What is the average cost per person for food & beverage?
Based on current banquet menus, on average you may expect to spend approximately $175 USD to $225 USD per person for lunch and $250 USD to $300 USD per person for dinner, exclusive of current taxable service charge and current sales tax. These averages would encompass hors d’oeuvres during your welcome cocktail reception, plated or buffet meal, cake-cutting fees, wine service with meal and an open hosted bar service based on a moderate drinking group.
Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and your final expenditure will depend on your final guest attendance, menu selections and food and beverage financial commitment.
Can food or beverage be brought in from the outside?
The Ritz-Carlton must provide all food and beverage items for your event. The sales and service of beverages is regulated by the California State Liquor Commission, and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is responsible for administration of these regulations. It is our policy that all beverages are to be provided by the resort excluding wine or champagne, which is subject to a $60 USD/per 750ml bottle corkage fee in addition to applicable service charge and tax. The wedding cake is the only food product permitted by an outside vendor.
Who provides the wedding cake?
We understand that the wedding cake is very special and unique to our couples, and we have designated cake vendors for your reference upon request. Cake cutting will incur a $6.50 USD per plate and is subject to applicable service charge and tax.
Can you please clarify the food and beverage minimum?
The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend in a combination of food and beverage, excluding service charge and sales tax, based on the venue you are utilizing for your event. Please keep in mind that is not all you can anticipate to spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, a la carte menu items to equal or exceed the required dollar figure.
The following are examples of items that would apply toward the food and beverage minimum:
Butler-passed and displayed hors d’oeuvres, carving stations, plated or buffet meal, cake-cutting fees, dessert stations, specialty martini bars, dinner wine service, champagne toast, bar service and non-alcoholic beverage items.
Upgraded linens, china, silverware, specialty lighting and décor, bartender and/or chef fees, parking, guest room accommodations and in-room dining do not apply toward the food and beverage minimum.
How late can alcohol be served?
We recommend that alcohol service be discontinued approximately one hour prior to the end of your function. By California State Law, no alcohol may be served after 1:30 a.m.
When do I need to finalize my menu?
Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Ritz-Carlton Special Event Manager 4-to-6 weeks prior to the date of your wedding. Your final guest count or guarantee is due three business days prior to the wedding or one week with choice entrée selections. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged even if fewer guests attend the event.
Do you provide children’s and vendor meals?
Children’s menus are customized to the needs of your event and generally start at $60 USD per child (ages 3 to 10). Chef’s choice of plated vendor meals starts at $60 USD per person and up.
Do you provide a tasting of the food we select? When may I come and what is included?
We are pleased to offer a sample menu tasting for weddings with a food and beverage minimum of $15,000 USD or more. Tastings are offered on a first come, first served basis Tuesday to Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. for up to five people including the wedding coordinator. Any additional guests will be charged at $250 USD per person.