When my husband and I tied the knot last year, we didn't want anything lavish. Both of us did the big wedding and reception thing with our first spouses. This time around, we wanted a home wedding, complete with an intimate reception in the backyard. For the reception, we chose to hire a local caterer. From the first meeting, we knew the caterer would make sure everything was perfect. She came up with a menu that allowed for the dietary needs of our varied group of friends. She designed and ordered the cake, and even took care of setting up the tables and chairs. All we had to do was show up. If you and your beloved are planning something simple at home, it pays to work with the right caterer. Let me share how we worked with ours, and why we would do it again without hesitation.
Food is an essential component in any event. Even when the other event's logistics are spectacular, a bad food experience ruins the good memories. Thus, if you are organizing a private or corporate event, you need an excellent caterer. Since there are many catering service providers, it is crucial to have selection criteria. The following questions can enhance your chances of getting a suitable event caterer.
Can the Caterers Meet Your Needs?
The first step when engaging a caterer is to share your needs. Essentially, begin by disclosing the nature of the event. For instance, is it a corporate dinner or wedding? Find out the caterer's experience or specialty in such events. Also, share the size of the event. This way, the caterer can assess the workforce needed and the capacity to handle the event demands. Then, inform the caterer about the location and setting specifications. Find out whether the caterer is familiar with the location and if they have handled such a setting before. Importantly, discuss the particular needs such as dining style, menu, and dietary specifications. Make sure that the event caterer is capable of meeting the specifications.
What Is the Service Package and Costs?
The next consideration when hiring an event caterer is the type of services they offer and the costs. Thus, develop a list of catering services you require based on the nature of the event. Then, take time to cross-check your list with the caterer's package.
Catering services include the following:
Preferably, work with an event caterer who can provide a wide range of services for convenience. Lastly, consider the service costs, including hidden fees, to ensure that they fit within your budget.
Is the Caterer Flexible?
Planning an event is a stressful process. Thus, you will need a caterer who can support and ease your planning. The ideal caterer should understand your needs and customize their services to meet your expectations. Thus, work with a caterer who is open-minded and eager to listen to your ideas. More so, events take place in an environment of uncertainties. For instance, the weather and number of participants may change. As such, it makes sense to work with a flexible caterer who can adjust quickly to any eventualities. This way, you have confidence that the event's caterer can resolve arising challenges.
Is the Caterer Credible?
As a best practice rule, review the caterer's credibility before the engagement. In this case, establish whether the service provider has the necessary license and certifications. Typically, a food service provider must have a license to operate. Then, confirm health certification to ensure your event does not violate health standards and regulations. Also, consider the online reviews and customer feedback on the service quality. Preferably, request the service provider to offer referrals from past clients and to organize food tasting.
The list above provides a basic guideline for selecting the ideal events caterer. Reach out to event caterers in your area to learn more.
Share13 September 2021
