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Essentials Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer
When sourcing a wedding caterer, it can be difficult to know what to ask. We all know what type of meal we want, but catering a wedding is much more than just providing a good three-course meal or wedding buffet.
You're going to spending a good amount of your budget on the food, so it's important to make sure you're getting what you want and what you pay for.
Different caterers will provide different levels of service, so it's good to establish exactly what they can provide from the outset. It'll also ensure you know exactly what you need to cover off in other areas too, in case they don't provide all the services you expect.
Even if you think some of the questions may not be relevant, it's worthwhile asking all of them anyway. This is especially true if you're getting quotes from several suppliers so can easily pick the right wedding caterer for you.

- How long have you been in business?
- Have you got at least 3 references and telephone numbers of previous clients, so I can contact them?
- What do you specialise in?
- What are your qualifications? Health and hygiene certificates? Awards?
- Have you catered for XXX guests before?
- Have you pictures or examples of your work?
- Have you worked at the venue before?
- How many weddings are you catering for on the weekend of your wedding / on the day of your wedding?
- Do you have set menus?
- Are the menus flexible?
- What vegetarian or special dietary options do you provide?
- Can I sample the menus?
- Can you make recommendations on wine?
- Can you provide a bar as well?
- Do you provide crockery, cutlery and linen?
- Do you set up tables, clear away and wash up?
- Where will you do the washing up?
- Do you have any examples of how the tables will be set up?
- Can I specify exactly how the tables should be set up?
- Is there an additional charge for clearing away?
- Do you provide staff?
- What do the staff wear?
- How many guests per server do you provide?
- Are there any overtime costs?
- What is the cost and what exactly is included?
- What is the cost per person?
- Is VAT included?
- How will you store the food?
- Do you need an area to set up, prepare or store the food?
- Do you need any fridges?
- Do you need cooking facilities? If so, what?
- If you're providing cooking facilities, when will you clear these away?
- How much time do you need before the meal is served?
- What do you do with leftovers?
- What guarantees can you make?
- Do you have a contract?
- What is the deposit? Is it refundable?
- What are your payment terms?
Related articles:
Tips To Cut Your Catering Costs
Working With A Wedding Caterer On A Tight Budget
Cheap Wedding Reception Menu Ideas
Got A Catering Question You Need Answering?
Where To Start When Catering Your Own Wedding
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