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The Best Wedding Caterers in North Carolina: How to Find the Perfect Fit for Your Big Day
What better way to celebrate your wedding reception and wow your guests than with delicious food served by the area’s best hospitality team? If finding an experienced chef with courteous servers feels overwhelming, take a step back and compare some of the best wedding caterers in North Carolina to understand which culinary adventure you might treat yourself to on your big day. You’ll match your reception needs with a team that’s ready to make your dreams come true without going over your budget. So without further ado, as part of our wedding food tips, let’s delve into the best wedding caterers in NC.
How to Choose a Wedding Caterer
Selecting a catering team is a significant decision. Companies that serve wedding receptions don’t always offer the same features in their contracts. As you think about what you and your guests might enjoy eating, talk with your fiance about your preferences regarding details like:
- Per-person pricing
- Delivery range
- Menu options
- Staff members who will support your reception
- Cleanup options
- Included dinnerware or rental supplies
You don’t need to have every detail set in stone before you request catering quotes. Still, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with what services catering teams may offer. While North Carolina had over 67,000 weddings in 2023, most businesses should have enough calendar space to book your big day a few months out. They’re only a phone call away if you realize you need to clarify something.
Methodology for Determining the Best Caterers
Figuring out how to choose the right wedding caterer for your wedding in North Carolina may feel easier with straightforward steps. Some crucial methodology factors went into the selection of catering companies for weddings within the state, including:
| Meal Options | Each caterer must provide multiple meal options for couples, including allergy or ingredient preference substitutions. |
| Estimated Prices | Catering teams have to provide price estimates on their websites for financial clarity. |
| Service Areas | Every catering business should serve a specific region or one major metropolitan area within North Carolina. |
Find your perfect fit by considering details like your venue, budget, and ideal menu. Remember, you can ask as many questions as you’d like before signing a vendor contract. If you feel unsure about anything, don’t be shy about speaking up to ensure you get the best arrangement possible.
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash.com
Best Wedding Caterers in North Carolina
Check out these in-demand North Carolina wedding caterers to make your short list of teams to contact. You could be minutes away from scheduling a consultation appointment that launches your culinary adventure if you find a few businesses that catch your eye.
1. Catering By Design
Couples hosting their weddings within the Research Triangle often request Catering By Design for their receptions. The expert team makes custom meals for big events and always goes the extra mile to ensure receptions go smoothly. Their work has won awards while dazzling clients. See if their extensive menu options include something to satisfy your palate after walking back down the aisle.
| Catering By Design
1100 Logger Court, Raleigh, NC 27609 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
13 custom menus, including:
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$50-$96 per person (50-person minimum) | Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Durham, Apex, Morrisville and the surrounding communities |
2. Rocky Top Catering
If you’re looking for a team that can bring the specifics of your reception vision to life, contact Rocky Top Catering. The expert chefs get to know each couple personally while discussing wedding details, your desired aesthetic and all food-related factors you want to include. You’ll get everything customized down to the presentation of your appetizers.
| Rocky Top Catering
5000 Departure Dr., Raleigh, NC 27616 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Seasonally themed menus
Breakfast/brunch Dessert Year-round favorites Bar packages Cake cutting |
$25-$35 per person for food
$15 per person for bar packages |
Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex and the surrounding communities |
3. Empire Eats Catering
Empire Eats Catering serves reception meals sourced from local farms harvesting seasonally fresh food. You’ll support your community while getting a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The team provides everything you’ll need to eat and optional tabletop decorations, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything to your venue except table linens. They’ll also cook individual meals for guests with food allergies to retain your desired menu selections.
| Empire Eats Catering
415 Royal St., Raleigh, NC 27607 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Signature stations
Breakfast Brunch Dinner Cocktail hour Bar packages Desserts |
$32-$34 per person | Anywhere within an hour of Raleigh |
4. Funky Fresh Catering
There are multiple reasons couples love working with Funky Fresh Catering at their weddings. The team can quickly transform a ceremony space into a reception hall, which means you can have your dream wedding in an intimate venue without lifting a finger. Their catering packages also include a complimentary tasting with your loved ones. The meal could double as your bridal shower if you’re not already making DIY self-care presents or custom jewelry for your bridesmaids, so everyone goes home with leftovers in their goodie bags.
| Funky Fresh Catering
2718 Graves Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27610 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Custom menus
Bartending service Full alcohol packages Espresso bar with baristas Desserts Late-night snacks |
$30-$45 per person | Raleigh
Chapel Hill Eastern North Carolina |
5. Catering Works
Couples who love all-in-one packages might want to check out Catering Works. The business provides extensive reception menus and cocktail hour creations. You can also arrange services through their numerous business partners. Catering Works offers floral arrangements, wedding favors and cakes for an additional fee. Your wedding should feel unique to your personality, and Catering Works has earned a reputation as one of the best wedding caterers in Raleigh-Durham by embracing custom event visions and all the planning that makes them possible.
| Catering Works
2319 Laurelbrook St., Raleigh, NC 27604 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Seated dinners
Stations Buffets Family-style Cocktail hour Desserts Libations |
$25-40 per person | Research Triangle |
6. Under the Oak Catering
The husband-and-wife team behind Under the Oak Catering ensures couples can get everything they need, and that’s what makes it one of our top favorite wedding caterers in North Carolina. They artfully arrange dessert displays, charcuterie boards, buffet meals, and even wedding cake tiers. You’ll get an extensive team with nearly 10 years of experience supporting your wedding vision. Between the global cuisines and custom menu options, the made-from-scratch recipes won’t disappoint.
| Under the Oak Catering
135 S. 3rd St., Smithfield, NC 27577 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Stations
Buffet Plated Bar services |
Starting at $2,500 | Raleigh
Research Triangle Johnston County |
7. Southern Harvest Hospitality Group
Southern Harvest Hospitality Group arranges artful and Southern-inspired meals at weddings year-round. The team will meet with you to discuss the flavors that bring you joy before deciding how to make similar meals work with your budget. You’ll work with a wedding concierge throughout the experience, right up until you walk down the aisle. They’ll make sure your personal touch is evident in every detail, thanks to their custom menus and long experience in the industry.
| Southern Harvest Hospitality Group
401 E. Center St., Mebane, NC 27302 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Buffet
Stations Family-style Plated Desserts Cake cutting Bartending |
$36-$45 per person | Raleigh-Durham
Triad Regions |
8. Taste of Soul Catering
Sticking within a budget doesn’t have to limit your culinary options. Taste of Soul Catering knows how to make dreams come true without breaking the bank. They serve comfort food that makes everyone nostalgic while adding customized flavor profiles so old favorite recipes turn into new experiences. Their skill makes them some of the best wedding caterers in North Carolina for anyone who wants soul food during their big day.
| Taste of Soul Catering
501 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Comfort food buffet
Desserts Southern-style brunch Elevated entrees Sides Hors d’oeuvres |
$15-25 per person | Research Triangle |
9. Carolina Crust
Who says pizza can’t be the ultimate reception food? The friendly father-and-son owners of Carolina Crust will drive their customized food truck to your wedding so you and your guests can savor your favorite pies. You could arrange a large order of fresh meat lover, Hawaiian or Buffalo chicken pizza to have served fresh all night long. They also take custom orders, so feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings.
| Carolina Crust
1101 E. Geer St., Durham, NC 27704 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Eight pizza options
Appetizers Custom pizza recipes Salads Hard beverages |
$4,000 minimum for weddings between May and October (50-person minimum for year-round weekend weddings) | Durham
Cary Raleigh |
10. Middle of the Island Catering
Couples who can’t imagine their coastal wedding without a seafood dinner should contact Middle of the Island Catering. The Wilmington-based business provides some of the freshest seafood in Eastern North Carolina. Their buffet options include 17 cuisines, but you should schedule your consultation sooner rather than later. They’re highly in demand due to their five-star reputation and mouth watering meals.
| Middle of the Island Catering Company
216 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 |
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| Meal Options | Estimated Prices | Service Areas |
| Southern buffet
Plated seafood meals American food International meals Full-service bar Ice cream bar |
$35-$75 per person | Any venue within 150 miles of Wilmington |
Find the Ultimate Catering Team for Your Big Day
The best wedding caterers in Raleigh-Durham also serve areas outside the Research Triangle. No matter where you get married, teams are waiting to make your reception meal perfect. Reach out to at least a few businesses for consultations and quotes. You’ll feel confident that you’re getting the best prices and services available when it’s time to sign your vendor’s contract.
