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What does every successful event have in common?

While beautiful flowers, good music, and a full bar are definitely key, every successful event has GOOD FOOD!

I consider this as a pretty universal belief— which is why when a lot of people start to plan their event, one of the first things they think to do is pick up the phone and call a caterer.

While this is definitely a step in the right direction [ especially if you’re calling us (; ] there are certain details about each event that caterers will probably ask you upfront in order to put together a proposal that will meet all of your needs and exceed your expectations! And we want you to be aware of these upfront!

7 questions that your caterer will ask you:

  1. When’s the big day?!

This is probably the first question you will be asked so your caterer can check their availability. While we definitely want to cater all your events, we don’t want to book too many events around the same time!

The time of day is important as well because that will determine how much food we need to make, and how we will schedule our staff.

  1. Who’s the lucky venue?

Every venue is different. There are several things for us to consider in this instance. More than likely we’ve worked at your venue before, so we can make it work!

For example:

  • Some venues already have their own catering and a client might not realize that.
  • Your venue might not have a kitchen. But no worries! We can practically build one! With this will come additional expenses that we will include in the proposal.
  • Your venue may have a food prep area but still not a full kitchen. In this case, we have some options that we can choose from in order to make this work!

P.S. Have you heard Dupree Catering opened their own venue? Check out the website or find us on Social Media!

The Mane on Main www.themaneonmain.com                              

 

 

     

 

 

3. How many mouths are we feeding?

A lot of catering companies, including us base their pricing per person. This being said it is difficult to give you a relatively accurate quote if we don’t know how many people will be attending your event. We do understand that head counts change as the event date gets closer and we are more than happy to adjust cost based on your final number… but in an initial phone call or email, just an idea will do!

  1. Let’s talk about the greens… and we don’t mean vegetables!

We ask this not to be nosey but so when start putting a menu together, it meets your wants as well as your budget.

When you call Dupree, we will ask about your overall budget because we are a full service catering company. A proposal from us will show more than just food expense. We can also provide beverage bar cost, staff cost, rental cost, etc.

So it is important that we have an idea of both so we can make the best proposal for you and your event.

  1. What’s your style?

As much as I love fashion, we aren’t asking about your clothes!

Planning a good menu isn’t just about choosing the food, but choosing how you serve it! Some of the most common meal styles are a plated meal, a buffet, and a cocktail style reception. A trend we’re loving lately is family style service as well! Fill up your bellies with the whole family!

  1. . What’re we drinking?

Many caterers you contact can also offer bar service. Dupree does have a liquor license which allows us to bring and serve our own alcohol at your event. We offer full bar, beer wine, soft and non alcoholc bevs. Wanting to shake things up? Add a signature drink!

  1. Who’s on your team?!

While we’ve got you covered on all your food and beverage needs, we’d love to know who else is helping on your day! Don’t know yet?! We work with A TON of amazing vendors that we would be happy to connect you with!

  • For all your décor and furniture needs; Refined Social Events and Canvas Event Furniture are amazing!
  • Need linens? Bryants Rent All or Mr. Linen always help us out!
  • Florals always make for great décor. We work with a ton of florists such as Bonnie over at Stems and Joanna with Natural Endeavors.
« Chevy Chaser | Catering to their own crowd: Local chefs and catering companies add dedicated event venues
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Cheers to grateful hearts, shared laughs, and a Ha Cheers to grateful hearts, shared laughs, and a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Dupree Catering + Events & The Mane on Main 🧡🥂
One year later, and we still cannot stop swooning One year later, and we still cannot stop swooning over these Mr. & Mrs. photos from JT and Alex’s wedding! 🥹😍(@itsabbeygarner 👀📸) We feel so lucky that we got to host this couple for their amazing day. It is certainly one we won’t forget anytime soon! Congrats and Happy One Year to the Sureau’s! 🥂🍾
Dupree Catering & The Mane on Main wish you a wond Dupree Catering & The Mane on Main wish you a wonderful holiday season. Please note our upcoming holiday hours.🎁🎄⏰
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our founder, mentor, and friend, Harriet Dupree Bradley. Harriet started Dupree Catering in 1986 and then partnered with longtime friend, Eileen McCormick. These two superwomen began in a one room kitchen, even sharing an office desk and phone. Together they continued to grow the business catering events for over 2000 guests. Under Harriet’s leadership Dupree catered to celebrities, past presidents, and royalty. Harriet’s philosophy was simple: serve local, incredible tasting food with gracious hospitality. Dupree Catering and Events continues to honor this philosophy.  
 
Harriet loved her employees and went above and beyond for them. She was a pioneer in offering health insurance and a retirement plan to food industry staff, long before the practice became more common. She helped employees pay for medical procedures or opened her home if someone needed a place to stay. Harriet was there to listen, offer advice and help in any way she could. One of our kitchen’s mottos was “Ask for what you need.” Now this did not mean you would always get it, but she would be there to hear you out.
 
She also had a passion for the environment, especially the environmental impact of the catering business. During Harriet’s ownership, Dupree catering earned its 2-star status as a Green Certified Caterer, one of the first in the state of Kentucky. Now Dupree maintains a 4-star Green certification, all due to Harriet’s passion.  
 
 Our deepest condolences go out to the Bradley, Dupree and Grimes family as they mourn this terrible loss.   
We will miss you, Harriet, but your legacy will live on through our food, hospitality, and green practices.
💍Happy one year since the wedding festivities f 💍Happy one year since the wedding festivities for the Songs✨ Happy one year wedding anniversary to the gorgeous Song couple who celebrated their love with us a year ago, at The Mane on Main. We love these sneak peaks of you two from the amazing photographer @BeccaPenistonPhotography 💍🤩✨📸
Dupree Catering & The Mane on Main wish you a 𝙛 Dupree Catering & The Mane on Main wish you a 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙜tastic and fab-𝙗𝙤𝙤-lous Halloween!🧛‍♀️👻🖤🧡
🎉💍 One year of wedded bliss! ✨ Happy Weddi 🎉💍 One year of wedded bliss! ✨ Happy Wedding Week to the beautiful Owens couple who celebrated their love with us two years ago, at The Mane on Main. We're still swooning over the memories of your special day. 💕
As our month-long vendor appreciation journey come As our month-long vendor appreciation journey comes to a close, there’s one exceptional team that truly deserves the grand finale #SeptemberShoutOut - none other than our in-house caterers, Dupree Catering + Events! 🎉  @dupree_catering 
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With each meticulously crafted dish, they’ve woven a culinary tale that leaves us speechless. From the first bite to the last savory morsel, their food quality has been an absolute masterpiece. 🍽️👑  
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Every plate, a canvas; every dish, a work of art. Their food presentation isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s an experience that takes our events to a whole new level of elegance and sophistication. 🎨🌟  
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But it’s not just about the food, it’s about the entire journey they take us on. Their excellent service exudes warmth and professionalism, making every guest feel like royalty. With a smile, they’ve turned meals into memories. 😊👏  
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And let’s not forget the magic they create with their creative menus! From delectable classics to avant-garde delights, they’ve proven that culinary innovation knows no bounds. 🍡🍷  
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So, here’s to Dupree - the culinary architects of our dreams, the flavor magicians who transform events into feasts, and the unwavering partners who’ve filled our venue with love, flavor, and unforgettable moments. 🥂
Today, we’re pouring our gratitude and admiratio Today, we’re pouring our gratitude and admiration for one of the kindest and most talented photographers in the industry, @conrhod . 📷💖 #SeptemberShoutOut 
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Conrhod, you’ve graced our venue with your artistry countless times, and each time, you’ve left us in awe. Your ability to capture vivid colors and intricate details is truly impressive. ✨
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From glamorous wedding albums, to breathtaking detail photos, to stunning headshots, you make everything shine in front of the lens. Your talent is a gift, and we’re incredibly fortunate to witness your artwork come to life. 🎨📸
Today, we’re giving a heartfelt shout-out to a d Today, we’re giving a heartfelt shout-out to a dynamic duo that takes every event to new heights! 💐🛋️
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Today’s #SeptemberShoutOut goes to Refined Social Events and Canvas Event Furniture, a husband and wife team that defines excellence in the wedding industry. 🤵👰
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Refined Social Events, your floral and event design mastery always leaves us in awe. Your attention to detail and impeccable range are unmatched. 🌷🌟
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Canvas Event Furniture, your event rentals are pure works of art, elevating every space with style and sophistication. 🛋️✨
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Together, you create magic, transforming our venue into a world of beauty and elegance. We’re honored to witness your wonderful work. 
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📸: Thank you Amy for these gorgeous shots.
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DUPREE CATERING + EVENTS and THE MANE ON MAIN (Onsite Venue)
Phone: (859) 231-0464 • 201 East Main Street, Suite 1500 • Lexington, KY 40507