We now find ourselves thinking about questions you can and should ask a catering company. Keep in mind that while many people have their receptions in catering, banquet or meeting halls that have their own in-house catering, still just as many celebrate at a location that requires an outside catering company to come in and service the event – this includes outdoor, tented and home weddings. Additionally, many venues allow an outside caterer even if they have the ability to cater the event themselves; this is especially helpful when your client has specific dietary restrictions, ethnic preferences, etc. that the venue may not be capable of providing.

Below is a list of important questions that both an in-house and outside caterer should be able to answer prior to being contracted. As always, depending on the actual event space questions and answers may vary, but this is a well rounded list that will get you off to a very good start and get those planning and organizational juices flowing!

1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?

2. What types of food do they offer for hors d’oeuvres? For the main course? For dessert?

3. Can we sample items from their menu when considering a booking?

4. Is there a fee for a sample tasting?

5. What are their prices?

6. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.?

7. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, etc.?

8. Do they cater multiple weddings on the same day?

9. How many types and what types of staff will the caterer provide — waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.?

10. What will the wait staff wear?

11. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared?

12. If the reception location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will the catering company be able to bring in the necessary appliances — refrigerators, ovens, etc.?

13. Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?

14. Are they able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor?

15. How will the food be served — buffet style, table service or family style?

16. Can the caterer provide me with a wedding cake?

17. How long will it take them to set up and to break down the event?

18. Do they require a minimum number of guests?

19. Will they provide food for the other vendors — the photographer, planner, videographer and band? At what cost?

20. When will we need to finalize the menu?

21. When will they need a final head count?

22. Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge? Tax?

23. What is their cancellation policy?

24. How much is the deposit needed? When is the final balance due?

xx,
Belle