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Essentials Things to Consider
When Using a Wedding Caterer
Using a wedding caterer is a great way to take the hassle out of food planning, preparation and serving at your wedding. Perhaps you’ve limited experience with cooking for large numbers or don’t want to think about menus and quantities. A professional will look after every element of your catering, but with it comes a high price tag.
These essential things to consider will make sure you look for the right qualities in a wedding caterer and ensure you don’t get caught out with your costs.
Know what you want
Before you start searching for caterers, you need to have a good idea of the style of food you want at your wedding.
There are plenty of options: tea on the lawn, sit-down dinner reception, BBQ, the list is endless. Having something in mind will enable you to have a clear approach to your supplier selection.
Ask your friends and relatives
The first place to start searching for wedding caterers is to speak to family and friends. A personal recommendation is the best way to go for tried and tested results. Other good places are local wedding directories.
Get references
Once you’ve found several caterers that you like the look of, ask for references and check their experience.
Don’t just sit on the reference, call the previous client up and speak to them. Find out about the scale of the event, how the caterer performed and would they use them again.
Ideally, you should be looking for caterers with experience of weddings, large numbers or the style of food you specifically want.
Are they successful?
Unfortunately, many businesses fold in the first 18 months of operation. Make sure your caterer isn’t going to run off with your money by checking how long they’ve been in business.
Review their menus and ask for flexibility
Check out their set menus. Is there an opportunity to change the menu, mix and match or add in more vegetarian options?
Sample the food
Before you agree on the contract, sample the food. This is very important as the food may look great when on display, but taste absolutely awful. The last thing you want is rubbish food at your wedding. Many companies will let you sample menus for free, especially if the catering is being done by your venue.
Crockery, cutlery and linens
Make sure you ask whether they can provide the table linens, crockery and cutlery, and that they include this in their quote.
If they can’t then you’ll have to source these from elsewhere and may get stung for more cash later!
Setting up and clearing away
Many caterers will turn up well before the event and set up the tables and place settings. Afterwards, they’ll clear the dishes, wash up and tidy away.
It’s worth checking to what extent your caterer does this as you don’t want to be dancing the night away around tables of dirty dishes. There also maybe different costs for different levels of service.
Staffing
Many caterers will offer staff as part of the package; others will only drop off the food. Make sure you ask about staffing and staff-guest ratios. You won’t want two staff for 300 guests! As well as the right number of staff for your event, check over-time costs and what the staff will be wearing as well.
Ask for a clear quote, contract and receipts
Once you’ve discussed all your requirements, ask for a clear breakdown of the services included and not included in your quote. This will ensure transparency and eliminate any nasty surprises later down the road. Get a contract and a receipt for any deposits you pay in advance.
Before you select your caterer and pay any deposits, make sure you get three, like-for-like quotes. Ask for an itemised quote including any exclusions. Don’t just go on price; think about service as well, because you may end up paying more later on.
Related articles:
Working With A Wedding Caterer On A Tight Budget
Questions To Ask Your Caterer Before You Sign The Contract
Tips For Cutting Your Catering Costs
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