The Caterist
Award-winning Evanston caterer with 5-star reviews and custom gourmet menus.
The Caterist is an award-winning Evanston-based catering company specializing in elevated wedding cuisine and personalized dining experiences. With a perfect 5-star rating from 41 reviews, they're known for their creative menu design, impeccable service, and ability to handle events of any size with sophisticated flair.
Save The Caterist, and it's on your wedding.
Everything you save lands on your own Aisle plan, a private page for the two of you. Send the link to your partner, your parents, your maid of honour, and they see the same shortlist, the same photographs, the same dates. No forwarding screenshots.
Booking one caterer is easy.
Booking a whole wedding abroad isn't.
This caterer sits beside your venue and the rest of the team, one page you own.
Send the same dates to several vendors at once. Replies land in a single thread.
A real person checks availability and chases paperwork while you enjoy the good part.
Services
Hiring a wedding caterer in Chicago, IL
Local cuisine vs. familiar menus
One of the best parts of a destination wedding in Chicago, IL is the food. Consider incorporating local dishes and ingredients, your guests will remember a menu that reflects the destination. Many caterers offer tasting menus that blend local and international cuisine.
What to budget
Catering costs vary significantly by destination. Budget $75–$250+ per person depending on the style of service (buffet, plated, family-style) and the formality of the event. Don't forget to budget for the welcome dinner and any post-wedding brunches.
Questions to ask before booking
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies? Do you offer tastings before the wedding? Is alcohol included or separate? What's the service style? Do you handle rentals (plates, linens, glassware)? What are your staffing ratios?
When to book
Book 6–10 months ahead. If your venue has an in-house caterer, this decision may be made for you, which simplifies planning considerably.
Questions couples ask
How far in advance should I book The Caterist?+
We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for your preferred wedding date, especially for popular seasons. However, contact them directly about availability for sooner dates, they may have openings.
What is the typical price range?+
Pricing varies based on guest count, menu selections, and service level, but expect $75-150+ per person for full-service wedding catering. Schedule a tasting consultation for a detailed quote.
Do they travel for destination weddings?+
They're based in Evanston and primarily serve the Chicago and North Shore areas. Contact them directly about their willingness to travel for out-of-state events.
What's included in their packages?+
Service typically includes menu consultation, food preparation, plated or buffet service, professional staff, and rental coordination. Specific inclusions vary by package, ask about bar add-ons and special requests.