Our wedding wednesday post is a little late this week due to the fact we are in the middle of a HUGE snow storm. There’s already 8 inches and rumor has it we are supposed to get 10 more. But that didn’t stop me from heading over to talk with Noah, the business manager at custom catering to talk about what their venue and catering hall has to offer for your wedding event.

Custom Catering has been in Blacksburg since 1976 when Noah’s parents opened it’s doors. Since then they have grown into a full-service catering center that serves the New River Valley. They started as “Custom Meats” a butcher shop and because they needed a little more in the summer they added the catering side of things. They moved into the current location in 1989 because they wanted a building that can serve the NRV and still stay affordable.

Their venue holds anywhere between 150 and 250 people. And when you book their venue it is one price that includes the linens, tables, chairs, china, dance floor, tables for the cake and DJ, and your catering costs. The only things that aren’t included are your special decorations, and wedding cake – though you can switch out the appetizers on the menu for specialty desserts. And while no outside caterers are allowed they do let people come in to do your desserts and/or cake.

When I talked to Noah he said their venue for June and July tends to stay booked up to a year in advanced, but for other times of the year you can get by with only 6 months out. His recommendation though, is to make plans a year out and pick your date. Once that is in place to pick your venue ASAP since most, like his are first come, first serve. If you do call and are interested in booking Custom Catering though, they will hold your date, and call you if there is another request for that day.

As a catering company, however they do have the ability to cater more than one event in a day. Noah said they have done as many as 3 in a day and can accommodate up to one on-site and two off-site.

So what is the process to book Custom Catering as your wedding venue? Noah says you can either call him on the phone, or meet in person. They will hold your date if they can and once you’re ready all it requires is that you sign the contract and pay their deposit. After this happens, you have the option to schedule a tasting with the chef. They have several menu options for you to customize your menu from and they will help you to pair entree’s and sides that go together well.

One of Custom Catering’s goals is that they be a place you can get a good quality meal with good quality service that is affordable for people, at around $20 a plate. They want to be great quality but stay affordable for the couples that book them for their reception. And of course, even though they have several options to choose from they are happy to accommodate any other requests you may have.

Like many other venue-caterer combinations I’ve talked to, Custom Catering is able to offer a good price on renting the space because they have the catering included. They also are able to host ceremonies and receptions. Their room can be split by a dividing wall, or you can leave both sides open. When they have a ceremony at their venue it is normally set up on the same side as the dance floor.

I also asked Noah one of my favorite questions to ask venues – what are some of the best things you’ve seen brides do in your space? He said when brides pick themes it helps the decorating seem more coherent, or when they bring bands in it’s always fun. His favorite though are the receptions that incorporate the Bride and Groom’s personality and make it meaningful to them and their relationship. He will let people bring in almost anything including open flames as long as it doesn’t ruin the walls or floor. His only restrictions include glitter and silly string, which seem to be common themes among venues – mostly because they are so hard to clean up.

So to wrap up I want to leave you with some of Noah’s tips for making the process a little easier:
1. Start early – find your date and book your venue as soon as possible.
2. Have an idea of your theme and what you want your reception to be
3. Book your venue first so your date is locked in and you don’t miss out on the venue you want, and then book your other vendors from there.

All in all Noah’s tips seem to wrap up what most of our vendors say – that venues are one of the things that fill up fast so have your date and pick your venue quickly or leave your date open so you can get the venue that you want. Also, that having an overarching theme to your reception will help everything come together and be amazing. Contact Noah today to book your venue here – he is extremely helpful and will make the process so easy for you to work with them.