Do you only cater Buffets? generally, yes, only buffets, but we can do plated starters within a buffet menu.

Who provides the Buffet equipment? We have our own chafing dishes and carvery units. When we include 'live' grilling at the buffet, we provide all the equipment for this too. Your menu price includes all of this..

Who provides the Crockery and Cutlery? there is a varied range of qualities available in Crockery and Cutlery and as a result, we suggest the client provides this, in accordance to our requirements (in terms of the menu you choose). We will suggest which hiring company to use for which style of cutlery. Most good hiring companies also offer a same-day collection service, even if its midnight, and will charge you only a small amount for a 'washup' service. This is a great service as it cuts down hugely on losses and breakages specially when you are using crystal glassware.

When do you set up? We prefer to set up the day before the wedding. That means we can test all the equipment, and make sure we only have to concentrate on the actual food, on the big day.

When do you remove your equipment? Generally we clear all our buffet equipment immediately after service however, there are times when this is impossible.

Who is responsible for security? from the minute our equipment arrives until it is removed, the client is responsible for its security. Losses will be charged and recoverable from the client. A deposit is charged for this purpose.

Do you cater for vegetarians, Vegans, Muslims, Kosher etc? Whilst we will provide excellent alternatives for your vegan and vegetarian guests, we can not provide kosher or halaal meals.

In What Regions do you cater? Although we are based in Durban, we are able to provide services anywhere in Southern Africa, including Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana and anywhere in South Africa. We cater in halls, fields, marquees, trains, planes and boats (or ships).

Do you require Kitchen facilities at the wedding venue? yes, we definately will require the use of a kitchen or anti-room of some kind. If its a marquee, we will need a small marquee kitchen tent. We need 'drive-up' access to the kitchen. Fresh water is a pre-requisite.

What about refuse? We provide our own refuse bags, but these are not removed from the premises by us.

How far ahead are you booked? We have bookings as much as 18 months in advance of the event. We ONLY commit to one event per day, this means to protect our business we have to ask for non-refundable booking deposits from our clients.

What is the payment schedule? we charge a booking deposit of 20% of the total value of the expected catering account. This is non-refundable. 60 days prior to the date of your wedding, we will call for another 20% deposit - it too is non-refundable. 7 days prior to the date the balance is payable based on the final confirmed number of guests to cater for. In addition, a refundable security deposit is charged. This will be refunded within 72 hours after your function ends.

How secure is your company? Is there a chance I'll lose my deposits? Chatterleys Catering cc, trading as The Wedding Caterer, was established in 1985. We are contracted to the SHARKS and cater in their Presidents Suite at every home game, and have done since 1998. We are not a 'fly-by-night' organisation.

How many waiters will I need? generally, you can work on a ratio of 1 waiter per 20 guests. This may change if your menu includes a plated starter.

How long before and how long after the reception, will you be at the venue? because we prefer to set up the venue the day before, we will generally arrive at the venue with the food about an hour prior to your guests arriving. That means your food is the absolute freshest it can be. The Buffets remain 'open and serving' for 2 hours. Thereafter they are cleared. At that point some of our kitchen brigade leave, but management and waiters remain behind to serve coffees etc and only leave at the end of the event.

Do you have references we can contact? Absolutely.