Using a restaurant to cater the event?

The Harp in White Marsh is doing ours. The food and the pricing beat every commercial caterer we saw.

We are using a wonderful italian restaurant as our caterer- saving us a ton of money and the food is AWESOME! I say go for it!

Will they drop & run or will they stay to set up, serve, and clean up?

Yes it would. We are also having the reception at the restaurant. It was $1,000 to rent the entire space. We are saving a ton of money having them host and prepare the food.

Sounds like a plan; just make sure you get everything in writing!

I would think that it would be just as good as anything else....

My plan is cake and drink reception then going out to eat at restaurants at the after party.

Lots of restaurants cater. Sometimes they are less expensive; it completely depends. However, keep in mind that if you just have them "drop off", then someone is likely needed to refill/clean. The best part about having a caterer handle it is that they handle delivery, setup & clean up!!! I would consider what you value more; but it's totally doable if you have a team of folks willing to help with that!

One of the local restaurants is where our wedding will be its like a restaurant and bar on 1st and 2nd floor, then the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor are wedding reception halls. So I think we got a decent price, but the best part is that we know we love the food and beer

Do you all mind sharing the restaurants you selected please? Inquiring brides would love to know

In my area most of the caterers are local resteraunts and are delicious! I most likely using Ruby Tuesdays drop off buffet (less than $10 a person).I know their food is yummy. I feel like resteraunts are just as good if not better, and usually a better deal.

We used Union Depot Taverne in Berea, OH because we loved the food & also DH's uncle is the Co-owner & executive chef. Since it was all in the family, pickup, setup, & cleanup was all taken care of (& paid for by FIL, so I'm assuming it wasn't too expensive)