Planning your wedding menu is extremely important. Which makes hiring caterers essential. Whether it’s an elaborate wedding reception, a cocktail party or engagement function, food can turn your event into a smashing success or a total disaster. Choosing the right catering company for your function is a key element in your event planning process. Wedding Affair brings to you the key factors you need to keep in mind before hiring a wedding caterer.
Have A Budget
Before you start your hunt for a caterer, you need to define your budget. As in any other industry, catering companies come in all shapes and forms and cater to different events. You don’t want to waste your time on a catering company that you won’t be able to afford. Nor do you want to settle for a neighbourhood take-out, if you have the budget.
Research
Caterers have their own speciality. Take some time to search through the caterers in your area to find the ones that you think might work for your event. Look through their websites, menus, and prices. Usually you can get a feel of what the company is all about. Ask your friends, family members, colleagues. As a result, there’s a good chance that someone in your social network used a catering company in the past.
Compare
Different catering companies set their prices differently. When you do your research make sure that you compare. Don’t be fooled by low prices. If it sounds too good to be true – it usually is. Make sure that you compare the food of the same quality, the same portion sizes and similar inclusions in the price.
Schedule A Consultation
Any respected catering company should offer you a complimentary consultation to discuss your particular needs and requirements. This is a good opportunity to get an idea of the company and people you will be dealing with.
Sample The Food
Before spending your money, you want to make sure that the food is exactly what you expect. Some caterers will charge you a nominal fee to eliminate people who are not serious, others will do it for free.
Ask For References
There’s nothing wrong about asking a catering company for references. It might also be a good idea to read through the customer testimonials. So, do you home work, read about the caterer you consider doing business with.
Understand Terms And Conditions
When reviewing a contract, make sure you read and understand terms and conditions. There are 3 main questions you need to ask:
- Payment schedule. Most catering companies will ask you for a deposit. It might be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total invoice. Sometimes they will charge another portion prior to the event, and the remaining balance right after the function when all the charges are finalized.
- Cancellation policy. What happens if your need to cancel your event? Will you lose the deposit? Be very clear of the cancellation policy and get everything in writing.
- Changes to the guest count and menu. When is cut-off date for making the changes to the menu and number of guests? Normally a catering company will require all the information 72 hours prior to the event.
Be Aware Of Extra Charges
Having a budget is important. Sticking to your budget is very important. Being aware of the real price for the catering services is extremely important. That’s where you can get yourself in trouble. First of all, you need to know about all mandatory fees, such as taxes and gratuities. For big functions you might be able to work out a deal. Does the dinner price include linens, china, cutlery, and glassware or will it be extra charge? There’s really no standard – it depends on how a catering company structures the prices.
Additional Services
Will your catering company arrange flowers for your event? Will they take care of all rental needs – linens, napkins, chair covers, etc.? Keep in mind that it might be cheaper to do it yourself though.
Ask Questions
You don’t want to annoy your catering company by calling them 5 times a day with various questions, but you don’t want to assume things either. Diligent, detailed oriented caterers will appreciate you asking the questions, providing them with all the necessary information, and re-confirming everything– it actually makes their job easier.
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Also Read:Â Ways To Include Healthy Food In Your Menu
