The right caterer for your wedding or event is just as crucial as the right venue, and the clothes you wear. Your food selection determines how you'll word your invitations so guests know what to wear and what to expect. Life rotates naturally around food, and happy guests are those who have full belly's. It's really that simple.
What's not simple is knowing if the person catering your event is giving you a good deal, and giving you great service along with great food. That's three big things to cover, and just looking at someone's website isn't going to cut it. You've got to get out there, see them face to face, and have a tasting.
Here are some great tips for hiring a caterer:
1. Interview at least 2 different caterers. This means having a face to face and a tasting. Even if you have to pay for your tasting, trust me that it's worth it.
2. Get all the details. Your caterer is telling you it'll cost $20 a person, but what does that include? How much staff to waiter, is there a separate cork fee for the bartender? Do you even have a bartender? Most caterers charge by the slice to plate your cake, but some don't. So do they, and how much? What's their gratuity they add to your bill? Do they charge separately for beverages or is that part of the per person fee?
3. You also need a history of their company. How long have they been in business? What's the culinary history of their executive chef? Does the executive chef focus on just your event, or do they oversee multiple events a day? Is your food cooked on-site or off-sight and then reheated?
4. Very important - find out if your caterer is insured and what their insurance covers. It's not out of line to ask to look at their detailed coverage information.
5. A great think to know is if your caterer has ever worked at your venue before. If they haven't make sure they get a tour of the facility with a venue representative so no one has any bad surprises on the big day. This is something your event planner can help you with.
6. Get your prices broken down to the smallest detail, and don't forget delivery. You don't want a big surprise that's going to cost you a couple hundred dollars that you may not have the room for in your budget. Most caterers are very open about this.
7. Get a copy of their contract before you put money down. Take it home, look it over, get advice if you don't understand it, and before you sign, make sure you do!
8. Get references from other couples. You can ask the caterer for people to ask, and check out your online resources like Wedding Wire that let you rate and comment on service. Check with the Better Business Bureau too.
9. If you have a dream dish, ask your caterer if they'll make it. If they tell you "oh yeah, we make that all the time," ask to try a sample of their version - it may not taste anything like the way you like the dish made. Most caterers will take your own recipe and make that for you, but make sure!
10. Make sure for the day-of you've got contact information for the caterer's office, the chef in charge at your venue, and that they've got your information too. If something happens, your event planner can then easily reach them and get a solution in the works.
There's a lot that goes into your wedding or event, and you want to make sure you and your guests have a wonderful time. Great food is one sure way to do that.
Happy planning,
Rebekah Ross
Weddings and Events
some camera love
8 years ago