Event FAQS

Planning a wedding involves a lot of decision making, so we have prepared a list of questions and answers that our clients have asked. We hope it’s helpful as you begin the planning process.

When should I reserve my event date?

It’s never too early to book your event. In fact, we’ll reserve your date up to two years in advance. Planning and implementation are always easier with plenty of lead-time. For smaller orders and last-minute events, we always try to accommodate your needs. A deposit of $500 is required for social and corporate events.

Can you recommend a location for my upcoming event?

Creative Cuisine is an approved caterer at many of Columbus’ premier event venues, and frequently, we are considered one of their top picks. Let us help you choose the perfect location for your special day.

What kind of food does Creative Cuisine specialize in?

At Creative Cuisine, our menu library comprises thousands of recipes to create farm-to-tablefresh tastes for every season.  Our Executive Chef, David Tidd, and Owner, Shauna Chrisman, develop custom menus that can support any client request for ethnic or special dietary needs. Creative Cuisine believes in having strategic partners to provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience and will partner with specialty food vendors when needed to provide a client with unique foods from local or national resources. 

Do I pick my menu, or do you?

We prefer our clients browse through our menu suggestions to get the flavor of our offerings. From there, we encourage you to discuss your preferences with our event consultants and let them guide you. They have great insight into what food items will work best for your event – and they’ve tasted our food. If you already know what you’d like to order, we’ll advise on appropriate quantities and a well-balanced menu.

How much does it cost to have my event catered?

Catering prices vary depending on the menu, duration, time of day, guest list, event purpose, and service levels. That’s why we are a custom caterer; our pricing is based on what you really need to produce a great event. Starting with the food and service, we specify the additional services you’ll need, then create a custom proposal with an itemized cost estimate. We are generally able to work within a desired budget by prioritizing what’s most important.

How do I calculate how much food I need to order for my event?

From experience and industry guidelines, we have standards that provide a great starting point. It helps to know who your guests are and any insight you might have into their tastes. If you select a buffet-style meal, we recommend 2-3 entrees (one vegetarian) and several sides. For a cocktail party, 5-8 pieces, and for a heavy hors d’oeuvre party dinner party, we suggest 12-14 pieces per guest.

What are my service options with Creative Cuisine?

We believe flexibility is important, and we understand that every event is different. That’s why we’ve created several service options.

• Pick-Up (Cold with re-heating instructions or Warm and ready to eat)–Packed and ready for pick up when you arrive, we’ll load your order into your car! You’ll just need help on the other end.
• Delivery and Set-Up Our delivery staff will bring your order to your location, set up the food, place the serving utensils, arrange the food signs and remove the covers, making everything ready for your guests to enjoy.
• Fully Serviced Events Our service team will arrive a couple of hours before your start time to unload, set up buffets, food stations and guest tables, then place the linens and decorative elements. The food is delivered fresh closer to your start time, while our expert captains manage the food and beverage service, take care of your guests, and clean up.

Do you offer locally sourced and organic ingredients?

Absolutely. This is an easy way for local farmers to showcase their freshest ingredients, and for us to support our local economy.  We use Ohio products whenever possible and buy organic for many of our menu items. In the summer months, you can regularly catch our chef shopping at the Worthington Farmer’s Market for farm fresh ingredients.

What if my guests have food allergies?

Creative Cuisine makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies.  If you request us to prepare items gluten-free, nut-free or free of allergy-related ingredients, we will do so to the best of our ability. All of our foods are prepared in a commercial kitchen that handles nuts, shellfish, wheat, and raw eggs regularly.

There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time, without notice. Clients concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk. Creative Cuisine cannot be held liable for food allergy reactions.

Should I order my own tables, chairs, and tents for my event?

For most of our clients, we organize the rentals and will create a floor diagram for you. If you have already secured these items, we are happy to work with you to ensure you’ve ordered what you you’ll need for your event. Many of our preferred venues have their own tables and chairs which may be included in your facility rental fee. 

Can I use my grandma’s vintage china and sentimental items at my wedding?

Absolutely. Using vintage pieces is a great way to personalize your wedding. Please understand that Creative Cuisine cannot be held responsible for any damage or breakage that my occur.

What makes you different or special from other caterers?

Creative Cuisine works hard to meet your budget while maintaining the highest standard of food and service.  We are a full-service event company, providing all the elements of your event, including the transformation and ambiance of any space.

In addition to food and beverage, what other services do you offer?

Full-service event planning means we can provide almost everything you’ll need for your wedding. We’ll help you create your personal checklist and can locate where to source all items. We are well known for our logistical expertise and innovative style.

What does your service staff do at our event?

Our service team will arrive a couple of hours before your start time to unload, set up the buffet, food stations, and guest tables, then place the linens and decorative elements. The food is delivered fresh closer to your start time, while our expert event captains manage the food and beverage service, take care of your guests, and clean up.

Do you provide flowers and decorations?

Our creative in-house Event & Floral Design Team will help you create the feel and atmosphere for your next event. Our capabilities are never-ending, so let your imagination flow.

How far will you travel?

Our culinary team can create a kitchen just about anywhere, so we can create a restaurant-quality meal wherever you choose.

Do you have any recommendations for a photographer, DJ, or Band?

We work with some of the top wedding professionals in the Columbus area. We will be happy to suggest vendors that fit your personal style.

What is your payment policy?

A Booking Deposit of $500.00 along with a Signed Event Agreement must be received before your event will be considered booked. An Initial Deposit equal to 50% of the total estimated balance for the event is required 4 months prior to the event date. A Third Deposit equal to 75% of the total estimated balance for the event is required to be received 2 months prior to the event date.  A Final Balance equal to 100% of the remaining balance for the event is required to be received 7 days prior to the event date.

Do you provide menu tastings?

Yes, but unlike a restaurant, our kitchen creates menus on a per-event basis and does not regularly stock materials for every item.

Therefore, the following guidelines help us in scheduling and preparing your individualized menu tasting:

Menu tastings are presented Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm by appointment only.  Special Saturday appointments may be arranged when the event schedule allows. Our chef is unable to accommodate Sunday or Monday tastings.

There is a $35.00 per person charge for up to four people.  After the menu tasting, if you decide to book with us, the cost of the tasting will be deducted from your final invoice less any additional charges.  A tasting is a sampling of your choices and designed to acquaint you with our quality, style of food, presentation. Tastings are not considered to be a complete meal.

Each menu tasting will allow you to sample up to six items.  Certain menu items may not be available for tastings.  All strolling stations will be modified to fit an individual tasting format determined by our chef.

Clients also have the option to have an extensive tasting of all menu options and courses, which will be billed at current market prices plus labor. This menu tasting price is not applied to the final invoice.

Tastings must be booked seven days in advance with a signed contract and credit card.

When are the final details about my wedding due?

Final event details and guest counts are due 14 days prior to the event date. Any changes made less than 10 days from the event date may not be guaranteed. Some changes may require substitutions of certain items and may incur additional charges. Creative Cuisine will make every effort to accommodate all changes to the best of our ability.