Real-Food Catering FAQ

(Whole-table welcome • every detail handled)

Short on time? Skip to How to Book at the end and I’ll walk you through the next 3 steps.
Getting started
How do I check availability and get a quote?

Tap Check availability and share your date, guest count, vibe, and must-haves. We’ll reply with a quick ballpark and, if it’s a fit, a custom proposal that includes food, staffing, rentals, and bar—one team, one invoice, zero juggling.

How early should I book?
Peak dates (May–Oct) often fill 6–12 months ahead. Off-season and weekday events have more flex—reach out and we’ll make it easy.



 
 

Pricing & what’s included

What do weddings typically cost?

Full-service, farm-to-table weddings commonly start around $120/guest (menu + staff). Final price depends on your guest count, service style (plated/buffet/family-style), rentals, and bar. We’ll map everything clearly so there are no surprises.

What does “full-service” include?
  • Chef-crafted seasonal menu (customized to you)
  • Staffing: chefs, servers, leads
  • Setup + service + teardown
  • Rentals coordination (tables, linens, glassware, flatware, eco disposables if desired)
  • Bar service (optional) with ABC-licensed staff
  • A detailed event run-of-show so the day flows










Leftovers & food safety

Can guests take food home?
If the venue allows, we’ll safely package approved items. Food safety is non-negotiable; perishable items follow time-temperature guidelines.

Sustainability

What’s your low-waste practice?
Thoughtful purchasing, nose-to-tail / root-to-leaf, composting, and right-sized portions. We can also provide reusable rentals and eco disposables.

Beyond the event (for home + business)

Do you teach canning and preservation?
Yes—hands-on workshops and our Sovereign Kitchen Society for folks building pantry resilience and passing down old-world skills.
Can you help me start a cottage food business?
Absolutely. We offer mentorship + courses that turn your signature jam, pickles, or bakes into a legal, heart-led home food business—step by step.



How to book (3 easy steps)

  1. Check availability – share your date, guest count, venue (or vibe).
  2. Receive your custom plan – menu, staffing, rentals, bar, clear pricing.
  3. Exhale – place your retainer, schedule your tasting, and watch stress melt.
Ready to feel cherished at your own event?
Check Availability

  • Minimums? Vary by season/date/service style; ask and we’ll right-size it.
  • Kids’ meals? Yes—simplified, wholesome options.
  • Cake cutting? We’re happy to assist; we’ll include it in staffing.
  • Travel? No fee within our local radius; beyond that, we’ll quote transparently.
  • Cuisine styles? Seasonal California (with global flourishes) built on real-food foundations.

What is the Real Food Movement?

The Real Food Movement is about returning to whole, minimally processed foods—living closer to the land and traditions, and gathering the wisdom of our elders for the betterment of our families and generations to come.

How Do You Help Women Build Cottage Food Businesses?

Through The Sovereign Kitchen Society membership, we guide you step-by-step:
  • Master canning + food preservation
  • Define a signature product
  • Get legal with health permits and kitchen certification
  • Create a simple website & marketing plan
  • Price, package, and sell with purpose


Is It Legal to Sell From My Home Kitchen?

Yes! We walk you through every step:
Contacting and working with your health department
Preparing your kitchen for inspection (remote help available; in-person options for Santa Cruz residents)
Label compliance to sell legally under Cottage Food Law

I’m a Complete Beginner—Can I Join?

Absolutely! You don’t need prior experience.
We start with the basics—one safe canning method, one jar at a time—so you gain confidence before moving forward.


Can’t make live calls?

No problem—every live Q&A and workshop is recorded in the member vault, so you can learn on your own schedule.


Why Is Now the Right Time?

  • Demand for real, homemade food is surging
  • Cottage Food Laws make it legally easier to start
  • People are longing for meaningful work and connection
  • Your kitchen, creativity, and story are more valuable than ever

What Makes Wylder Space the Best Choice?

  • We’re a top-rated catering team, recognized across Santa Cruz for intentional, farm-fresh menus
  • We offer real-world business training, not fluff
  • We blend kitchen craft, community, and coaching—so you feel seen, supported, and skilled
  • We believe in slow growth, low overhead, and high impact

What Are the Next Steps?

  1. Choose your path—start with simple canning or jump into business-building with The Sovereign Kitchen Society
  2. Join a community of women building together—and never feel alone
  3. Begin learning and forging forward one jar, one recipe, one launch plan at a time


Why Choose Wylder Space?

Wylder Space is a leader in the real food movement, rooted in catering, community building, education, and entrepreneurship.
We help women—and the people they feed—live slowly, joyfully, and purposefully.