Question 1

What is a catering fee, and does Union Hall charge one?

Accepted Answer

A catering fee is not unique to Union Hall. It is standard practice at most venues. We are proud to share that our catering fee is only 10 percent, which is the lowest in the area.

The catering fee is between Union Hall and the catering company. We don't charge you because you chose to hire a caterer. We charge the caterer directly for the use of our kitchen, equipment, utilities, and more, during your event. This includes many of the amenities we provide to support your caterer, such as our top-of-the-line prep kitchen, refrigeration, commercial dishwasher and ice maker, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and other essentials to help keep your event running smoothly.

Each catering company handles this fee differently. Some may include it in their overall pricing, while others might list it as a separate line item. We recommend speaking directly with your caterer about how they choose to represent this fee in their proposal so that there are no surprises along the way.

Question 2

Can we bring our own food instead of using a catering company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may bring your own food; however, we strongly recommend hiring a professional catering company. Caterers handle setup, food service, bussing tables, and kitchen cleanup — helping your event run smoothly and allowing you to enjoy your celebration. Any cleaning tasks left undone may result in an additional cleaning fees when opting out of hiring a catering company.

If you choose not to use a caterer, you need to designate individuals to manage the following tasks:

Guests Responsibilities
· Maintaining the food buffet line/table 
· Clean all food tables after the event 
· Clean up all plates on tables 
· Bus all tables 
· Clean up trash and take it to the dumpster 
· Clean up any food spills made during your event 
· Ensure all food is removed from the kitchen and event space after the event 
· Clean up the catering kitchen if you use it; leaving it as you found it

Question 3

Do you have a catering kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Union Hall features a beautifully designed catering kitchen ideal for staging and final meal prep. The space is well-equipped to support professional caterers with everything they need to serve efficiently and seamlessly.

Question 4

Do I have to choose a catering company from your vendor list?

Accepted Answer

No. You are not required to select a catering company from our vendor list. However, if you choose a caterer outside of our recommended vendors, they must be approved by Union Hall management to ensure they understand and comply with venue guidelines. Our vendor list features caterers known for their quality service and familiarity with our space.

Question 5

What if I choose a catering company that is not on your recommended list?

Accepted Answer

We want to be as accommodating as possible at Union Hall. If you would like to work with a caterer not on our recommended list, please let us know who you are considering so we can begin the reviewal process.

It is important that any outside catering company is familiar with our space, understands how to use our kitchen and equipment, can successfully manage our plateware, and is aware of our catering fee. This helps ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your event and that your caterer is fully prepared to work within our venue.

Question 6

Do you charge a non-catered food fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for weddings or events with more than 50 guests, we charge a $250 non-catered food fee.

We charge this fee because events without a professional catering team nearly always require additional support from our staff. When there is no caterer overseeing food service and cleanup, our team takes on more responsibility to help keep things running smoothly. We still provide access to our kitchen, refrigeration, prep areas, dishwashing area, trash bags, and other supplies to support food handling and cleanup throughout the event.

This fee simply helps us ensure we can maintain the same level of service, cleanliness, and organization for your event as one being managed by a professional caterer.

Question 7

Can I use the kitchen if I bring in my own food?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to use our refrigeration to store your food. Since the kitchen is designed for professional catering, the dishwasher and dishware are reserved for catering companies. If you decide to bring your own food without hiring a caterer, we ask that you clean the kitchen area and take care of trash removal.

Question 8

Do you provide glassware and tableware?

Accepted Answer

Glassware and tableware are provided only when you hire a professional catering company from our preferred list or one approved by Union Hall management.

Glassware: Our bar offers a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktail glassware for your event. Our bartenders also manage the clearing of used glassware from guest tables during your event.

Tableware: When you hire a catering company, Union Hall provides a complete set of tableware for their use, including white stoneware dinner, salad, and dessert plates, silver flatware, and water goblets.

Question 9

Do we have access to the Union Hall tableware if we bring in non-catered food?

Accepted Answer

No. If you opt out of using a catering company and bring in your own non-catered food, you are responsible for providing tableware.

Question 10

Will Union Hall pre-set our plates and water glasses?

Accepted Answer

No. Union Hall does not pre-set plates, silverware, or glassware, but your catering company can provide this service for you. If you choose not to have items pre-set, please discuss with your caterer where the plates and silverwarewill be placed, as they are usually otherwise set at the buffet table.

Glass water goblets are also available if you would like water poured and set at each place setting. This is a great way to reduce plastic waste and add a thoughtful touch for your guests. Your catering company can handle this as well if arranged in advance.

Please be sure to coordinate all place setting and water service details with your catering company before your event.

Question 11

Where do I take trash at the end of my event?

Accepted Answer

Trash bins are located outside Union Hall's north entrance (rear).

Question 12

Can you tell me about Union Hall's bar service?

Accepted Answer

Our bar packages are designed to provide the highest-quality experience for you and your guests. Each package includes staffing, glassware, bar setup and management, and professional service from our trained bartenders. We also take care of removing unused glasses from tables throughout the event, as well as all bar-related recycling and trash.

Question 13

Do your bar packages have a dollar minimum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our bar packages do have a dollar minimum. This means there is a required minimum amount that must be spent on beverages during your event. If total bar sales do not reach the minimum, the difference will be collected at the end of the event. However, it’s rare for an event to not reach the minimum.

The minimum is based on the number of guests attending:

· 0–50 guests: $750 minimum
· 51–100 guests: $1,000 minimum
· 101–150 guests: $1,500 minimum

Question 14

When is the deadline to finalize our bar package selection?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you finalize your bar package no less than 14 days prior to your event. This allows time to confirm all details, place necessary orders, and ensure everything is prepared for a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Question 15

Should I choose a hosted or cash bar?

Accepted Answer

Union Hall offers flexible bar service options to suit your event's style and budget. You may choose a hosted bar, where you cover the cost of drinks for your guests; a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks; or a combination of both.

Question 16

I want a hosted bar, but not everyone at my event will drink. Do I have to pay for guests who don't drink?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all guests 21 and older are included in the hosted bar pricing, regardless of whether they choose to drink alcohol. Since it’s difficult to monitor individual consumption, we base pricing on the total number of adult guests. To accommodate non-drinkers, we offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverage options.

Question 17

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No. Outside alcohol is not permitted at Union Hall — this includes all indoor spaces for the entire duration of your contracted time. We hold a liquor license, and per Kansas state law, all alcoholic beverages must be provided and served by our licensed staff. This ensures compliance with legal regulations and helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.

Question 18

What if a guest brings in outside alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Outside alcohol is not allowed on the premises. If any alcohol — including shooters, flasks, etc. — is found, a fee will be charged to you as the responsible party as stated in your Rental Agreement. It is your responsibility to ensure your guests are informed in advance and comply with our policy.

VALENTINE'S WEDDING SPECIAL