Catering: The Essentials
Catering is more than just providing food; it's an integral part of the wedding day experience. At The Orchards of Molino, we understand that seamless catering operations are essential for a successful event. This guide provides essential information for caterers and couples to facilitate smooth planning and execution of your culinary services.
Just as with all our vendors, it's vital that caterers are familiar with our venue policies and procedures to ensure a smooth event. If you are a first-time vendor at The Orchards of Molino, or if you have not yet completed our vendor questionnaire, please do so as soon as possible. This step helps prevent any complications in the provision of your services. Please remember that, as per our contract with the couple, The Orchards of Molino retains final approval over all vendors providing services for the event.
Complete the vendor questionnaire here.
Venue Layout and Catering Placement
To assist with planning, we've created a detailed diagram indicating key areas relevant to catering operations, including designated prep areas, power outlets, and serving locations. The diagram will identify parking, prep area, serving area, trash disposal, and the dinner location.
Designated Prep Areas: Catering food preparation must be done off-site, as on-site cooking is not permitted at The Orchards of Molino. Caterers can stage in the Secret Garden/Glass Hall area. The diagram will show its proximity to other areas. If additional space is needed, caterers should get in touch as soon as possible after consulting the diagram to discuss options. A small kitchen is available within the Glass Hall. While limited in size, it offers a sink, a small refrigerator, and a small amount of countertop space. Food warming cabinets are permissible; however, caterers must share power requirements with the Venue Manager as early as possible to ensure adequate power supply.
Power Outlets: There are outlets indicated on the diagram. Circuits are shared amongst multiple outlets, so we need to be alerted about high draw appliances as soon as possible. All outlets are 120V only.
Serving Locations: Food service may take place in various locations, depending on the couple's event plan. These include:
The Oak Room: This room is traditionally used for dinner service.
The Courtyard: The Courtyard is ideally suited for cocktail hour or for extending reception service.
The Glass Hall: Food is generally served from the Glass Hall in a buffet style, though other service arrangements are possible to accommodate the couple's preferences. The Glass Hall is also used for post-dinner festivities.
Venue Areas
Glass Hall
Secret Garden
Courtyard
Oak Room
Catering Guidelines
To maintain the quality of our venue and ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask that caterers adhere to the following guidelines:
Waste Management: Caterers are responsible for the removal of all food-related waste and debris generated during setup, service, and teardown. Please use the designated trash receptacles.
Consumption of Alcohol: Caterers (and all vendors) are strictly prohibited from drinking while on our property.
Equipment and Setup:
Caterers should bring all necessary equipment, including tables, linens, serving dishes, and heating/cooling equipment, unless alternative arrangements have been made with the couple and venue management.
Please avoid any setup that blocks guest walkways or thoroughfares.
Use of any open flames must be pre-approved by venue management.
We use all wood catering tables. Please ensure that they are not damaged by hot, cold, or wet items. Bring appropriate implements to protect our furniture.
Load-in/Load-out:
Caterers may load in and load out their equipment during the designated rental period. Please coordinate your arrival and departure times with the coordinator to ensure access and avoid conflicts with other vendors or events.
Parking for load-in/load-out is in the designated parking area. To protect the grounds, please use rolling carts with inflatable rubber tires for transporting equipment. Driving on grassed areas or walkways is prohibited.
Vendor arrival for setup should be no earlier than the start of the rental period, unless otherwise arranged with the couple and Venue Manager.
All catering equipment must be removed from the premises by the end of the rental period. A clean-up fee may be assessed if the venue is left in an unsatisfactory condition.
The Orchards of Molino does not provide on-site storage for vendor equipment. Please plan your load-in and load-out accordingly.
Venue Equipment: If you intend to use any venue-provided equipment, please inform the Venue Manager in advance. You will be responsible for the proper use and return of any such equipment.
Post-Event Check-out: Before departing, please check in with the Venue Manager to ensure that all equipment has been removed and the area is left in good order.
We hope this guide is helpful in planning your catering services at The Orchards of Molino. We look forward to working with you to create unforgettable events!