PARTY PLANNING TIPS

Full service and Bartending Services FAQ

Does Wild Bunch Catering own a Liquor License?

No but, we are fully licensed to purchase alcohol on your behalf. The changes we made to stay in business during the pandemic required us to relocate our business therefore surrendering our previous license back to ADLLC.

How can I order Beer, Wine and Alcohol from TWB?

Call us for a conversation about what it is your needing to accomplish as we have a couple different solutions. Whether looking to accompany one of our food service packages or a standalone bar service we can help make it happen.

How about insurance?

Very important question. We carry a $2M Liquor Liability ($1M per & $2M aggregate) policy through our long time provider as well as general liability, auto coverage and Workers Comp.

A Certificate of Liability naming you as additionally insured is not a problem!

How much Beer, Wine, Sodas and Spirits do I need?

Tricky question as there are some variables involved. Based on industry leading providers here are some general rules used across the Country.

Serving size?

4-5 ounce wine & 12 ounce beer / A bottle of wine will provide 5 servings each. Figure your guests drinking two (2) drinks the First hour. One (1) additional drink for each hour after the first.

1 Hour = 2 drinks
2 Hours = 3 drinks
3 Hours =4 drinks
4 hours =5 drinks
​5 hours = 6 drinks per guest
Beer & Wine: typically it’s a 60% / 40% split

Two examples:
50 people / 5 hour party
Beer (60%) 50 X 6 drinks = 300 x .6 = 180 bottles of beer or 7.5 cases
Wine (40%) 50 x 6 = 300 x .4 Divided by 5 (servings per bottle) = 28.8 Bottles or 2.4 cases
50 people / 2 hour party
Beer (60%) 50 x 3 drinks = 150 x .6 = 90 bottles or 3.75 cases
Wine (40%) 50 x 3 drinks = 150 x .4 Divided by 5 (servings per bottle) = 12 bottles or 1 case

If serving Beer, Wine and Cocktails it’s a 50/30/20

Choosing wines?

I know enough about wine to fill a shot glass but again, here are some professional thoughts
Events before 5PM or outdoor in warm weather: 70% White, 30% Red
Events after 5PM 40% White, 60% Red

White Wine Choices:

  • In general, Chardonnay is extremely popular, and also very versatile.
  • On a warm day, you may also choose to serve a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
  • If you are serving spicy foods, Riesling is a perfect pairing.

Red Wine Choices:

  • Pinot Noir is the most versatile and an excellent red wine choice for warmer weather.
  • Merlot is a popular crowd pleaser because of its chocolate flavors and soft finish.
  • Zinfandel offers jammy fruit flavors that pair well with grilled foods.
  • Full-bodied wines like Meritage Red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are recommended for pairing with beef, lamb, other hearty main courses and dark chocolate desserts.

Hors d’oeuvre Planning

What are hors d’oeuvres?

Hors d’oeuvres are little snack foods, small 1 or 2 bite items of food served before or outside of (”hors”) the main dishes of a meal (the “oeuvres”) which are intended to stimulate the appetite. The terms hors d’oeuvres and appetizers are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference: hors d’oeuvres are the small savory bites, typically finger food, served before a meal, while appetizers appear as the first course served at the table. The name hors d’oeuvres comes from the French and is literally translated as “out of the work,” but it’s more logical to think of it as meaning “apart from (or before) the meal.”

How many hors d’oeuvres should be provided per person?

The number of hors d’oeuvres you need often depends on how long the cocktail “hour” is, the time of day, and if a meal will also be served following the cocktail hour.

For a two hour party plan for:
10-12
20 bites per person if the hors d’oeuvres replace dinner (e.g. party starts at 7:00 pm)

When hors d’oeuvres are served before a meal plan for:
5-7 bites when served before a light meal 3-4 bites when served before a full dinner meal. People eat more during the first 90 minutes. After two hours consumption picks up again, especially if hors d’oeuvres replace dinner. Young people eat more than an older crowd and guests eat more at casual parties than formal functions.

How many different kinds of hors d’oeuvres should be served for an hors d’oeuvre only party?

For 25 guests plan for 5-6 different kinds of hors d’oeuvres For 25-50 guests, plan for 9-10 different kinds of hors d’oeuvres For more than 50 guests, plan for 10 or more different kinds of hors d’oeuvres. If hors d’oeuvres take the place of dinner, include some substantial meal type foods that can be served like hors d’oeuvres (for example a carving station). Remember to provide a variety of foods to please everyone. That means something for the vegetarian as well as the meat eater. Having both hot and cold foods also helps to keep everyone nibbling happily. If hors d’oeuvres take the place of dinner, also include several bites of sweets per person.

How do you figure how many of each type of hors d’oeuvres to prepare?

A fairly standard formula is used by caterers to figure out how many pieces should be prepared for each kind of hors d’oeuvres being served:
Number of bites desired per person times the number of guests divided by the number of different hors d’oeuvres being served.

Should hors d’oeuvres be served for breakfast or lunch?

Hors d’oeuvres are not needed for breakfast or brunch. However, 2-4 light hors d’oeuvres can be served per person for lunch, if desired.

Written by Ryan Welch in: Guides

Rental Equipment

How big tent? space for chairs, dance floor, glasses for a cocktail party, plates for buffet

​I have the answers but there are so many variables we really need to talk about everything to put together a cost effective rental package plan. We are aligned for Statewide rental service from Royal restrooms to Glamping and all things in between.