Searching for a caterer for your next event can be daunting, but locating a quality food service professional can be simplified by asking the right questions before hiring. Nearly everyone has heard a horror story about an unpleasant catering experience, but thankfully, this is not inevitable. Making the correct queries up front increases your chances of finding the perfect hire to make your event a fantastic success.
Be sure to ask for Prior References
Before hiring a caterer, it’s wise to speak with others who have used their services to get an idea of how the company operates. Most businesses are happy to provide references from satisfied clients. Contacting friends and acquaintances for recommendations is also an excellent idea when you need to hire a caterer, as they can provide valuable insight by sharing their experience.
Does the Company Have Experience With Similar Events?
While no two events are the same, knowing the size and type of events the business routinely handles provides confidence in choosing an accomplished professional with the skills and necessary background to complete the job. If you’re hosting an event for 500 guests, the catering business selected should have experience handling significant events of this size.
How Inclusive are the Menu Options?
While most caterers know the growing importance of food allergies and other dietary restrictions, it is essential to ask any potential hire about options for people with different nutritional needs. Communicating food sensitivities and conditions early in the process gives the caterer time to make necessary adjustments to ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
What are the Pricing Options?
Determining the per-plate cost charged by the potential caterer provides a baseline for the event’s food expense. Any add-ons or extras beyond the baseline are at an additional fee. By figuring out these costs at the beginning of the search, you’ll know whether the business services are within the budget, saving time for all parties involved.
However, some companies offer package options that allow clients greater flexibility in choosing menu options and, in some instances, provide cost savings compared to per-plate offerings. Upgrades and a la carte choices are usually available with the packages allowing a customized experience.
How Much Time for Set-Up and Breakdown?
Time for set-up, seating, serving, and eating should be accounted for by the host to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The menu heavily influences the total amount of catering set-up and breakdown time, but anywhere between one and three hours is standard. Knowing these timelines tells you if the requested choices are compatible with any time restrictions of the venue and help avoid unexpected overtime fees from the caterer.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Food and catering are a substantial part of the budget for any event, and knowing where you stand as far as cancellations, payments, and refunds are critical information before signing a contract. Many companies will charge a deposit upfront to hold a date with the balance due according to a preset time frame. If the client cancels the contract before the event day, the percentage of a refund they receive depends on the number of days before the scheduled event.
Understanding these timeframes provides peace of mind if the event has to be rescheduled or canceled due to unavoidable circumstances.
