There's more to wedding catering than just great food—and the real magic happens behind the scenes with people you'll never meet. In this episode, we sit down with Mary Margaret from Ridgewell's Catering, one of DC's most established catering companies (founded in 1928!), to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to execute flawless wedding catering. From warehouse managers to pantry staff, Mary Margaret reveals the unsung heroes who make your wedding day seamless, plus the hottest trends that are elevating wedding dining from "rubber chicken dinners" to Michelin-star experiences.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:02:28] The incredible history of Ridgewell's—nearly 100 years of catering evolution and why longevity matters in the industry.

[00:12:01] The invisible workforce: kitchen managers, warehouse staff, and pantry people who make or break your event.

[00:16:35] Why the pantry person is the unsung hero protecting your venue and your budget.

[00:22:13] Current trends: cultural storytelling, intentional food and beverage pairings, and Michelin-star dining experiences.

[00:27:14] Interactive dining experiences

[00:32:55] Mary Margaret's controversial bar strategy

[00:36:08] Strategic bar placement and why guests "stick to bars like they'll never see alcohol again."

Key Takeaways:

• Behind every flawless wedding meal is an entire ecosystem of specialists—from warehouse managers ensuring nothing is forgotten to pantry staff protecting your rental investments.
• The hottest trend isn't just good food—it's storytelling through cuisine that reflects couples' cultural heritage and shared experiences.
• Successful bar service is all about strategic staffing and placement—no lines means trusting your caterer's staffing recommendations.

Connect with Ridgewells:

Website: https://www.ridgewells.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgewellsdc/

Instagram: @ridgewellsdc

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