New Orleans weddings come with big expectations at the table, and at Elysian Events Catering, we believe the caterer you choose shapes a good part of how your day feels. From the first passed appetizer at cocktail hour to the last plate at the reception, food sets a tone that guests remember long after the flowers are gone. Before you sign a contract, we want to help you understand what actually separates a strong catering partner from an average one, and how our commitment to excellence ensures your wedding is unforgettable.
Our Story: Born from a Love of Food and Each Other
Our journey didn’t start in a corporate boardroom; it started at the altar. Founders Jen Sherrod and Brandon Blackwell were married shortly before launching Elysian Events Catering in the fall of 2013. The first wedding we ever catered was actually our own! Having spent our lifelong careers in restaurants and hospitality, transitioning into catering was a natural fit for us. We spent years honing our craft and getting to know our community while running stalls at St. Roch Market and Auction House Market. Today, we bring those same delicious seafood traditions and authentic flavors to weddings and events throughout the city we love.
Our Professional Commitment to Your Big Day
We believe that the best wedding caterer in New Orleans combines hands-on local experience, proper licensing, and a menu that can flex around your guest list instead of a single fixed package. When we partner with you, we bring our full track record of local expertise to the table, ensuring that every detail is handled with the care your wedding deserves.
Specialized Services: Our Unique Mobile Oyster and Raw Bar
One of the ways we stand out is through our specialized mobile oyster bar. We are among the few caterers in the area providing both raw and chargrilled oysters on-site for events of all sizes. To elevate your reception even further, we offer raw bar add-ons like marinated Louisiana crab claws, jumbo Gulf shrimp cocktail, and Gulf seafood ceviche. Because Cajun and Creole dishes and second line traditions carry such weight in New Orleans, we make sure our service reflects that authentic culinary culture.
Ensuring Safety and Professionalism
We believe that a liquor license, general liability coverage, and staff trained on food handling are basic requirements, not bonus features. We maintain all necessary licensing to serve alcohol alongside our food service, preventing the common pitfalls that trip up many couples. Our team strictly follows the Louisiana Department of Health standards and the FDA’s four steps to food safety (clean, separate, cook, chill) to ensure your guests are as safe as they are well-fed.
Our Approach: The Elysian Wedding Checklist
When we sit down with you, we encourage you to use this checklist to see how we operate compared to others. Our goal is to provide total clarity and a bespoke experience.
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Menu Flexibility
We love helping our clients design the menu of their dreams. Whether it’s a family recipe, a regional specialty, or specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), we build custom menus tailored to your taste and budget rather than forcing you into a fixed package.
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Tastings
We believe you should know exactly how your food will taste. We schedule tastings once a package is selected so we can adjust flavors and portions to your exact preference before the big day.
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Staffing and Service Style
Whether you choose a buffet, plated dinner, family-style service, or stations, we provide the appropriate staffing levels to ensure seamless service. We guide you through the booking process to ensure you have the right number of servers and bartenders for your guest count.
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Pricing Transparency
Transparency is at the heart of our business. We provide written, itemized quotes that spell out per-person food costs, staffing fees, and rental add-ons separately. You will never find a surprise on your final invoice from us.
Wedding caterer checklist at a glance
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Local reviews and past weddings | Shows real experience with New Orleans venues and guests |
| Liquor license on file | Required to legally pair bar catering with food service |
| Menu tasting offered | Lets you adjust flavors and portions before the big day |
| Dietary accommodations | Covers vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and allergy requests |
| Written, itemized pricing | Avoids surprise fees for staffing, rentals, or extra hours |
We are a full-service, off-premise caterer built around New Orleans celebrations. From weddings and debutante balls to corporate conferences and milestone birthday parties, we bring the same elevated approach to every event. Reach out through our contact form to start the conversation about how we can make your next gathering the talk of the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a wedding caterer in New Orleans?
We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally nine to twelve months out. Popular dates in our New Orleans wedding calendar fill up quickly, particularly during the holidays and peak seasons.
Is bar service included with wedding catering?
With us, it can be! We offer bar catering packages featuring premium brands and professional bartending. Always confirm if a caterer holds a liquor license before assuming bar service is an option.
Can a New Orleans wedding caterer accommodate food allergies?
Absolutely. We regularly adjust our menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy requests. We prefer to discuss these needs during our first conversation to ensure every guest has a delicious experience.
What does wedding catering typically cost in New Orleans?
Costs depend on guest count and service style, but we offer competitive pricing starting in the mid-thirty dollar range per person for buffet packages. We invite you to request a custom quote from us to see how we can work within your budget while delivering exceptional quality.
