A great caterer will do more than just make good food. He or she will pay a great attention to detail, making sure the presentation is just right, the food and wine are served at the right temperature, the servers are well-groomed and attentive, and that clean-up is efficient and thorough.
So how do you make sure the caterer you hire is a great one? By asking the right question.
May I have references? Most caterers get their business from word of the mouth. Ask for 10 former clients and call as many as you can. Ask question such as Was the caterer easy to work with? Was the service efficient and non-intrusive? Was the food delicious, and did it arrive hot? Where there any problem that come up and how did the caterer deal with them?
Do you have a business license and liability insurance? Caterers should be licensed by the state. Usually licenses, are displayed in the office, but if you're not positive, then ask to see it. Make sure you see proof of liability insurance as well.
Can we sample from a typical wedding menu? Catering can be a large part of your wedding budget. Make sure you know what it is you'll be getting for your money. Take your Spouse-to-be and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it's worth it.
May I see photographs of your table display? Some caterers who provide buffers or food station include floral arrangements and other decorations. It's also good idea to discus your color theme so that decoration and floral arrangements coordinate.
What does the price for person includes? Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chair, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.?
What other fee do you charge? Are tip and taxes included in the pricing? Some caterers will charge a cake-cutting fee or corking fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front.
Do you handle special menu requests? You may have guests with special menu needs, such as food allergies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these need. Some couple want to have a special family recipe at the reception - grandma's meatballs or food from the family's ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these kinds of items.
Do you offer cakes? Ask if your caterer offers wedding and groom's cakes, and find out if they are included in the price.
Will you pack us a "doggie bag" after the reception? Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they have very little time to eat anything. Attentive caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are finally alone.
What are the payment arrangements? You need to find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it's refundable or not. Ask when the final payment is due and what the caterer's preferred form of payment is. When you finally settle on a caterer, make sure you have a written contract to sign. This guarantees that they will provide the food, timelines and details you discussed.
Asking these 10 question will help you choose the right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebration.
