Frequently Asked Questions
Celebrations, event planner, restaurant & more – find your answers here.
Whether a wedding in our historic ballroom, a company party, a rustic celebration in the Stadl or simply a table in the restaurant: here we have collected our guests' most frequent questions – from the event-planning process to rooms, prices, vouchers and catering.
Event Planning & Celebrations
What is the event planner (Festplaner)?
The Festplaner is our decision guide for your event: it shows you all information, offer formats and the price range in advance – from finger-food receptions to buffets, menus and all-inclusive fixed prices. Online you can put your celebration together step by step with our configurator and send a non-binding enquiry right away.
How does the online planner work?
You start with the basics (occasion, number of guests, preferred date), and the planner then shows only the rooms and options that fit. You click through room, reception, food, drinks and extras, see your selection with a rough price guide at the end, and send it to us as a non-binding enquiry. We then get back to you personally with an individual offer.
Is the online enquiry binding or subject to a fee?
No. An enquiry through the planner is non-binding and free of charge. A contract only comes about when you accept our offer in text form, for example by email, or confirm a reserved date through your personal online link. Until then you can withdraw your enquiry at any time at no cost.
How does planning my celebration work?
In clear steps: 1. Your enquiry (occasion, date, number of guests). 2. We reserve your preferred date free of charge and without obligation, usually for one to four weeks. 3. You receive your personal offer with a price range and menu suggestions. 4. You book bindingly by email or through your personal online link. If the offer includes a reservation fee, it is credited in full against the final invoice. 5. Personal menu meeting. 6. Menu tasting on request. 7. No later than seven days beforehand you give us the final number of guests. 8. Your celebration – we take care of the details.
Can I taste the menu in advance?
Yes, with pleasure: you can taste your selected menu at a preferential price of 75% of the later menu price – and choose the matching wines for your celebration at the same time.
What is always included in the price for celebrations at our venue?
Our offers usually include: no additional room rental once the minimum spend is reached (depending on the day of the week) · seating, table setting and table linen · skilled service and kitchen staff for up to 8 hours, until midnight at the latest · crockery, cutlery and glasses · professional kitchen equipment, buffet set-ups and equipment · hygienic refrigeration and toilet facilities · plenty of parking right at the house · VAT. Exactly what is included for your celebration is stated in your offer.
What food formats are available for celebrations?
You choose from: fully composed themed buffets · buffets you put together yourself · flying buffet for standing receptions · buffets with a front-cooking area · fully composed menu suggestions · individually composed menus · the combination of buffet and menu · plus all-inclusive offers at a fixed price. The most important part, though, is always the personal menu meeting with us.
From how many guests are buffets available?
Our buffets are calculated for 40 guests or more. For smaller groups we recommend our served menus or individually tailored offers – just ask us. In the Stadl the rustic buffets are calculated from 30 guests.
For how many guests can we celebrate at your venue?
From a festively laid table for small groups up to large events with up to 280 guests in our historic ballroom. After entering your number of guests, the online configurator automatically shows the matching rooms.
What do the event lines Standard, Business, Light Enjoyment, Regional & Organic and Exclusive mean?
These are our five cuisine levels, tailored to occasion and budget: STANDARD – price-conscious and uncomplicated, classic cuisine. BUSINESS – fast, delicious and varied for corporate guests. LIGHT ENJOYMENT – nutrient-preserving preparation, healthy yet tasty. REGIONAL & ORGANIC – regional recipes, fairly traded and certified organic products. EXCLUSIVE – exceptional products and showpiece preparation, individually realised.
What is included in the all-inclusive packages?
A fixed price per person for 8 hours from the start of the event – depending on the package with a reception (e.g. sparkling wine, cocktail, finger food), the complete menu or buffet, a midnight snack and the table drinks: soft drinks and juices, beers from the Schönbuch brewery, our house wines, sparkling wine or champagne depending on the package, plus coffee, cappuccino, espresso and tea. Full cost certainty for you.
How does the combination of buffet and menu work?
Very flexibly: a popular choice is "served up to the main course" (starter, soup and salad served at the table, main course and dessert as a buffet), likewise a served main course with starter and dessert buffets, or a served menu with a dessert buffet. In the online configurator you choose your preferred split and cuisine level – the exact composition is agreed in the menu meeting.
How are drinks billed?
Two options: either by actual consumption – we recommend fixing the table wines and water and serving all other drinks à la carte. Or you choose an all-inclusive package with a drinks flat rate per person. Your favourite wine is missing? Tell us at the menu meeting – we will organise it.
When is there no room rent?
With exclusive use of a room, the rental is waived once the minimum spend is reached: in the historic ballroom €3,500 (Monday–Friday) or €5,000 (Saturday/Sunday), in the Albvereinszimmer and Postzimmer €1,000 or €1,500. Drinks billed by consumption also count towards the minimum spend. Below that, the room rental is €750/€1,000 in the ballroom and €500/€750 in the smaller rooms. For public holidays, special dates and the Stadl, the price in your offer applies. A festively set table without exclusive use of the room is free of charge.
How binding is the price indication in the configurator?
It is a non-binding range including VAT based on your selection – meant as initial guidance. Your personal offer is calculated individually after the menu meeting; it may differ depending on your wishes, season and details.
By when do I have to confirm the final number of guests?
No later than seven calendar days before your celebration, in text form, for example by email. This number is the basis for billing; if you do not send a new one, the most recently confirmed number applies. Additional guests are possible subject to availability and are charged at the agreed prices. Later reductions count as a partial cancellation.
What happens if the celebration lasts longer than 8 hours?
Your celebration does not have to end there: you may use the ballroom and the Stadl on the day of the event on an open-end basis. Only our staff are limited, normally to up to 8 hours and until midnight at the latest. You can book additional staff subject to availability: €47.50 per employee per hour, plus a night surcharge of €40 per employee per hour after midnight. It is best to discuss longer celebrations in advance.
Are there prices for children?
Yes – for example our all-inclusive wedding children's package for kids up to 12 years, with a children's portion and soft drinks. For other packages we will also find a fair solution for your young guests – just ask us.
May we bring our own food or drinks?
For celebrations in our rooms, only by arrangement: for hygiene and safety reasons, your own food and drinks are possible if your offer provides for it or we have agreed in text form beforehand. We do not charge corkage for items agreed in this way unless the offer states otherwise. One nice exception: with the wedding package you are welcome to bring the cakes for your coffee and cake buffet yourself. In normal restaurant service, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not permitted.
Are candles, sparklers or fireworks allowed?
For fire safety reasons, open flames are prohibited on the entire premises – this also applies to candles, tea lights, sparklers, table fireworks and pyrotechnics. Exceptions are only possible with our prior consent in text form and all necessary official permits. We are happy to advise you on safe alternatives for atmospheric lighting.
What applies in case of cancellation?
You can cancel the contract in whole or in part at any time in text form. For bookings with exclusive use of the ballroom or Stadl, the following flat rates apply to the firmly agreed order value, depending on the date: 365–271 days before 10%, 270–181 days 20%, 180–121 days 30%, 120–61 days 40%, 60–31 days 50%, 30–15 days 60%, 14–8 days 70%, 7–3 days 80%, from 2 days before or in the event of non-acceptance 90%. Earlier than that, no flat rate applies. For catering only: 60–14 days before 20%, 13–7 days 40%, 6–3 days 60%, from 2 days before 80%. Drinks billed by consumption are not included. You are expressly entitled to prove that we incurred no claim or a significantly lower one – details are set out in section 11 of our terms and conditions.
How many guests fit in the ballroom for a wedding?
Up to 280 people in row seating, 250 at round tables and 200 with a buffet. The hall measures 12.60 × 18.70 metres, plus a stage of 5.80 × 5.00 metres.
Can we hold the champagne reception outdoors?
Yes. In good weather you can welcome your guests in the beer garden or in front of the hall; if it rains we move into the hall or the foyer. The decision is made on the day itself, not when you book.
May we bring our own cake or decorations?
Yes, by arrangement. Your own decorations are welcome as long as escape routes remain clear and no open flames are involved. Please agree your own cake with us beforehand – then it will be ready and chilled, and time will be set aside for putting up the decorations.
Can we get an invoice made out to the company?
Yes. We issue the invoice to the company, with the details accounts need for the entertainment receipt – on request as an e-invoice in XML format.
When should we enquire about our Christmas party?
As early as possible – many companies book in summer or early autumn, and the Fridays and Saturdays in December fill up quickly. We are happy to hold a date for one to four weeks, free of charge and without obligation, until your team has decided.
Do you provide sound and lighting equipment for the ball?
No. The stage, dance floor, power connections and cloakroom are available. You or your agency bring the sound system, mixing desk, lighting and DJ. Let us know the set-up time in advance and we will reserve the afternoon for it.
Can we also celebrate on a weekday or at lunchtime?
Of course. On weekdays in particular there are often still good dates available in December, and we are also happy to host a Christmas party at lunchtime – except on our rest day, Wednesday.
How big is the stage in the ballroom?
5.80 × 5.00 metres with a height of 3.80 metres, 29 square metres in total – enough for a band, a lectern or an award ceremony. The hall itself has 235.6 square metres.
Is there a set Christmas menu?
We put together your menu or buffet with you – from classic Swabian to festive and wintry. Our online planner gives you a first impression of the choice and prices in advance.
Does the number of guests at a funeral reception have to be fixed in advance?
No. At funeral receptions this can rarely be said in advance. We set up the room generously and charge for what was actually used.
How quickly can you arrange a funeral reception?
Usually within a few days, on prior request also outside our opening hours and with or without service staff. Just call us – ten minutes on the phone are usually enough to settle the room, time and catering.
Can we come in the morning straight after church?
Yes. Baptisms and confirmations start early; we set the tables so that you can sit down right after the service – on Sundays too.
Can I reserve a date without obligation?
Yes. We hold your preferred date free of charge and without obligation, usually for one to four weeks; we will tell you the exact period. During this time you can decide at your leisure and confirm the date by email or through your personal online link. We can extend the option on request.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
This is stated in your offer. If it includes a reservation fee, you pay it in advance in the stated amount; it is credited in full against the final invoice. A deposit of up to 50% of the order value only applies if it is agreed in the offer.
Does advice on my celebration cost anything?
The initial overview of offers through the planner is free of charge. We only provide further individual planning, menu or event advice on your express instruction and charge €150 for it. If the celebration then goes ahead, we credit this amount in full against the final invoice.
Can we celebrate with a small menu instead of a set menu or buffet?
Yes, here at the Waldhorn. Your party sits at one table and chooses from a small menu agreed in advance. There is no room rental or minimum spend, because the room is not reserved exclusively for you – so other guests may be seated in the room as well.
May we bring our own music, and who takes care of GEMA?
Your own music is welcome: our event rooms have no fixed sound system, and you are welcome to bring your own system and playlist. If registration is required for your music or performances, for example with GEMA (the German music rights society), you as the organiser take care of it and bear the costs.
How much finger food should we plan per person?
At least 2, better 3 to 4 pieces per person. We prepare each variety from 30 pieces. We are happy to advise you on the exact selection.
What is one of your cooking events?
A demonstration where you watch, taste and take something home: for example our Maultaschen demonstration with a tasting and the original recipe to take away, a beer tasting, a wine tasting or a programme to suit your wishes. It is a good fit for a company event, a club outing, a tour group or as a highlight at a family celebration.
All set? Put your celebration together in our online event planner – non-binding & free of charge.
Start the event planner
Rooms & Capacities
Which rooms are available and how many guests do they hold?
Historic Waldhorn hall (ballroom) up to 280 guests · beer garden with sun terrace up to 250 guests · Staigers Stadl (heatable) up to 80 guests · Albverein room (air-conditioned) up to 70 guests · brewery-style restaurant approx. 60 seats · Post room, cosy and familiar, up to 55 guests. For small groups we simply lay a festive table for you.
Which room suits which celebration?
Large weddings and corporate events from 40 guests celebrate in the ballroom, convivial summer parties in the beer garden, rustic parties in the Stadl. The Post room (whole room from 21 guests) and the Albverein room are ideal for family celebrations – and for up to about 20 guests we reserve a festive table in the restaurant. The configurator automatically suggests suitable rooms.
Can I view the rooms beforehand?
With pleasure: on our website you will find the photo gallery and our 360° tour for a first impression. During the personal menu meeting we show you the rooms live and advise you on the ideal table arrangement for your event.
What counts towards the minimum spend?
For your celebration in a room of your own we do not charge any room rental once the minimum spend has been reached. This includes everything you and your guests consume with us on that day – food, drinks, coffee and cake from our kitchen. We bill drinks according to consumption; that is why your offer shows the room rental as a precaution, and only the final invoice settles whether it is waived. If you celebrate with a small menu at a table, no room rental applies.
Can the beer garden be used all year round?
The beer garden with sun terrace is a summer venue (roughly April to September). In the colder months you can celebrate in the heated Stadl, in the ballroom or in our smaller rooms instead.
Is there enough parking?
Yes – there is plenty of free parking right at the house for you and your guests, including for coaches. Plochingen station is just a few minutes away on foot – handy if nobody wants to drive after a celebration.
Are there high chairs and room for a pram?
Yes, high chairs and children's place settings at no extra charge, space for prams and a quiet side room if it all gets too much for the little ones.
From how many people do we need our own room?
For up to about 20 people we set a table for you, without room rental. A whole room is available from 21 people: Postzimmer up to 55, Albvereinszimmer up to 70 and Stadl up to 80 guests; the ballroom can be booked for 40 to 280 guests. If you celebrate at a table with a small menu, you do not need a room of your own.
Staigers Stadl
What is the Staigers Stadl?
Our rustic event location in the beer garden: the Stadl can be rented exclusively for up to 80 guests – as in-house catering with or without staff. The special part: you celebrate independently of our opening hours and can party open-end with your own key.
Can you celebrate in the Stadl in winter?
Yes. The Stadl can be used all year round: in winter it is heated and fitted with mobile wooden panels, windows, patio heaters and halogen heaters, plus a separate catering tent. In summer the beer garden area is available too – exclusively on request. The rental depends on the season and set-up; we will state it in your offer.
What is included in the Stadl rent?
Seating, table set-up and rustic table linen · basic crockery, cutlery and glassware · preparation and clean-up to your wishes · heating via halogen radiator elements · professional buffet set-up and main equipment · cooling and sanitary facilities in the main house · open-end celebrations independent of our opening hours.
Which service levels are available in the Stadl?
Three catering levels: BASIC – we prepare the Stadl, set the tables, stage the drinks and deliver the food; you run the rest yourselves. PARTIAL – our staff additionally supports individual areas, e.g. buffet service or the grill. COMPLETE – full staff and service package: you celebrate, we do everything else.
What extra equipment can I rent for the Stadl?
For example: smoker station (€220 plus chef) · beer tap with flow cooler incl. CO₂ (€170) · poseur tables (€36, covers €25) · bar and kitchen tent 6 × 3 m (€250) · party tent with floor for 30 people (€450) · mobile light elements (€70) · fully automatic coffee machine (€170) · additional crockery and glasses. From 60 people, the catering tent right next to the Stadl is included in the price. We can organise a cocktail bar and entertainment from music to fire shows on request.
How long may we celebrate in the Stadl?
Basically as long as you like – you receive a key and lock the Stadl yourselves after the event. Please note the city of Plochingen's night-time quiet hours: after 1 a.m., outdoor noise and music should be reduced considerably.
What food suits the Stadl?
Hearty buffets from 30 people, for example: snack and bread board buffet (€25.00/person) · Oktoberfest/alpine hut in autumn (€37.90) · vintner's/harvest buffet in autumn (€39.90) · retro buffet with Swabian classics (€53.00) · winter magic in winter (€54.90) · grill buffet/barbecue in summer (€57.90). Our wide range of dishes from the planner is also available to you. A served menu is possible in the summer Stadl; in the winter Stadl we rely on buffets. The prices in your offer are binding.
How does the self-service concept in the Stadl work?
The drinks are ready for your guests in fridges and are billed by consumption; the food is served at the buffet. Complete preparation and final cleaning are included in the price; tables are set as you wish, with bare wood or table linen. You can book service by the hour as needed. From 60 people, the catering tent right next to the Stadl is included, so there is room inside for a small dance floor.
Restaurant & Reservations
How do I book a table in the restaurant?
The easiest way is online via “Book a table”: choose the date, time and number of guests. For up to 6 people you receive confirmation immediately; from 7 people we take your reservation as an enquiry and confirm it shortly afterwards. You can also call us on +49 7153 72700. For up to about 20 people we will gladly set a festive table for you – larger celebrations are easy to plan with the planner.
Where do I find the menu, daily specials and weekly menu?
All menus are up to date on our website: the à-la-carte menu with our classics, the changing weekly menu and the daily specials. Tip: subscribe to our weekly-menu newsletter and the new menu lands in your inbox automatically every week.
How long has Staigers Waldhorn existed?
Staiger Gastronomie stands for tradition since 1835 – down-to-earth quality, genuine hospitality and innovative regional master cuisine in the historic brewery house in Plochingen.
When are you open?
All year round; Wednesday is our day off.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:30–14:00 & 17:00–22:00 · Sat: 11:00–22:00 · Sun: 11:00–20:30 · Public holidays: 11:00–20:30. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing time.
The current times are always in the footer of every page and on the contact page. They may differ on public holidays and during private functions – a call on +49 7153 72700 will settle it.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:30–14:00 & 17:00–22:00 · Sat: 11:00–22:00 · Sun: 11:00–20:30 · Public holidays: 11:00–20:30. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing time.
The current times are always in the footer of every page and on the contact page. They may differ on public holidays and during private functions – a call on +49 7153 72700 will settle it.
Can I come without a reservation?
At lunchtime usually yes. In the evening, at weekends and in the beer garden in good weather we recommend a reservation – then your table is guaranteed. Groups of 7 or more should always book in advance, online as an enquiry or by phone.
Can I order food to take away?
Yes. Under Waldhorn to go on the menu you will find what you can take away. Order by phone on +49 7153 72700 – we will tell you when it is ready for collection.
What if I cannot keep my reservation?
Please let us know in good time, ideally by phone on +49 7153 72700. Reservations are binding: without timely cancellation we may charge a flat rate of €25 for each person who does not attend.
Are you open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Yes. On 25 and 26 December we take reservations in fixed sittings and allocate your place in the house ourselves. Online we need your email address and phone number; groups of 10 or more are taken as an enquiry. As these days are in high demand, it is best to book early.
How can I pay?
In the restaurant by cash, debit card or credit card.
Vouchers
How can I buy a voucher?
Directly online on our voucher page: choose an amount from €25 to €500 and pay securely via PayPal. As a PDF the voucher arrives immediately by email; as a high-quality card by post within 3–7 working days (plus €2.50 shipping). Of course you can also get vouchers from us in person.
Where can I redeem the voucher?
Only on site at Staigers Waldhorn in Plochingen – in the restaurant, in the beer garden and at events, for food and drinks. Simply present the voucher when paying, printed out or as a card.
Can I withdraw from an online voucher purchase?
Vouchers bought online are subject to a statutory 14-day right of withdrawal. The easiest way to use it is the “Withdraw from contract” button in the footer; you will then receive a confirmation of receipt by email. Important: for a digital PDF voucher the right of withdrawal expires early if you expressly requested immediate delivery when buying and we have provided the voucher. Details are in our cancellation policy.
How long is a voucher valid?
Three years to the end of the year: the period ends at the close of the third year following the purchase. The exact date is on the voucher.
Can I redeem a voucher in parts?
Yes. The amount does not have to be used all at once; the remaining balance stays valid until the voucher expires and can be checked via the QR code. Cash payment is not possible, and we cannot replace lost vouchers.
Catering
Do you also offer off-site catering?
Yes – Staigers Catering delivers our well-known quality wherever you want: to a greenhouse, a hall or a castle, to your company, out into the countryside or to your home and garden.
How do I request catering?
The easiest way is the catering planner: choose the occasion, number of guests, date and dishes, and whether you collect or we deliver, then send it all without obligation. We will get back to you with a personal offer. Catering is available from 10 people; please allow at least 48 hours' notice – at shorter notice, please call us on +49 7153 72700.
What is the difference between “to go” and catering?
To go is the small solution: individual dishes from the menu, ordered by phone and collected from us. Catering is something we plan for groups – a buffet or menu for many people, with crockery, delivery or collection. From about ten people the catering route is worthwhile.
Where do you deliver and what does delivery cost?
We deliver in Plochingen, Esslingen, Wernau, Deizisau, Altbach, Reichenbach and the surrounding area; for events further afield we work with Meister-Catering. Travel costs depend on the distance and are checked in the catering planner based on your delivery address. Or you can collect your catering ready-packed from us in Plochingen.
Do we also get staff, crockery and set-up with the catering?
Yes, if you wish: catering is available as full service, as a partial service, as delivery or for self-collection. Staff, crockery and set-up are included if they are listed in the offer. Unless otherwise agreed, we hand over at ground level just inside the first easily accessible door. We do not offer all-inclusive packages or drinks flat rates for catering.
General
Is there a virtual tour?
Yes – via the "360° tour" link in the website footer you can take a virtual walk through our rooms and the beer garden. Ideal for getting a feel for the location in advance.
What is the best way to reach you?
By phone on +49 7153 72700 or by email at info@staigers-waldhorn.de; you can also book a table online. You will find us at Neckarstraße 25, 73207 Plochingen – with plenty of parking right at the house.
Can I read up on everything before using the configurator?
That is exactly what this page is for: the "Event Planning & Celebrations" section above explains the process, food formats, rooms and prices. Right above the configurator you will also always find a link back here. And for everything else we are personally there for you.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on a lead are welcome in the beer garden. In the dining rooms and at celebrations in the hall, please ask us first – at private functions the host decides.
Do you have vegetarian and vegan dishes?
Yes. Our menus include vegetarian and also vegan dishes. We can accommodate gluten-free requests at celebrations and in the restaurant by arrangement. It is best to mention it when you book, so the kitchen can prepare.
How do you take allergies and intolerances into account?
In the restaurant our service team has a separate allergen menu ready for you – just ask for it. For celebrations, please tell us about known allergies and intolerances in good time. We can only promise complete freedom from unintentional traces if this is expressly agreed in the individual case.
Your question is missing? Call us or send a message – we are happy to help. Contact · 07153 72700