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Rocklands Catering

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Wedding Catering

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Home » Events We Cater » Wedding Catering

Experienced and Award Winning Caterer

We have over 31 years of catering experience and have won awards for the wedding catering services we offer throughout the DMV area. This page is full of great information to help you starting planning your wedding celebration.

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Virginia Living Top Wedding Vendors logo 2023
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Here Is What Our Customers Have To Say

See why we are one of Virginia’s and Washington D.C.’s favorite wedding caterers. 

We had Rocklands cater a smaller than originally planned wedding in our backyard due to COVID. We had to change our menu due to the reduction in invitees and Rocklands was great with our changes.

The food was fantastic and the service was exceptional!  Rocklands walked around with appetizers, they were flexible with our schedule, they served the food and bartended.

We highly recommend Rocklands for any event.

 

—Cathy

“Top notch, far exceeded expectations from start to finish.

Provided valuable insight during wedding planning with value-added recommendations. Understood the pros and cons of the venue, knew how to make it our own. Made it a turn-key operation, no muss, no fuss, for the bride and her wedding party. Very flexible in response to potential inclement weather. Servers took care of the party and all attendees without being obvious. And did I mention that the food was outstanding?!

I’d do it again with Rocklands in a heartbeat.”

— Richard

“Our experience with Rocklands was excellent from start to finish.

We hired them to cater a relatively casual wedding celebration of about 130 guests at an indoor venue in Washington, DC. They were very flexible and patient with us in the planning stage, as our guest list, menu preferences, and price sensitivity changed, and we asked for multiple iterations of the quote. On the day of the food was, as always, very good. Many of our guests told us they loved it and we saw lots of people going for seconds.

And to top it all off, the crew that worked our wedding were exceptional. They were very professional, and went above and beyond the level of service we had expected. It was a very pleasant surprise and it allowed my wife and I to not worry about the food during or after the event. Would absolutely recommend to anyone interested in a BBQ meal for their event.”

— Gabe

We hired Rocklands to cater our rehearsal dinner (which we hosted at our church as a welcome reception for out of town guests, so it was about 100 people)! This was an easy choice for us to make because we have been huge fans of Rocklands for years… in fact, the restaurant in Ballston is where we had several of our first dates. So it was special to be able to work with them for the rehearsal dinner.

Their catering team is amazing! From getting help crafting the right menu to setting up and putting on a beautifully catered dinner, our experience working with them could not have been better. Our guests RAVED about the food!

— Catherine

“This was our first time working with Rocklands Catering, and it will certainly not be our last.

We planned a rooftop reception with over 600 RSVPs. Of course mother nature had her way and called for showers and thunderstorms. With two days advance notice we had to change locations, and host our event indoors. The Rocklands team didn’t sweat it and worked with us to ensure we had a successful event. There was ample food, and the staff were beyond professional. They ensured the venue was kept clean and tidy, and helped with other catering needs as well.

I highly recommend working with Rocklands!”

— Jesse

“Terrific catering for our daughter’s wedding in Arlington, VA at Hendry House. During the planning phase, my daughter was able to make changes to the menu easily. We saved money by purchasing alcohol ourselves, with Rocklands bartenders serving it along with their delicious homemade lemonade and ice tea–much appreciated on a hot June Day. Simple barbecue buffet was great for a Garden Party wedding. The barbecue beef and salmon were a great choice. Also especially loved mini jalapeño corn muffins. For dessert, along with cake from our own bakery, Rocklands served mini cupcakes, and finished off with the usual coffee, and pulled out an ice cream pushcart serving a half dozen novelty ice creams–guests loved this refreshing end to a very hot day.

Staff and servers all did their jobs professionally allowing us to enjoy the event. Thanks Rocklands!”

— Karleen

Rocklands drove their pig out to our wedding on the farm to finish the whole pig over the fire for all our guests to see. The presentation on the linen covered table was beautiful, and the pork was fabulous at dinner. The staff was kind and gracious. We have nothing but good things to say. Rocklands helped make our wedding night special.

Wedding Photos

Our brides, grooms, families and friends have had a lot of fun celebrating nuptials. Check out the weddings Rocklands Catering has been honored to be part of and maybe you will get some ideas for yours.

Rocklands Catering bride and groom hovering over roasted pig table
Catered wedding in the wood
Bride eating Rocklands barbeque
Wedding flowers on dining table
Grill in front of reception tent
Catered dinner plate
catered wedding spread
Rocklands Catering Cap wedding I do bbq invitation
Bartender at Catered Event
Rocklands caters weddings

Types Of Weddings We Cater

BBQ On-Site Grilling

Make your event extra memorable with the smells of fresh grilled items using our on-site grilling team. There's nothing like the fresh smoked BBQ food for your wedding.

Wedding Lunch

A lunch wedding reception is the perfect time for a relaxed, low-key celebration. And BBQ makes it even better!

Buffet Style

A buffet is a self-service style where guests serve themselves. This style is a great method for feeding large numbers of people with less onsite staff.

Cocktails and Passed Apps

Why have a full reception when you can have the happiest cocktail hour. A cocktail style wedding reception using our bar catering services is budget friendly and just as fun for your guests.

Backyard Casual

We can turn your backyard into a wedding venue! Our full-service catering services take care of everything. We bring seating, tables, bar services and anything else you need.

Family Style

Always dreamed of that more intimate family style meal? Family style allows your family to sit at wide tables with large platters of food for everyone to self serve. Family style costs a bit more than buffet but allows for that intimate family dinner feel.

DIY Wedding Delivery

DIY brides, we've got your covered. Just place your order for delivery and have us deliver and set up a great buffet and appetizers for your wedding

Wedding Theme Ideas

We can do it all. We can handle everything (full-service catering) or bits and pieces. We have worked with a number of local venues and partners and can make your wedding vision a reality. Here are just a few themes we’ve catered.

  • Black tie
  • BBQ/Picnic
  • Pig Roast and Luau
  • Barn country wedding
  • Beach wedding
  • City and sophisticated
  • Holiday themed
  • Bohemian 
  • Backyard Barbeque 
Catered wedding in the wood

We cater those too. From small and intimate engagement parties, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners to large parties, our team is here for you. We have a wide variety of options to choose from so you can customize everything to fit your needs. Plus, we provide you peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of.

Engagement Parties

Celebrate and share the news of your engagement with those you love. We can help you plan the perfect first of many pre-wedding celebrations.

Wedding Showers

Bridal, groom, or couples shower. Whatever your plan is, we want to help you celebrate with a fun, stress-free event.

Rehearsal Dinners

We know how important it is to have every part of your wedding be perfect. The rehearsal dinner should be no different. We are experienced professional caterers and love what we do.

Ready To Plan Your Wedding?

Don’t call the caterer quite yet. You’ll want to think some things through so your wedding-catering experience is a good one. Here is some advice from our experience over the years. 

One thing that can help is knowing what your caterer will ask you. The first four things your caterer will want to know are straightforward. Having answers, however, requires some preliminary thinking and action on your part. Here are some tips for planning your wedding.

Get Your Key Info in Hand

  • What is the (confirmed) date, time and location of your event?
  • What is your budget?
  • How many people (approximately) do you think will be there?
  • Any special requirements (dietary, decor, drinks, etc.)?
  • Venue (what items does your venue provide)

And the next question is pretty key, too…

What's Your style?

This is worth some time on Pinterest. You may already have pinned some ideas you like -- what does it all add up to? Like many caterers, we can work inside or outside, simple or fancy. It's all about your style and the feeling you want your wedding to have.

Consider the food that goes with your style. For example are you thinking of a fancy wedding in the city then we would talk about filet and grilled salmon.

Considering a down home, picnic or an outside wedding? You'll want to consider a selection of slow-cooked barbeque with all the fixins'.

How about a disco party at a bowling alley? Shiny and sparkly? Blue and cool and jazzy? The clearer picture you have, the easier it is for us or any caterer to match you up with the right services and products to produce a smashing affair.

Things to Consider

  • Let us know if you want your menu to include passed or stationary appetizers, main meats, sides, desserts. 
  • Is your look formal  with linens, china, silverware and glassware or informal and all disposable ware? 
  • Would you like to have full bar service? Or beer and wine only?
  • Do you need us to rent tables and chairs or does the venue provide them?

Understand Your Options

Let us know if you plan on providing any items yourself like flowers arrangements, party favors, alcohol beverages, desserts from other vendors, or if you need us to do all of the coordinating and planning.

Build a Relationship with Your Caterer and Ask Questions

Weddings can take a while to plan and we want you to be happy with your experience. Our Catering Sales Associates work with you and answer any questions you have to ensure your event is stress-free and everything you imagine.

Submit a Request for a Catering Proposal

Wedding Reception Menus and Pricing

Down to details at Rocklands! Once you have your basics in hand, there are endless possibilities in every menu we prepare. We'll focus on what’s important to you as we create a customized menu to reflect your tastes and style.

Weddings are complex parties, so there are varying components that make up the catering cost in addition to the food. The totals -- food, service staff, equipment rental, non-alcoholic beverages and delivery for most weddings -- fall into the following ranges:

  • Cocktail Reception | $80 – $100 per guest
  • Buffet with china | $100 -- $120 per guest
  • Buffet with disposables | $75 -- $95 per guest

Note that we have not included alcohol in these estimates -- but we're happy to arrange for and serve beer, wine, full bar, a single specialty cocktail or a full tiki lounge with umbrella drinks, if that's what you desire.

Wedding Resources To Help With Planning Your Special Day

Frequently Asked Questions

How many food options should you have at a wedding?

We recommend 2-3 Main Entrees and 3-4 sides.

What is the most popular service style at weddings?

A cocktail hour with passed and stationary appetizers followed by a buffet style dinner are the most popular combination for couples at the moment. 

What is the most popular food served at weddings you have catered?

Real BBQ- Chopped Pork, Pulled Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Coleslaw with Potato rolls and Cornbread.

Upscale BBQ - Beef Tenderloin, Grilled Salmon,  and Chicken Breast filets with Mashed potatoes, leafy green salad and grilled vegetables with assorted rolls.

Do you have references and more reviews we can look at?

Yes, check out our WeddingWire page: https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/rocklands-barbeque-and-grilling-company-alexandria/d202aae435e6dfad.html

Where will the food be cooked for my wedding?

We can come to grill on site or bring it ready to dig into. Whatever you need, we will work with you.

Do you provide alcohol and a bartender?

Yes we can. Our bar services will even create a signature cocktail to tie into your wedding theme or if you have a special recipe. Just let us know.

Do you do tastings?

Yes we do. Availability based on your sales rep, but typically Monday-Thursday before 11am or between 1:30pm-4pm.

When do you need a final guest count?

We would love final guest counts one week prior to your event.

What if I need to make a change just before the wedding?

We can make as many changes as we need up to one week in advance 

Do you provide tables, chairs, linens, etc?

Yes we do! We offer a full range of colors and sizes.

How should I budget for my wedding reception?

Come up with an amount that you want to spend or can afford to spend. Create a spreadsheet with all you costs to include caterer, venue, photographer, transportation, etc. 

How do I host an inexpensive rehearsal dinner?

Nothing like a DIY event. Find a place that provides tables and chairs. Go for disposable place settings. Keep in mind the wedding is the main event.

How long should a rehearsal dinner be?

We recommend a rehearsal dinner to be 2-3 hours.

What is a good dessert for a rehearsal dinner?

Shy away from cake and go for cookies, brownies, dessert bars, custom cupcakes or even a fruit salad.

Should the rehearsal dinner be similar to reception food?

No, give your guests some diversity to show the specialty of your big day. 

What if I just need food for my rehearsal dinner?

Need the food but no servers, have us deliver! We will set up the food items for you in a buffet style, but our staff does not stay.

Additional Wedding Resource Links

We figure it's always useful to hear from several sides, right? So here is some wedding planning guidance from folks who have experience in this field:

Full-Service Catering Proposal Request
Delivery Catering Proposal Request
Food Truck Proposal Request