How to Choose a Wedding Caterer in Upland, CA: Complete Guide for Southern California Couples
Planning a wedding in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, or the Inland Empire? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the perfect wedding caterer—from pricing to menu planning to questions you should ask.
Congratulations on your engagement! 🎉
If you're planning a wedding in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, you already know that choosing the right caterer is one of the most important decisions you'll make. After all, great food can make your wedding unforgettable—and poor catering can leave guests talking for all the wrong reasons.
But with so many options in San Bernardino County, how do you choose the right wedding caterer for your big day?
We've catered dozens of weddings across the Inland Empire, and we've put together this complete guide to help you make the best decision for your celebration.
Why Your Wedding Caterer Matters More Than You Think
Your caterer does more than just provide food. The right catering partner:
Sets the tone for your entire reception
Keeps your guests happy (hangry guests = unhappy guests)
Manages logistics so you can enjoy your day stress-free
Works with your venue and other vendors seamlessly
Accommodates dietary needs so everyone feels included
Stays within your budget without sacrificing quality
In short: your caterer can make or break your wedding day experience.
Step 1: Understand Wedding Catering Costs in the Inland Empire
Let's start with the question everyone wants to know: How much does wedding catering cost in Upland and the Inland Empire?
Average Wedding Catering Costs (Per Person):
Budget-Friendly Options:
Buffet-style service: $15-25/person
Family-style service: $20-30/person
Food truck or casual stations: $18-28/person
Mid-Range Options:
Plated dinner service: $30-50/person
Chef-attended stations: $35-55/person
Combination buffet + stations: $30-45/person
Premium Options:
Multi-course plated service: $50-80/person
Interactive chef stations: $55-75/person
Full-service with premium bar: $70-100+/person
What's Included in These Prices?
At Rivas Event Company, our wedding catering packages include:
✅ Food and ingredients✅ Setup and breakdown✅ Serving equipment (chafing dishes, utensils, plates)✅ Professional service staff✅ Coordination with your venue
Available for additional fees:
Rentals (tables, chairs, linens)
Bar service and beverages
Specialty equipment (our 72-inch flat grill for on-site cooking)
Full event planning and vendor coordination ($500-1,000)
Pro Tip: Always ask what's included in the quoted price. Hidden fees for setup, staffing, or equipment can add 20-30% to your final bill.
Step 2: Determine Your Wedding Catering Style
The right catering style depends on your venue, guest count, budget, and wedding vibe.
Buffet Service
Best for: Casual weddings, outdoor venues, 75-150 guestsPros: Cost-effective, variety of options, guests choose portionsCons: Requires more space, can create linesCost: $15-30/person
Plated Dinner Service
Best for: Formal weddings, indoor venues, 50-150 guestsPros: Elegant presentation, controlled portions, guests stay seatedCons: More expensive, requires pre-selected entréesCost: $30-80/person
Family-Style Service
Best for: Intimate weddings, rustic venues, 30-100 guestsPros: Encourages conversation, feels homey and warmCons: Requires larger tables, portions can be unpredictableCost: $25-45/person
Chef Stations & Interactive Cooking
Best for: Foodie couples, outdoor venues, 75-200 guestsPros: Entertainment + food, fresh and hot, customizableCons: Requires space and equipmentCost: $35-75/person
Our specialty: On-site cooking with our 72-inch flat grill and Cali Cantina Cart—perfect for SoCal outdoor weddings!
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions Before Booking
When you meet with potential wedding caterers in Upland or the Inland Empire, ask these critical questions:
About Experience & Logistics
How many weddings have you catered in the past year?
(Look for experience with events similar to yours in size and style)
Have you worked at my venue before?
(Familiarity with the venue = smoother logistics)
Do you have liability insurance and food handler certifications?
(Non-negotiable for professional caterers)
What is your staff-to-guest ratio?
(Aim for 1 server per 25-30 guests for plated service, 1 per 40-50 for buffet)
What happens if there's an emergency on the day of?
(Make sure they have a backup plan)
About Menu & Customization
Can we customize the menu?
(Your wedding should reflect YOUR taste, not a cookie-cutter menu)
Do you offer tastings?
(Never book without tasting the food first!)
How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
(Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, allergies)
Can you incorporate cultural or family recipes?
(Personalization makes your wedding memorable)
What are your most popular wedding menu items?
(At Rivas Event Company: jalapeño popper burgers, Greek chicken, stuffed cordon bleu, ceviche, teriyaki chicken)
About Pricing & Contracts
What exactly is included in your quoted price?
(Food, staff, setup, equipment, rentals, taxes, gratuity?)
Are there any additional fees I should know about?
(Cake cutting, corkage, overtime, travel, equipment rental)
What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
(Typical: deposit to book, balance due 1-2 weeks before)
Do you have vendor partnerships for rentals, florals, or bar service?
(We do! Our vendor network can save you time and money)
Step 4: Plan Your Wedding Menu
Your menu should reflect your personality as a couple while keeping your guests happy.
Popular Inland Empire Wedding Menu Styles
Classic American BBQPerfect for outdoor summer weddings in Upland or Fontana
Grilled tri-tip, BBQ chicken, ribs
Mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread
Cost: $20-30/person
Mexican FiestaIdeal for SoCal celebrations
Taco bar or fajita stations
Carne asada, carnitas, grilled chicken
Fresh guacamole, salsa bar, churros
Cost: $18-28/person
Italian FeastGreat for family-style service
Pasta stations (Alfredo, marinara, pesto)
Chicken marsala, lasagna, Italian sausage
Caesar salad, garlic bread, tiramisu
Cost: $25-35/person
Elegant Plated DinnerFor formal indoor receptions
Choice of 2-3 entrées (filet mignon, salmon, chicken)
Seasonal vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes
Mixed greens salad, dinner rolls
Cost: $40-60/person
Interactive Chef StationsFor foodie couples who want a show
Live cooking on our 72-inch flat grill
Build-your-own pasta, taco, or slider bars
Carving stations (prime rib, turkey, ham)
Cost: $35-55/person
Don't Forget These Menu Essentials
✅ Cocktail hour appetizers (plan 6-8 pieces per guest)✅ Vegetarian/vegan options (at least 10% of your guest count)✅ Kids' meals (simpler, smaller portions)✅ Late-night snacks (pizza, sliders, tacos for dancing fuel)✅ Vendor meals (your photographer, DJ, and planner need to eat too!)
Step 5: Timeline for Booking Your Wedding Caterer
12+ months before: Start researching caterers, schedule tastings9-12 months before: Book your caterer (especially for peak season: May-October)6-9 months before: Finalize menu, confirm dietary restrictions3-6 months before: Confirm guest count estimate, review contract1-2 months before: Provide final guest count, confirm timeline1-2 weeks before: Final walkthrough, payment due
Pro Tip: Wedding caterers in the Inland Empire book up fast during peak season (April-October). Book early to secure your date!
Step 6: Red Flags to Watch Out For
Avoid these warning signs when choosing a wedding caterer:
🚩 No tastings offered (How can you book without trying the food?)🚩 Vague pricing ("It depends..." without clear breakdowns)🚩 No insurance or certifications (Major liability risk)🚩 Pushy sales tactics (You should feel supported, not pressured)🚩 Poor communication (If they're hard to reach now, imagine on your wedding day)🚩 No references or reviews (Check Google, Yelp, WeddingWire)🚩 Inflexible menu (Your wedding should be customized to YOU)🚩 Hidden fees (Always get everything in writing)
Why Inland Empire Couples Choose Rivas Event Company
Here's what sets us apart for wedding catering in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and the surrounding Inland Empire:
🎨 100% Customizable Menus
Every wedding is unique. We work with you to create a menu that reflects your style, culture, and dietary needs—from traditional American to authentic Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, and beyond.
🔥 On-Site Cooking Experience
Our 72-inch flat grill and Cali Cantina Cart bring the restaurant experience to your venue. Guests love watching their food cooked fresh!
🤝 Full Vendor Network
Need florals? AV equipment? Rentals? Photography? We have trusted vendor partnerships across the Inland Empire and can coordinate your entire event for a flat fee ($500-1,000).
💰 Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprises. Our quotes include food, setup, serving equipment, and breakdown. Add-ons are clearly priced upfront.
📍 Local Expertise
We know the best venues in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Claremont, and Montclair. We've worked at country clubs, wineries, backyards, and everything in between.
⭐ Proven Track Record
80% of our inquiries convert to bookings. Our couples trust us because we deliver exceptional food, service, and peace of mind.
Popular Inland Empire Wedding Venues We Love
We've catered weddings at these beautiful Inland Empire locations:
Upland:
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Upland Hills Country Club
Private estates and backyards
Rancho Cucamonga:
Pacific Palms Resort
Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
Private vineyards
Ontario:
DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport
Ontario Convention Center
Private event spaces
Fontana:
Sierra Lakes Golf Club
Outdoor ranch venues
Claremont & Montclair:
Claremont Club
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Private estates
Real Inland Empire Wedding: Sarah & Miguel
Location: Private estate, Rancho CucamongaGuest Count: 120Style: Outdoor Mexican fiesta with chef stations
Menu:
Taco bar with carne asada, carnitas, grilled chicken
Fresh guacamole and salsa stations
Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, refried beans
Churros and tres leches cake for dessert
Cost: $28/person (including setup, staff, and equipment)
"Rivas Event Company made our wedding stress-free. The food was incredible, the on-site cooking was a huge hit, and they coordinated with all our vendors. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!" — Sarah & Miguel
How to Get Started
Ready to book your wedding caterer in Upland or the Inland Empire?
Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation
Email us at info@rivaseventco.com with:
Your wedding date
Estimated guest count
Venue location
Catering style preference (buffet, plated, stations, etc.)
Step 2: Attend a Tasting
We'll create a custom tasting menu based on your preferences. Bring your fiancé and taste your way to the perfect menu!
Step 3: Finalize Your Menu & Book
Once you're happy with the menu and pricing, we'll send a contract and secure your date with a deposit.
Step 4: Relax & Enjoy Your Day
We'll handle all the food logistics so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
FAQ: Wedding Catering in Upland & the Inland Empire
Q: How far in advance should I book my wedding caterer? A
: For peak season (May-October), book 9-12 months in advance. For off-season, 6-9 months is usually sufficient.
Q: Do you provide bar service? A: We can coordinate bar service through our vendor network or work with your preferred bartender. We do not provide alcohol but can arrange everything for you.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?A: Absolutely! We specialize in customizing menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-friendly needs.
Q: What's your service area?A: We serve a 10-15 mile radius from Upland, including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Claremont, Montclair, and most of San Bernardino County.
Q: Do you require a tasting before booking?A: We highly recommend it! Tastings ensure you're 100% confident in your menu choice.
Q: What if my guest count changes?A: We require a final guest count 1-2 weeks before your wedding. Small adjustments (within 10%) can usually be accommodated.
Q: Do you handle rentals (tables, chairs, linens)?A: Yes! We can coordinate all rentals through our vendor network or work with your preferred rental company.
Q: What makes Rivas Event Company different from other Inland Empire caterers?A: 100% customizable menus, on-site cooking with specialized equipment, full vendor coordination, transparent pricing, and local expertise.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right wedding caterer in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, or the Inland Empire doesn't have to be overwhelming. Focus on:
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees✅ Customizable menus that reflect YOUR style✅ Experience with your venue and guest count✅ Strong communication and professionalism✅ Tastings before you commit
Ready to start planning your dream wedding menu?
📧 Email: info@rivaseventco.com🌐 Website: rivaseventco.com📍 Service Area: Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Claremont, Montclair & the Inland Empire
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Rivas Event Company Inc. | Full-Service Wedding & Event Catering | Upland, CA