Things to Consider Before Hiring a Catering Company
Why choosing the right caterer for your event is v.important
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Catering Company
It’s critical to plan your event’s food ahead of time. Whether you’re planning an opulent wedding reception, a casual company Christmas party, or a modest client appreciation reception, food can make or break your event. Choosing the proper caterer for your event is an important part of the planning process. It’s worth the time and effort to locate a catering company you can rely on, enjoy working with, and trust.
Don’t take anything for granted. Make inquiries.
Instead of assuming that silverware is included in the purchase, it’s best to ask. Caterers who are meticulous and detail-oriented will appreciate you asking the questions, providing all of the essential information, and double-checking everything– it makes their job easier.
Choosing the right caterer for your event is an important and sometimes difficult task. Prepare yourself by doing your homework. Don’t be deceived by low costs or dodgy businesses who promise the moon but provide nothing. Make sure you ask the proper questions. Make demands, but do so reasonably and professionally.
Inquire about the other services that your catering company can offer.
Will your caterer provide floral arrangements for your event? Will they include all rental items, such as linens, napkins, and chair covers? However, keep in mind that doing it yourself can be less expensive.
Be wary of additional fees.
It is critical to have a budget. It’s critical to stick to your budget. It is critical to be informed of the true cost of the catering services. To begin, you must be aware of all obligatory payments, such as taxes and gratuities. You should also be aware of what your catering company’s services entail. You’ll need service employees if you’re hosting a sit-down dinner (usually 1 server per 8–10 people).
You might be able to work out a deal for large events. Are linens, cutlery, and glassware included in the dining price, or will they be extra? There is no fixed pricing — it all depends on how a catering company sets its prices. Basic white linens and napkins may be given, but if you require a different colour, you will almost certainly have to rent them.
Terms and conditions should be understood.
Make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions while reviewing a contract.
Schedule of payments: The majority of catering providers will want a deposit. It could be a set sum or a percentage of the overall bill. They may charge a second chunk two weeks before the event, and the remaining balance after the event, once all charges have been settled.
Policy regarding cancellations: What if you have to reschedule your event? Will you be able to keep your deposit? What is the deadline for cancelling your reservation without incurring any penalties? Make the cancellation policy clear and have everything in writing.
Changes in the number of guests and the menu: When are the deadlines for changing the menu and the number of guests? A catering firm will usually need all of the information 72 hours before the event. You’ll need to confirm “guaranteed numbers” at that moment. So, if your promised number of attendees is 200 and the number drops to 180, 8 hours before the event, it will be too late to adjust, and you will have to pay for 200 individuals.
Inquire about recommendations.
There’s nothing wrong with requesting references from a catering firm. It’s also a good idea to look over the customer testimonials, which can be found not only on the company’s website but also in other places. Organizations can no longer hide anything in this day and age when social media is defining the standards of how we conduct business. So, do your homework and research the caterer you’re thinking of working with.
Try some of the food.
It should go without saying that before spending $20,000 on your wedding reception, you want to make sure the food is up to par. When it comes to food sampling, different catering firms may have different policies. Some caterers may charge you a small price to screen out non-committal guests, while others will do so for free.
Make an appointment for a consultation.
Any reputable catering company should provide you with a free consultation to go through your specific demands and objectives. This is a great way to get a feel for the firm and the people you’ll be working with. You’ll get a sense of their level of competence and knowledge, as well as how comfortable you are dealing with them.
Compare Prices and Quality
Different catering firms have different pricing structures. Some companies display a minimal price and charge extra for all “bells and whistles.” Others will take a more inclusive approach. Make sure you compare apples to apples when conducting your investigation. Low prices should not be taken for granted. If something appears to be too good to be true, it almost always is. Make sure you’re comparing identical foods with equivalent quality, portion sizes, and price included.
Do your homework.
Catering is a highly competitive industry. There are a plethora of catering firms, each with its unique niche. Take some time to go through the caterers in your region to see who would be a good fit for your event.
Examine their websites, menus, and pricing. Usually, you can obtain a sense of the company’s culture. Inquire among your friends, family members, and coworkers; there’s a strong chance that someone in your social network has used a catering service in the past and can provide you with some recommendations.
Make a financial plan.
You must first determine your budget before beginning your search for a caterer. Catering firms, like any other industry, exist in a variety of shapes and sizes and serve a variety of customers. You don’t want to waste your time with a catering service that you can’t afford. If you have the budget for something a little more refined, you don’t want to settle for a neighbourhood take-out.
