build the perfect proposal for your reception, with tips, tricks and budget-friendly alternatives along the way.

01

Contact details

How do you wish to be contacted?

Please provide the names of the bride and groom as well as any key members of the bridal party or event planners we will need to work with, with phone numbers, e-mail addresses and mailing addresses, as appropriate.

02

Event details

When and where is your wedding reception?

If you’re seeking a venue, we can send you our list of great and affordable venues in Houston, Galveston and surrounding areas. These locations allow couples to choose their own caterers, a big money saver. If you’ve booked your venue, we can work with them directly on their requirements.

Is your ceremony in the same space as the reception?

Hosting your ceremony and reception in the same location is a big money saver, as there aren’t multiple locations to rent and decorate. There may be additional logistics on the day, such as moving chairs or tables, that we can help with.

Is your event daytime or evening?

Share approximate times for the ceremony and reception. We can assist in preparing your “Day Of” schedule to minimize stress.

How many guests are you planning to have?

Average weddings are for 100–125 guests, and we’re expertly capable of catering for up to 200 guests.

Did your venue furnish a schedule for setup and breakdown?

Average receptions are four hours. We generally need three hours for setup and one hour for breakdown, and during setup we’re available to accept deliveries of floral, cake(s) and other items.

04

Wedding dessert

Have you chosen your wedding cake? Will you have a groom’s cake?

If you’re still seeking a cake, we can send our list of affordable bakeries, and we routinely cut and serve cakes from other vendors.

Wedding Cake Truffles

Each is hand-dipped in white chocolate, covered with wedding-white bakery sprinkles and arranged on our crystal cake pedestals, topped by a small white fondant cake for you to cut for pictures. The topper can be boxed for your first anniversary while guests are served two bon bons each: a lovely and affordable cake alternative.

05

Bar & beverage

Wine and beer, a full bar or a signature cocktail?

Most guests expect wine and beer plus non-alcoholic options. We often chill and serve client-provided alcohol and consult on quantities. For a standard bar we suggest one red (Cabernet), one white (Chardonnay), two bottled beers, lemonade and iced water.

The “Modern Full Bar”

Mostly vodka with a little gin and bourbon; tonic, diet tonic, club soda and cranberry juice; sliced lemons and limes. Our T.A.B.C. certified bartenders can make almost any cocktail from it. Signature cocktails (white sangria, margaritas, electric lemonade, white cosmopolitans, mint juleps) are premixed ahead of time, and we provide laminated bar menus.

A champagne toast?

We suggest our “Limited Champagne Toast”: champagne and flutes for the couple and up to ten bridal party members or immediate family, while guests toast with their beverage of choice.

Coffee service?

We do not usually recommend it, as it’s not frequently requested and adds unnecessary expense.

Note: we discourage shots and require all Butter & Company prepared alcoholic beverages to be served over ice.

06

Service equipment

China, linen, silver and glass, or acrylic ware?

We suggest using the real thing, though lovely “china-looking” acrylic plates are available if you’re budget conscious.

Tables, chairs and linens

Does your venue provide buffet and guest tables and chairs? We can provide linens, chair covers and sashes, and meet with you to look at color samples for your bridal color.

07

Floral & décor

Have you chosen centerpieces?

If you’ve yet to select a florist, we have creative and affordable suggestions. We also offer floral services and can share photos and examples from past events.

08

How we work & pricing

Your proposal

After receiving your event details, we complete an event proposal for your review. If you’re still not sure, we offer wedding and event consulting at $75.00/hour, and a tasting of your menu for up to four people for $75.00, including wine and an hour of consultation.

Event pricing

Our average pricing for full-service wedding catering is between $45.00 and $75.00 per guest, depending on your requirements and guest count. All major credit cards are accepted and a deposit is required to guarantee service; we make special payment arrangements for clients booking well in advance.

09

Your budget checklist

Before the event

  • Wedding consultant
  • Travel expenses
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Bridesmaid & groomsmen gifts

On the day

  • Dress, suit, fittings & alterations
  • Minister, rabbi or officiant
  • Event space rental
  • Special equipment rental
  • Catering & bar
  • Bride’s cake and groom’s cake
  • Ceremony & reception floral
  • Transportation for the bridal party
  • Security
  • Photographer, videographer and/or photo booth
  • DJ

After the event

  • Brunch for family & out-of-town guests
  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding dress heir-looming
  • Thank you cards

“I’m often called ‘a bride’s best friend,’ as a lot of wedding coordination comes with my catering. If you’d like references from past brides, please ask.”

Graham Gemoets, Owner & “Eventertainer”

Butter & Company Wedding Planning Guide

13-page PDF, including photos from our weddings.

Download PDF
CallPlan an event