EVENT PLANNING 101 

I'm interested in your catering services. What's the first step?

You have several options: You can call our office at 541.286.4412 or fill out the event questionnaire on the "Contact" page of our website. We will follow up to discuss your event details and then create a comprehensive proposal outlining all the details of our services and the costs associated with them. You may want to consider a few options in advance:

• What is your wedding vision?
• Do you have an established budget?
• Will you be needing linens and china?
• How many guests are you expecting?
• Have you selected your date and venue?
• Is bar service required?

How far in advance should I reserve my event date?

The answer varies depending on your event. Most social and corporate events are reserved 3 to 6 months in advance. Weekend dates fill more quickly than weekdays. For weddings, we generally book 6 to 12 months in advance - but please call our office none-the-less to see if your perfect date is available!

How do I reserve my event date?

To officially book our services on your event date, we require a signed Event Confirmation and a non-refundable booking fee of $1500. Without receipt of your signed contract and non-refundable booking fee, your date is unconfirmed and may be lost to other events.

Can I change anything about my event after I reserve?

Absolutely! Talk with your event coordinator about any changes to your contract after signing. Your final guest count is due 10-14 days prior to your event. An exact date will be confirmed with your event coordinator.

When is my final head count due?

Your final head count is due 10-14 days before your event. Talk with your event coordinator about your specific due date.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule my event?

Please see our current cancellation policy - which we strictly adhere to - outlined in your Event Confirmation.

Will I get leftovers?

It is at the discretion of Forks and Corks Catering whether any leftover food is packaged or disposed. This is strictly for the safety of your guests and our adherence to Health Department regulations.

May I provide my own food at my event?

Due to liability, we do not allow outside food at events we cater, except desserts. If you have a special circumstance, please discuss it with your event coordinator.

Can you provide special menus and handle food allergies?

Yes! Our kitchen is versatile and loves getting creative. If you don't see something you love on our menus, we'd be delighted to collaborate on a custom menu for your event. We understand the importance of accommodating allergies and special dietary needs - it's an essential part of our services! You will see an abbreviation next to each menu item indicating its compatibility with special diets. If we know about the needs of your guests in advance, we can easily make accommodations.

What's included in the price?

In addition to food and beverage, all our menus come with complimentary compostable plates, flatware, napkins, and beverageware. Upscale disposables, china, stainless flatware, and glassware are available options at an additional cost. We also provide complimentary table linens, table runners, and artful decor for all food buffet and beverage tables to match the colors and style of your event. Each buffet item will have a food label that includes dietary concerns. At weddings and other special events, we complimentary cut and serve cake and other desserts.

What is your payment plan?

For most social events, we require a 50% deposit of your estimated total due. Your final deposit is due no later than five days before your event. If your estimated total due is over $2500, see wedding payment plan below. Payment terms vary for approved corporate clients. For weddings, we split your payment in thirds to help you budget. To reserve your wedding date, we require a signed Event Confirmation and 30% deposit of your estimated total due. A second 30% deposit is due on the date midway between the date of your first deposit and your event date. Your final deposit is due no later than five days before your wedding date.

What is the service fee?

We add a 20% service fee on all food, beverage, and rental equipment. For plated events, this fee increases to 25%. This service fee covers the event coordination and travel to and from your venue (up to 30 minutes/25 miles one-way). This fee also covers the appropriate number of food servers at your event. Bartenders are extra.

Is gratuity for the staff included in the bill?

No, our service charge is not distributed to staff as a gratuity. Gratuity is completely at your discretion - not expected, but always appreciated by our staff!

What types of payment do you take?

We accept cash, check, and the following credit cards: Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. You may also Please note we do charge a 3% processing fee on all card transactions.

Do you provide/coordinate rentals?

Absolutely! We have a limited inventory of in-house china, flatware, glassware, and linens that can be rented for your event. We also have relationships with local vendors to help coordinate other rental needs. It is often in the client's best interest to coordinate linens with another vendor, or pick them up at our commissary in advance of the event. This allows the host to dress and decorate guest tables prior to our arrival on event day.

What is Forks Express?

Forks Express is our drop-and-go line of catering. Minimal set up, no staff, no fuss! Everything is delivered in disposable containers complete with disposable chafers (a cool technology!) serving utensils, and tableware.

Do you provide event decor?

Yes! We have a large collection of decor to theme your food and beverage tables in the same style and colors as your event. We provide this service complimentary with our menus. The selection of items in our inventory is by of our team - we do not rent individual items, nor require the client to pick out their complimentary elements. There are instances when extra decor is not appropriate on buffets. We understand those times and plan accordingly.

Do you offer bartending and do you have a bartending license?

Yes, we have professionally trained bartenders on staff to serve beer, wine, and/or spirits at your event. Our company is OLCC licensed and has full liquor liability insurance. Due to OLCC policy, when Forks and Corks Catering staff is represented at your event, we cannot allow self-service of alcohol.

Can I order alcohol through you or should I shop for it myself?

Both options are available, depending on your venue and preferred bar style. Our bar menu highlights some of our favorite Pacific Northwest libations. We're also happy to try and source your favorite brands through our distributors. If you prefer, you can supply your own beer and wine (no spirits). We will charge our regular bar set up and service fees plus a corkage fee on all consumed drinks and/or open bottles. Please inquire for pricing. For logistical and liability reasons, we do not allow BYOB for events held at Vue Corvallis or The Officers Club - both venues managed by Forks and Corks Catering.

How do you price bartending services?

We offer a variety of bartending packages. You can choose to host your bar or offer a no host/cash bar for guests. For all bar types, we charge a set-up and service fee that ranges from $160-230. This price includes the set up and teardown of your bar and one bartender serving for up to 4 hours. The alcohol at hosted bars can be charged two ways: a flat rate by the hour or by consumption of each bottle. Please note that bar pricing varies greatly, depending on the variety of bar drinks, your event type, length, layout, and the number of guests. You may need additional bars, bartenders, and/or glassware. Your event coordinator will discuss these options in more detail, as needed.

Can I hire another company to bartend at my event?

As an OLCC license holder, we expect to provide bartending services at events we cater to ensure that regulations are appropriately enforced. However, we do make exceptions under special circumstances.

Can you provide staff for my event?

Yes! We have a full team of professional event servers and bartenders. Depending on your guest count and service style, we will schedule staff to help set up, service, and clean up your catering. The cost of waitstaff is 25.00/hour per server. Bartenders are 45.00-65.00 depending on the complexity of your event. If you choose to have china service included as part of your event, we add a pantry/dishwasher to your order at 20.00/hour. Chefs required on-site are charged at 45.00 per hour.

What does your staff wear?

We are big on staff presentation. Our servers are professional, polished, and conservatively dressed in matching black outfits. For casual events and days when temperatures reach 90 degrees, our staff arrive in nice, collared polos and aprons. For more formal events our staff wear button-up black shirts, and coordinating ties for extra-formal events.

Does your staff set up and break down the event?

Yes, for full-service events we take care of all food and beverage areas. We only ask that tables and chairs be set up before our arrival. Our staff will set placesettings, etc. before your guests arrive, so everything is composed and lovely for them. Throughout your event, we will refresh beverages, clear plates, and keep areas clean. At the end, we will break down all food and beverage areas, keeping things easy and effortless for you. For Express set-up, our staff person will arrive with all of the elements required for a nice and care-free casual buffet. We will set up your buffet as requested and give instructions for any re-fill or chafer-use requirements.