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Ep 5 • Catering Insights with Design Cuisine

April 15, 2025 • 63 mins

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we speak with our good friend and vendor partner, Sarah Lusk from Design Cuisine, a leading catering company in Washington DC. Sarah discusses the history of Design Cuisine, the evolution of catering, the logistics and challenges of off-premise catering, and the importance of understanding venue rules.  We also explore current trends in catering, emphasizing the growing demand for personalized menus that reflect couple's heritage and experiences. In this segment of the conversation, we delve into the intricacies of wedding planning in regards to all things catering, particularly focusing on how personal stories can be woven into the dining experience and how a skilled catering team is needed to deliver multi-course experiences.

We also discuss the intricacies of wedding catering, (very different than a restaurant!) emphasizing the importance of planners, the breakdown of catering costs, and the challenges faced in the industry. They highlight the emotional significance of catering in creating lasting memories for families and the necessity of effective communication between caterers and clients for a perfect evening!

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Design Cuisine and Catering History

06:05 Logistics and Challenges in Off-Premise Catering

09:02 Understanding Venue Rules and Regulations

17:56 Current Trends in Catering and Personalization

23:02 Incorporating Personal Stories into Weddings

24:32 Creating a Unique Dining Experience

29:17 Logistics of a Multi-Course Dinner

32:50 Trends in Elevated Dining Experiences

38:03 Understanding Venue Logistics

40:14 Crafting Detailed Proposals for Clients

51:50 The Importance of Tastings in Catering

54:43 Behind the Scenes of Catering Tastings

01:11:12 The Role of Wedding Planners in Catering

01:15:03 Understanding Catering Costs and Staffing

01:26:00 Future Topics in Catering and Industry Trends

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Logistics in off-premise catering require meticulous planning.
  • Every venue has its own set of rules that caterers must follow and Understanding venue logistics is key to effective planning.
  • Communication is key to ensuring all team members are informed.
  • Personalization in catering is increasingly popular among couples.
  • Event planning often involves adapting to last-minute changes. Incorporating personal stories into wedding menus enhances guest experience.
  • A unique dining experience can be achieved through careful menu customization and logistics play a crucial role in executing multi-course dinners successfully.
  • Elevated dining experiences are becoming a trend in weddings and the right catering team is essential for flawless execution.
  • Staffing costs can be as high as 50% of the catering bill ad understanding the costs involved in catering is important for clients.

 

Learn more about Design Cuisine:

Website: www.designcuisine.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designcuisine

Instagram: @designcuisine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-cuisine