It's very frustrating to see that the other reviews are "not recommended" when they say positive…read morethings about Bennett Caterers. That is not fair to them.
My first interaction with the owner, Joanne, was wonderful. She was incredibly helpful in not only deciding on the wedding menu, but in matching colors, suggesting decor, and offering advice for planning as she was aware that I was planning my own wedding and had no idea what I was doing!
She helped me afford the full-service buffet catering by working out pricing that worked well for my budget and worked out ALL the buffet options I wanted! I was super excited and incredibly happy with the menu! It hit all food options, meats, seafood, vegetarian.
We scheduled a tasting during our meeting with the venue representative and Joanne provided all the needed documentation for catering. The tasting was all of the entrees/sides that we put on the menu, AND additional tastings of other options and iced tea that I wanted. Since we didn't really have "tasting" time at the venue, she packed it up into take-out boxes and let us take so much food home! It was as if we went to a restaurant and got take-out food for dinner!
I hired Bennett Caterers for my wedding ceremony/reception, all located in the same lodge. Set-up time was scheduled from 12:00-2:00pm, with the ceremony supposed to begin at 2:00pm. They were already at the location when we arrived for set-up and setting up table linens. In that time frame, I threw the decor onto the tables and ran off to get ready for my wedding.
By the time I came back up for the ceremony, all of the tables were beautifully covered with the plates and silverware. Everything was set-up and the buffet was warm and ready on the side. During dinner, the food was very good and everyone seemed satisfied. With my nervousness, I kind of forgot to eat during my entire wedding, but at least the guests enjoyed it! The bar was also great!
The waiters were incredibly respectful and Joanne's team was great. If there was anything I could have changed, I probably would have pushed a couple of late night (after party) snacks that could have gone around during the dancing, as I didn't get the try any appetizers during cocktail hour, since I was off taking photos. :( To any brides that plan their own wedding, you SHOULD have breakfast, because I thought I'd get to try some of the food and I didn't... :(( But I'm so happy the guests enjoyed it all!
Just a side note -- I didn't quite know this was universal for caterers, but to avoid liability issues, they cannot leave you leftovers (especially since the food sits out for a long time), so don't be surprised if you don't get to keep everything that you saw after dinner.
Thanks, Joanne!