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Your Wedding Catering Questions Answered
How do you help us plan our wedding menu?
Step 1: Share Your Vision - Fill Out Our Inquiry Form
The first step toward crafting the perfect menu for your special occasion is by simply filling out our detailed inquiry form. This initial form helps us gather the fundamental details of your event, such as the date, location, number of guests, and the general nature of the celebration. It is the beginning of the collaborative process, allowing us to prepare for our first conversation.
Step 2: Scheduling Your Personal Consultation
Once we receive and review your inquiry form, our dedicated event coordinator, Diana, will promptly email you. This communication will be to schedule a complimentary, one-on-one phone consultation. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we aim to make this initial discussion both efficient and insightful.
Step 3: The Discovery Call
The consultation is a focused phone call, typically lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. This is where the magic begins. Diana will guide the conversation by asking a series of thoughtful questions designed to deeply understand the vision, atmosphere, and specific culinary desires for your special day. We'll discuss everything from your preferred style of service (plated, buffet, or stations) to dietary restrictions, favorite cuisines, and the overall narrative you wish to convey through food. Our goal is to capture the essence of your celebration so that the menu is a perfect reflection of your personal taste and event theme.
Step 4: Culinary Development by Chef Sam
Immediately following the consultation, Diana will compile comprehensive notes, ensuring every detail and nuance of your discussion is captured. These detailed insights and the creative brief are then shared directly with our acclaimed Head Chef, Sam. Leveraging his extensive expertise and the personal information gathered, Chef Sam will meticulously develop a bespoke menu. This proposal is a true culinary masterpiece, designed exclusively for you, incorporating seasonality, flavor profiles, and presentation styles tailored to your event.
Step 5: Reviewing Your Custom Menu and Quote
You will be promptly sent the complete, draft menu proposal, along with a detailed, transparent quote via email. This package is presented for your thorough review and consideration.
Step 6: Refinement and Finalization
This stage is crucial for ensuring complete satisfaction. At this point, we encourage you to carefully examine the proposed menu. If there are any specific dishes you'd like to change, ingredients you'd like to substitute, or elements you feel are missing from your initial vision, please communicate these to us. We are fully committed to refining the menu until it is absolutely perfect, ensuring the final culinary plan exceeds your expectations and is everything you dreamed of for your event.
Our goal is to create a memorable culinary experience that perfectly complements your celebration, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area. We're also willing to travel beyond these locations, so please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific event needs.
How far in advance should I book your services?
For weddings, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance to secure your date, especially during peak seasons.
How do I get a quote for my wedding?
To receive a quote for your wedding, simply complete our inquiry form. Once submitted, Sam (Chef and Founder of Merchant of Happiness) and his wife Diana will promptly reach out to you to schedule a personalized consultation.
Do you provide wedding cakes or other dessert options?
We do not offer traditional wedding cakes, however we do offer individual serving cakes. At Merchant of Happiness Inc., we pride ourselves on crafting authentic and delectable Italian desserts, bringing the sweet tastes of Italy to your special event. Our specialty lies in classic Italian pastries, most notably our celebrated, house-made cannoli, featuring crispy shells and a rich, creamy ricotta filling, and our wide assortment of traditional Italian cookies, perfect for any dessert table.
While we do not create large, multi-tiered, traditional wedding cakes, we are delighted to offer elegant and personalized dessert options for celebrations of all sizes. For those seeking an alternative to the conventional wedding cake, we are open to collaborating with you.
What is your staff-to-guest ratio for weddings?
That's a great question, and the staff-to-guest ratio for weddings can vary depending on several factors.
Our staff-to-guest ratio for weddings is customized based on the specific style of service you choose (e.g., plated dinner, buffet, food stations), the layout and requirements of your chosen venue, and your seating plan. This tailored approach ensures optimal service and a seamless experience for you and your guests.
We'll discuss these details during your consultation to determine the ideal staffing for your special day.
What is your process for setup and breakdown on the wedding day?
This is dependent on the style of service and venue. Please submit an inquiry to discuss details for your special day. For weddings, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance to secure your date, especially during peak seasons.
How far in advance should I book your services?
For weddings, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance to secure your date, especially during peak seasons.
Do you offer different serving styles (e.g., plated, buffet, family style, food stations)?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of serving styles to perfectly match your event's vision and guest experience, including:
- Plated Service: Elegant and refined, ideal for formal dinners.
- Buffet Service: A versatile and popular option, offering variety and flexibility for guests.
- Family-Style Service: Creates a warm, communal atmosphere, perfect for fostering connections.
- Food Stations: Interactive and dynamic, allowing guests to explore different culinary themes.
We'll work with you to determine the best serving style to complement your event.
Do you provide vendor meals (e.g., for photographers, DJs)?
Absolutely, we do offer vendor meals for your event professionals, such as photographers and DJs. Vendor meals can be arranged for an additional fee.
Do you assist with table settings, linens, and dinnerware rentals?
Absolutely! We're happy to assist with table settings, linens, and dinnerware rentals to complete your event's aesthetic. We can discuss the options available and how we can best support your vision during our consultation.