Frequently Asked Questions

Duvall Catering & Events is the exclusive caterer for The Grand at 81 Mary. As part of our full-service experience, Duvall Catering & Events would be responsible for providing and managing all aspects of food and beverage within the venue.

At minimum, we do require that you have a partial or full licensed event planner, and we are happy to provide a list of recommended planners and coordinators. *Corporate events may be subject to exceptions.

Because each event design is different, a dance floor is not included in the venue rental, but we can rent one that fits your design and budget.

For your convenience, Duvall Catering & Events will arrange for all additional equipment rentals within the venue (i.e. linens, tables, chairs, etc.)

Duvall Catering & Events is the exclusive provider of your floral and decor, including lighting, draping, and additional decor elements. We will connect you to our in-house floral and decor department and they will bring your vision to life!

We do not have guest count minimums. However, you will be required to meet a food and beverage minimum based on your event date.

Yes, we host private tastings at our main office. Tastings are complimentary for up to four guests if you have booked our services and paid an initial payment. If you would like to schedule a tasting prior to securing our services, we require payment for the tasting based on the items chosen for the tasting menu, which averages $65.00 per person. We schedule tastings during the week of off-peak season months.

The 22% production fee covers catering production equipment necessary to execute your event such as chafers, tabletop items for stations, serving equipment, along with team planning time and administrative costs. It is based on the food & beverages subtotal of your event.

Security is required and managed by The Grand at 81 Mary. The total number of guards required will be based on your event details. The fee for security will be a line item in your Duvall Catering & Events contract. Holiday rates may apply.

The full seated capacity at The Grand at 81 Mary is 500 guests (not including dancefloor or stage); standing capacity is 1,000 guests.

(50) 60" Round Dining Tables, (500) Gold Chiavari Chairs, (20) 6' Rectangular Banquet Tables, (20) 8' Rectangular Banquet Tables, (20) Tall Cocktail Tables, Elegant Gold flatware, Glassware, and Modern White China.

Venue pricing is based on a 5-hour rental of the space. Access to the venue begins 3 hours prior to event start time. If client is using the suites for preparation purposes, access can be granted beginning at 9:00 am, and will require additional security coverage pricing for those hours.

Yes! The Grand at 81 Mary is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, just steps from historic King Street—offering guests convenient access to a variety of nearby accommodations within walking distance of the venue. From well-known national brands to charming boutique hotels and local Airbnbs, there are plenty of options to fit your stay. Reach out to our team for a curated list of recommended nearby hotels.

Duvall Catering & Events has a strong team of knowledgeable managers and staff who will be onsite throughout your event from start to finish. Our team will arrive approximately two hours prior to the event to execute setup and will be there after the event concludes to complete the breakdown and cleanup of the venue. Depending on your guest count and meal selection, you will have an event manager, along with an industry standard number of servers, bartenders, and culinary professionals.

We do require a $1,000 damage deposit which is a line-item charge in your contract. This is to ensure the venue is left in the same condition it was prior to your event. This damage deposit is refundable, and a refund will be issued by the 15th day of the month following your event assuming there was no damage. You will be notified if damages have occurred, and we will bill you for any repairs over and above the damage fee.

To secure your date, a signed contract, rental agreement and a non-refundable initial payment are required. The initial payment is the equivalent of the venue rental rate or 20% of your full contract, whichever is higher. Half of the remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your event. The final outstanding balance is due 10 days prior to your event if paying by check or ACH link, and 7 days if paying by credit card. Duvall Events provides services when we have been fully paid in advance or when a direct bill account has been approved in writing. A 3% processing fee will be applied towards all credit card payments.