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By Lei Lydle
Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 11/6/2005 7:06:42 AM |
Before You Meet Any Caterers...
First discuss menu likes and dislikes with your fiancé. Next, choose five or six caterers from those that have been recommended to you or select some of our Preferred Caterers.
Call these caterers and describe the type of wedding you will be having and the types of food you are interested in. Please explain to them exactly what you will be needing as far as rentals and tell them your approximate budget up front. Then have them fax or mail an assortment of menus with prices and their prices for rentals, bar set-up, service personnel, etc.
After you have received all of the menus and price lists, go over them with a fine-toothed comb and choose three that you would like to meet based on their menus and prices. Call these three and make appointments to meet with them. Have your fiancé go with you to these meetings if at all possible.
Questions To Ask Potential Caterers
- Will you (the catering representative) be there the night of the wedding?
If the catering representative you are meeting with will not be there, ask to meet the representative or catering captain that will be there. You need to feel comfortable with this person and it is also good to know what he or she looks like so that you can locate him in the case of an emergency.
- Can we see photographs of your previous work?
Every caterer should have no problem with this. Be wary of anyone who won't provide pictures.
- Can we visit one of your weddings during set-up?
Many caterers won't let you do this because they don't want to interfere with the wedding that they are currently serving. However, if the caterer doesn't mind and the bride doesn't mind, it may be beneficial for you to visit a wedding during set-up to see exactly how the caterer conducts business.
- Can we have a taste test of the foods on our menu?
All of the menus that you will see will sound good to you but it is a good idea to have a taste test if at all possible prior to chooing your caterer.
- Are you licensed?
Don't choose a caterer who isn't licensed - period.
- Do you have a liquor license? If not, do you provide bar set-up and bartenders?
Many caterers do not have a liquor license. Generally this isn't a problem because the liquor may be provided by your venue or you may provide the liquor yourself. You will want the caterer to provide a bar set-up though and probably the bartenders as well.
- Are you familiar with our reception site?
Things tend to run smoothly when the caterer is familiar with your reception site. If the caterer is not familiar with your site, set up an on-site meeting at the reception site so the reception venue manager can give the caterer a tour and so that you can discuss the table set-up. This is absolutely crucial.
- Have you ever catered a wedding of this size (if your wedding is very large)?
This is important if you are having a large wedding. Some caterers simply aren't equipped to handle a party for 400 people. Heed my warning: if you hire a caterer for a large wedding that does not have experience with a large wedding you will run into problems - the presentation may be sloppy, the food may come out slow, etc.
- Do you specialize in any particular type of cuisine or menu?
This is important if you are looking for a specific type of cuisine or menu or if you are trying to avoid a specific type of cuisine or menu. A caterer that specializes in Italian food may not be the best with an all southern cuisine menu.
- Where will you prepare the food?
This is important if your reception site only has a small kitchen with limited appliances and space. You will want your caterer to prepare the food in their own kitchen and bring it over to the reception to add the finishing touches. If your reception site has a full professional kitchen, this should not be a concern.
- How will your service staff be dressed?
The general feeling is that the service staff should be dressed appropriately for your wedding. In my opinion the service staff should be dressed in formal attire for most wedding receptions.
- How often will the food be replenished?
You don't want empty buffet trays...
- How do you figure the charge for the labor?
The way caterers do this varies so don't assume that a quote from one will be similar to a quote from another. You need to know, however, so you can budget and compare prices between caterers.
- How many servers will you need for my wedding?
Again, this will help you in budgeting and comparing prices between caterers.
- How much do you charge for a cake table?
You may not need a cake table because your reception venue may provide one but it can't hurt to get all the information up front.
- Do you have any minimum requirements?
Some caterers do have minimum requirements so be sure to ask.
- Do you provide a written estimate and contract?
DO NOT work with anyone who will not provide you with a written estimate and contract. Also, get every single detail about everything you agree to in writing. These are people you are dealing with and they are people who meet with a lot of brides. They could easily forget small details if they are not in writing.
- How much of a deposit do you require? Is it refundable?
Every caterer that I have ever dealt with requires a non-refundable deposit to hold the date - anywhere from 10% - 50% of the total estimate. Some caterers that charge a higher deposit may allow a portion to be refundable so be sure that you understand the deposit details before you hand over your money.
- What is your cancellation policy?
Find out what happens if you cancel and also find out what happens if the caterer cancels.
- What is your postponement policy?
Sometimes weddings do get postponed. Most caterers will simply change the date for you if they are available but they may not be available so it is important to get this information.
I've Met With The Caterers, Now What?
Pick your favorite caterer from those that you met with and ask to set up an on-site meeting at your reception site to finalize the details.
Get a written contract that lists the date, time, place, and catering spscifics. All prices and details need to be spelled out very clearly. Again, everything you agree to with your caterer should be in writing.
Meet with the caterer a couple of weeks before the wedding to go over any last minute details.
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Brooke from Biloxi, MS says... |
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I am looking for caterers in the Gulf Coast area only. I really want appetizer type food rather than full course meals. I would like to meet with some people and look at some pictures of their work and possibly sample some of the hors d'oeuvres. I have not made out my complete guest list but I am guessing around 400 as of right now (may be less or may be more). I look forward to hearing from you.
Brooke
Wedding Date: May 13, 2006 |
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Posted: 7/26/2005 11:43:12 PM |
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