Looking to plan an event or wedding in Central Illinois—but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place. These catering resources from the experts at Nelson’s Catering give you proven tips, step-by-step guides, and inspiration to make planning simple (and even enjoyable).

Flyer for Nelson's Catering volunteer fundraiser at Illinois State Fair, August 13-23, 2026, with event details.

Raise Money for Your Organization at the Illinois State Fair

By Josh Lindvall
Turn Volunteer Hours Into Fundraising Dollars Nelson's Catering is looking for clubs, sports teams, nonprofits, booster organizations, and community groups to help ...
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Josh Lindvall, owner of Nelson's Catering and Catering Expert

Josh Lindvall

Author Josh Lindvall is the Owner of Nelson's Catering and a catering expert with over 20 years experience in Central Illinois.

An outdoor dessert table displays various pastries and sweets on platters, with greenery in the background.

Buffet vs. Plated Dinner: Which Wedding Catering Style Is Right for You

By Josh Lindvall
One of the most common questions we hear from couples planning their wedding is this: buffet or plated ...
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A buffet table with salads and hot food at an outdoor wedding, with a bride and groom in the background.

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in Central Illinois?

By Josh Lindvall
Your 2026 Guide to Budgeting for the Best Day of Your Life After 30+ years catering weddings across ...
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A bride and groom kiss at an indoor wedding as the bridal party cheers and confetti falls around them.

The Best Wedding Venues in Champaign, IL

By Josh Lindvall
We've spent more than 25 years serving wedding celebrations across central Illinois, and the Champaign area never stops ...
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Rows of white chairs face a gazebo in a garden, set up for an outdoor wedding on a sunny day.

The Best Wedding Venues in Decatur, Illinois: An Insider’s Guide

By Josh Lindvall
When couples first start looking at Decatur wedding venues, they're often surprised by how much variety they find. ...
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Rows of white chairs face a floral arch outdoors, set for a wedding ceremony on a sunny day.

Springfield’s Best Wedding Venues: An Insider’s Guide from 25+ Years of Catering

By Josh Lindvall
Let's talk about where you're going to get married. Not in a glossy-magazine, Pinterest-perfect way, but in a ...
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A bride and groom kiss at an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests in front of a large manor.

The Best Wedding Venues in Bloomington-Normal: An Insider’s Perspective

By Josh Lindvall
When you've been catering weddings in Bloomington-Normal for more than 25 years, you start to see what really ...
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A bride and groom exchange vows outdoors, with guests seated on either side of a wooden aisle in front of a barn.

Your Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in the Peoria Area

By Josh Lindvall
Over our 25+ years serving central Illinois, we've had the privilege of catering weddings at some of Peoria's ...
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Elegant table with a blue cloth, floral centerpiece, wine, salads on plates, and pink napkins at each setting.

Day or Night, Nelson’s Delivers 24-Hour Catering Across Peoria

By Josh Lindvall
Not every remarkable meal happens at noon. Every great event needs great food, but how that food gets ...
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Nelson's Catering grillmaster

Grilling tips

By Josh Lindvall
Grilling season is in full swing and with the Fourth of July right around the corner, we wanted ...
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Close-up of two champagne glasses with raspberries and bubbles, set against a softly blurred background.

Nelson’s Gala TO GO

By Josh Lindvall
At Nelson’s, we believe unprecedented times call for setting NEW precedents. Consider partnering with Nelson’s Catering and planning ...
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