Let’s lay it all out—step by step—to help you create an unforgettable catered event with The Silk Road.

We’ve been designing and catering events in Montana for since 2009, and we know that the best celebrations come from careful planning, flexibility, and a deep understanding of our clients’ vision. Whether you’re planning a wedding, business event, or private celebration, this is exactly what the process looks like.

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Step 1: Get in Touch

Fill out our Contact Form with the following:

• Your name & contact info

• Event date

• Estimated guest count

• Purpose of the event

• Event Location

• Any other details you’re ready to share (we love hearing your ideas early!)

​This form helps us quickly check availability and begin imagining how we can best serve you.​

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Step 2: Check Availability

Once we receive your form, we’ll check the calendar and respond by email:

• If your date is already booked full – Don’t worry. We’ll work with you to explore other date options or offer alternate solutions.

• If your date is available –We’ll “pencil you in” and send a scheduling link for a phone appointment with Sam Risho, our Catering Coordinator and co-owner of The Silk Road.

​Booking a meeting doesn't obligate you, but it does start the planning journey—and holds your place while we talk through the details.

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Step 3: Prepare for Your Planning Call

*Before your meeting with Sam*, take some time with your co-planners to consider the following large concepts:

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Style of Service 

What’s the vibe of your event?
Picture how your guests will interact with the food:

• Elegant plated dinner?

• Buffet?

• Heavy hors d'Oeuvre party?

• Passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour?

• Live Action Station

• Specialty Themed Buffet

Take a look at our Style of Service guide to explore all your options. Sam will help you weigh the pros and cons of each and tailor it to your space, guest list, and energy. Don't feel obligated to just one style! Many catered events have a mix of two or many styles!

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Menu Ideas

This is the exciting part! Browse our Catering Menus and mark anything that catches your eye. We love crafting menus around your favorite flavors, seasonal ingredients, or cultural traditions. Want vegetarian options? A late-night snack table? Dessert bar? We're here for it all!

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Budget Basics

You don’t need to have every dollar figured out, but a ballpark range helps guide our recommendations.

Things to think about:

• What’s included in your total event budget (food, rentals, staff, beverages, linens, etc.)?

• Who’s contributing financially—and who gets the final say?

• Do you prefer a price per person, a total dollar amount, or do you want to start with a dream menu and scale from there?

We’ll meet you wherever you are in the process.

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Location Logistics

Your venue plays a big role in how we plan your catering.
Helpful details to gather:

• Is there a kitchen on-site? 

• Is there potable water and electricity?

• What’s parking and access like for our trucks and team?

• Are there stairs, long hauls, or tent setups to consider?

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You don’t have to have all the answers—but any info helps us prepare a smoother experience for everyone.

 

Step 4: Phone Meeting with Sam

This is your time to talk through ideas, concerns, and possibilities. We’ll walk through:

• Your event goals

• Service style preferences

• Menu items

• Logistics

• Timeline ideas
  …and much more.

The call lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is highly productive. Being at a computer allows us to navigate menus together on our site in real-time, simplifying decision-making. With decades of experience and a creative approach, clients often thank Sam, leaving the call feeling prepared and excited about their event.

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Step 5: Your Catering Proposal

After the call, we’ll send you a detailed Catering Proposal by email. It includes:

• Your chosen menu items

• Style of service

• Staffing and rentals

• Estimated pricing

• Notes on timing and logistics
   

From there, you can:

• Request changes via email or schedule another quick phone meeting
  OR

• Say “YES!” and secure your event with a 50% deposit, payable instantly via the link in the proposal.

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​Check out the Catering Proposal Guide for a detailed explanation of what to expect in a catering proposal

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A Quick Note About Booking Early

The Silk Road Catering calendar fills quickly, especially Fridays and Saturdays in the summer and fall! Many of our clients choose to reserve their date and submit a deposit before meeting with Sam (even before the menu has been chosen) just to ensure the date is secure. You may choose that option at any time.

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