No outside food allowed?

They are most likley speaking in terms of outside catering... Not favors and gifts...

Well, actually, they don't have in-house catering. The only "outside food" allowed is through approved caterers(or those who can provide proper documentation). The only "outside beverages" is from their in-house bar, as far as I know.

And I just realized..what about the cake??? We were leaning towards several cheesecakes that we'd bring ourselves from Cheesecake Factory. Boooo!

Our is no outside food as well, however, they said we could have our own sweets table so we're bringing in all that stuff. chances are, theyll be a little flexible, theyll be making me money off of you than theyll be losing. remember, they want your business, dont be afraid to bargain. that being said...i forgot theres a few things i wanted to call my reception hall about. fight for what you want, haha

Natasha... Maybe you can have your caterer bring in the cheesecakes... LOL and I doubt they will have a problem with your favors...

I`m pretty sure that they will allow you to bring in your favors.

Favors and cakes are usually not an issue, they expect to have your own cake if the caterer doesn't make it and so many don't!

That is a law/statute/something legal in Wisconsin so I understand the frustation/confusion... but reception venues still let you bring in cake and other things, no problem. I'd ask your venue so you don't break the law if your state is the same as Wisconsin, but I bet they won't have an issue with it. I'm going to search and see if I can find the working on the law so maybe it will help you...

Ok, finally found it: *According to Wisconsin Administrative Code (DH & SS, Section 196.07) no food may be allowed in any function room from outside sources. The only exception is the wedding cake.

You would have to contact your vendor. I looked at a place and they did not allow anything, including cake and cookies. I decided to not go with them mainly for that reason.

Even though a lot of venues say "no outside food", most are usually willing to make exceptions depending on what you're wanting to bring in.

I just made a plea to my venue to allow us to have a candy bar and am actually waiting to hear back from them. (:

Thanks everyone! I'll be asking them about it soon, so here's hoping!

As others have said, most venues state "no outside food or beverage" for your actual meal or appetizers. Candy favors are normally fine, as is the cake. Just check with them on this.

The reason that venues want to limit food to their kitchen, or approved caterers, is to limit their liability. Food prepared in an "approved kitchen" is considered to be safer than food prepared by well meaning friends and relatives who may not have the proper chilling and/or heating facilities.