1. Special events such as weddings, graduations etc.., your catering or food bill is typically your largest expense. Therefore, your caterer should be selected only after some thorough research.
2. It’s probably a good idea to ask the caterer about sampling their food and also how they present their food.
3. Ask for references and call them. Most people love to talk about their catered experience, especially if it was a success.
4. Ask to see samples of their dinnerware. Most caterers include all the dinnerware in their price - but they may have special dinnerware at an additional cost.
5. Service is just as important as the food when choosing your caterer. Be sure to ask about the ratio of servers to guests. A good rule of thumb is to have one server for every 8-10 guests.
6. You should include a meal for your DJ or Band, photographer or Wedding Day Coordinator When determining a final head count. You can most likely separate them from your total guest head count because your caterer will usually charge you less for "vendor" meals.
7. Be sure to ask your caterer to arrange a special place for your vendors to eat "away" from your guests.
8. You might want to request a "leftover basket" it makes for a great late night snack.
9. Be sure to ask your caterer about whether or not they have quotas or not; This would mean that they charge more or less depending on your final head count.
10. Ask about whether or not decorations are included in the caterer’s price. Ask to see examples of table displays. Some caterers will include floral arrangements and other decorations.
11. If there are more than 50 people in your event you may qualify for a volume discount or some free extras such as a chocolate fountain or ice sculptures.
Catering Hall Tips
