Sterling Events Hospitality

Most catering services require at least 2-4 weeks advance notice for standard events, though larger events or custom menus may need 6-8 weeks. Since Sterling Events operates Monday-Thursday business hours, plan to contact them well in advance to secure your preferred date and discuss menu planning during their available consultation times.

Professional catering teams can typically accommodate common dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free) if notified during the planning phase. You'll want to confirm with Sterling Events specifically which restrictions they can manage and whether there are additional charges for specialized meal preparation or ingredient sourcing.

This varies significantly by vendor. Some caterers include non-alcoholic beverages, while others charge separately. Alcohol service often involves additional licensing requirements, so clarify whether Sterling Events provides full bar service, beer and wine only, or if you need to arrange this through a separate beverage vendor.

Per-person pricing (typically $15-$50+ per guest in Austin) scales with your final headcount, while flat-rate quotes may bundle specific services. Ask Sterling Events whether they quote per-person or offer package deals, and confirm what's included—food only versus food plus service and rentals—so you can accurately compare costs.

Many venues have exclusive catering contracts or require caterers with specific insurance and health permits. Contact Sterling Events with your venue details so they can confirm whether they've worked there before and understand any access, equipment, or timing constraints you'll face.

Catering services typically ask for final headcount 1-2 weeks before your event since they're purchasing and preparing food based on those numbers. Confirm Sterling Events' specific deadline and their policy for last-minute additions or reductions, as changes closer to the event often incur fees.