February 27, 2024
20 Questions To Ask Your Caterer Before Engaging Them
Before hiring a caterer, it is important to ask them specific questions to ensure they are the right fit for your event. Here are 20 questions to ask your catering about before making your decision.
Choosing the right caterer for your event is crucial to ensuring a successful and memorable experience. To help you make an informed decision, here are 20 essential questions to ask your caterer before engaging in their services.
- Are your menus customisable?
- What is your experience in catering for events similar to mine?
- What are your specialties?
- Are you available on my event date?
- Can you accommodate specific dietary restrictions?
- Do you provide serving staffing for the event?
- Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Do you offer tastings before finalising the menu?
- Is there any additional fees such as service charges or corkage fees?
- What do you do with leftovers at the end of the event?
- How far in advance do I need to book your services?
- How do you handle last-minute changes or requests?
- What is your backup plan in case of emergencies?
- Where is the food prepared?
- How do you ensure food safety and hygiene standards?
- Can you handle setup and cleanup for the event?
- Can you work within my budget?
- How many events do you typically handle in a day?
- What sets your catering services apart from others?
Deciding on a caterer? You can get answers to these questions easily by reaching out to us!
1. Are your menus customisable?
A good caterer will have a list of food options for each course (sides, mains, staples, and, dessert) so that they are flexible enough to make adjustments to cater to your tastes. This is particularly true if you have specific dishes in mind that fit your event. Hence, you'll want a caterer who is open to customising the menu.
2. What is your experience in catering for events similar to mine?
Find a caterer with experience in events similar to yours in terms of size, style, and cuisine.
3. What are your specialties?
This will help you identify their special items and delicacies that could turn into the main highlight of your event.
4. Are you available on my event date?
Needless to say, it's pointless getting excited about a caterer if they are already booked on your big day.
5. Can you accommodate specific dietary restrictions?
It is crucial to ensure that your guests with allergies, sensitivities, or preferences like vegetarian/vegan options are catered for to avoid any health issues or unhappiness during the event.
6. Do you provide serving staffing for the event?
Understanding the services offered will help you plan the logistics for your event effectively. Additionally, find out the ratio of servers to guests, their experience, and if their attire aligns with your event.
7. Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
Checking for references or reading online reviews can give you insight into the caterer's reputation and service quality. Asking for their portfolio also can help you visualise what the food presentation, serving styles, and setups will be like during the event day.
8. What is your cancellation policy?
Knowing the cancellation policy is crucial in case unforeseen circumstances arise and you need to cancel.
9. Do you offer tastings before finalising the menu?
Tastings are important as sampling the food beforehand allows you to make any necessary adjustments to ensure the menu suits your taste.
10. Is there any additional fees such as service charges or corkage fees?
Understanding these fees upfront will prevent any financial surprises after the event.
11. What do you do with leftovers at the end of the event?
It's impossible to calculate exactly how much your guests are going to eat, so you'll likely have some leftovers. Asking your caterer how they handle leftovers lets you know your next course of action. For instance, some caterers will give you any leftover food, either in their containers or containers you are required to provide.
12. How far in advance do I need to book your services?
Booking timelines are essential to secure the caterer's availability for your event.
13. How do you handle last-minute changes or requests?
This allows you to understand their flexibility regarding unexpected changes.
14. What is your backup plan in case of emergencies?
Find out how they handle emergency issues like power outages or equipment failures.
15. Where is the food prepared?
Find out if the food is cooked off-site and their methods for maintaining quality and temperature.
16. How do you ensure food safety and hygiene standards?
Prioritise caterers who adhere to strict food safety regulations. This is to safeguard the well-being of your guests and ensure everyone has a good experience.
17. How will you handle setup and cleanup for the event?
Get a clear timeline for their arrival, set up, meal service style (buffet, plated, stations), and clean-up expectations. Having these expectations aligned will make planning the event less stressful for you.
18. Can you work within my budget?
Be upfront about your budget and understand their pricing to see if they can accommodate it.
19. How many events do you typically handle in a day?
This will give you an idea of their capacity and whether they can focus on your event adequately.
20. What sets your catering services apart from others?
This question gives you a chance to understand a caterer's unique selling points and commitment to quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I consider when choosing a caterer?
When choosing a caterer, consider their experience, menu options, ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, pricing, services provided, and reviews from past clients.
How far in advance should I book a caterer for my event?
Popular caterers book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It is recommended to book a caterer for your event at least 6 months in advance, especially for popular dates or during peak seasons.
Should I ask for a taste test before finalizing the menu?
Yes, its a good idea to request a tasting session to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality and taste of the food being served at your event.