Round
Oval
Emerald Cut
Marquise
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Rose Cut
Venue? Check. Photographer? Check. Up next? The FOOD. While many couples may feel like their big day was such a whirlwind that they didn’t get to fully enjoy the food during the reception, catering is still one of the number one wedding details couples report caring about. And for good reason! No one wants to have subpar or average food on their wedding day.
But how do you decide which wedding caterer to go with? In some cases, it may be an easy choice. Your venue may have a preferred catering vendor for your all-inclusive package, which makes the decision easier — until it comes time to picking the entrees. But if your venue has an open vendor policy, your options are almost limitless. It’s also important to think about the dining style you want. Are you leaning toward a more formal plated dinner or a more casual and traditional buffet style? More couples are also starting to lean into family-style wedding catering for the reception, which gives a nice in-between option — plus your guests don’t have to pick an entree on the RSVP. They can have a little of everything.
Regardless of your taste, style, or dietary restrictions, the options below offer some Charlotte area catering services that could hit the spot for you and your guests!
Chef Shane Smith
Chef Shane is one of my personal friends and has catered a Rustic & Main Christmas party as well as some of my family events over the last decade (holidays, baby showers, birthdays, etc.). After being introduced through my sister-in-law, I’ve come to enjoy working, and eating, with Shane. He focuses on food-inspired, client-driven boutique catering dedicated to creating personalized menus tailored to each client.
Chef Shane is a private chef in the Charlotte area and can provide curated menus to meet whatever needs you may have, including snacks for the bridal party on the big day, the bridal shower or engagement party, as well as the rehearsal dinner if desired. While he has the ability to do larger events, he specializes in smaller, more intimate affairs. With a guest count of less than 100, you can have a specialty menu, charcuterie spread, and sweet treats galore!
Welcome to The Table is his company's name, and he truly embraces that mantra while getting to know you. While he can accommodate larger events, I would recommend him for smaller affairs or the rehearsal dinner in order to maximize your experience with him. He can also accommodate dietary restrictions you or your guests may have — including desserts.
The Tin Kitchen
The Tin Kitchen started as a food truck with a passion for flavor in 2010 and focused on globally inspired street food in hopes of bringing something new to the Charlotte food scene. From there, they have grown into a local staple. Since their start in 2010, they have opened a full-service catering business focused on clients in the Charlotte area. They can accommodate everything from casual lunches to high-profile luxury weddings.
Similar to Chef Shane, there is no minimum guest count, so whether you are hosting a small group of 15 or a wedding of 300, they have you covered! They also offer a wide variety of wedding catering options when it comes to their services. Their wedding menu includes appetizers, buffets, stations, plated dinners, desserts, beverages, rentals, bartending, and other event services.
King of Fire
Who doesn’t love pizza? For couples looking to have a savory and guaranteed crowd-pleaser, King of Fire won’t disappoint. With four different wedding catering packages to pick from and an expansive selection of pizzas, salads, and dessert options, you are sure to find something for everyone.
Packages range from $25–$35 per person and offer the ability to pick up to four different pizza varieties, a salad, appetizer, dessert, and drinks. It’s a simple and effective way to take care of your guests without breaking the bank.
Something Classic Catering
With over 35 years in the Charlotte food service industry, Something Classic provides a unique opportunity to work with someone I would call an icon in the area — Jill Marcus.
From their experience, many couples begin their receptions with 3–4 butlered hors d'oeuvres and a few charcuterie boards and grazing trays like tuna nachos or the Santorini Spread.
Regardless of whether you are looking for a formal wedding reception or planning a casual backyard wedding, there are countless wedding catering options when selecting a caterer in Charlotte. The most important thing is finding food that feels right to you. From pizza, pasta, and tacos to filet and caviar, it’s all about the meal that means the most to you.
