Question 1

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  It's important that any dietary restrictions you or your guests have are communicated during our initial consultation.  We are able to prepare foods that are gluten and dairy free, nut free, keto, paleo and vegetarian.  If you have a more unique food allergy, we will work with you to accommodate your needs!  There are nuts stored and prepared in our commercial kitchen, so if you or one of your guests has a severe allergy to nuts, we will discuss the best option for your event.  (Food prepared in line with certain dietary restrictions may incur additional costs depending on increased cost of ingredients.)

Question 2

I want a menu option that I don't see listed, will you customize?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  We love people and we love food, so it is our pleasure to work with you to customize a menu to your liking.  Do you have a favorite peach cobbler recipe from your grandma?  We are happy to recreate it for your special day.

Question 3

What type of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Currently we prefer to receive payments via our booking software which allows for ACH & Debit/Credit cards. We also accept payments via check.  There will be a minimal processing fee on credit or debit card transactions for the current season.

Question 4

Do you offer rentals?

Accepted Answer

Sorry but no.  For the 2022 wedding season and beyond we will no longer be offering rentals.  We found that having rentals was a distraction from doing what we really love, which is creating really great food!!!

We love to refer our customers to either Empress Tents and Events or Celebrate Rentals for all your rental needs.

Question 5

Do I have to pay to rent serving dishes if I book a buffet-style dinner?

Accepted Answer

Heck no!  We feel very strongly that when you book our event with us, we can provide the service ware - whether that be chaffing dishes, serving utensils, or beautiful platters for display!  We will go over your event and determine the best level of service items.  If you have your own special platters you'd like to use, we are happy to accommodate.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Great question.  We require a non-refundable deposit of $200 to hold the date for your event.  Now, lets assume something crazy happens and the whole country shuts down for a pandemic...…  if you need to change the date, of course we understand and are happy to reschedule at a mutually agreeable date/time at no extra charge.

Question 7

How much do I have to pay and when?

Accepted Answer

For larger events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners and corporate events, we require a $500 non-refundable deposit upon contract. 20% of the remaining balance will be due 60 days prior to your event, the next 20% will be due 30 days prior to your event, and the final payment will be due 7 days prior to your event. The deposit is non-negotiable, but if you want to pay us more earlier, we've been known to say yes.

Question 8

Am I supposed to tip a caterer?

Accepted Answer

Another great question.  Catering is usually a full service operation.  That being said, we add an 18% gratuity to most events larger than 20 people or events requiring full service (as in we set a plate in front of you and your guests and clear it when you are done.)  If we are just dropping off dinner or appetizers, then no matter the size of your event, gratuity is at your discretion.  We are grateful for your business and pleased to serve you!

Question 9

Do you recommend other vendors for our event?

Accepted Answer

Of course we do!  But I'm not going to list them here.  We have a team of absolutely AMAZING vendors here in the Flathead Valley!  If you need recommendations, we are happy to offer those..... over the phone or via email when we do your consultation.  We suggest checking out the mymontanawedding.com and/or montanabride.com websites for suggestions as well.

Question 10

Alcohol availabilty....

Accepted Answer

We are happy to make a referral!

Question 11

When do you need my final guest count?

Accepted Answer

Two weeks prior to your event date.

Question 12

Are you as fun and friendly as you seem to be on this website?

Accepted Answer

HECK YES!  We love good company and good food and cannot wait to be part of your special day, big event, private party, or personal dinner.  We truly believe it is a gift to get to do what we do and it is our JOY to be able to serve you!

Frequently asked questions