
There are a lot of aspects to look out for when arranging an event, and catering can be the most important of them. Whatever the occasion is, having a good caterer by your side can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful event.
Simply put, food is the most important part of an event gathering. Having good food and perfect arrangement will make your event memorable for years to come. To ensure this, you need a good caterer by your side. These simple yet efficient tips will help you choose the right provider for your event.
1. Do Consider Word of Mouth
Asking for recommendations is often ignored, but it can actually save you the day. If you are looking for a caterer, start by asking friends and family for any recommendations they may have from their past experiences with caterers.
It is recommended to look for a friend or family member who had a wonderful wedding recently and ask them about the caterer they had. Use their reference to make a deal with the caterer. It will be of great help to make your own event an excellent one.
2. Ask for Their Experience
When you are in the market to find a caterer for your event, ensure to ask them about their total experience and whether they have successfully organized similar events before. You won’t like first-timers ruining your event when you have the facility to choose experienced staff.
You can also ask them about their website or a portfolio of the meals they offer for different events. Considering their portfolio and website will enable you to have an idea of how reliable a catering company is and whether you can entrust your event to them.
3. Negotiate Possibilities
If you have an idea to make your event unique, don’t forget to share it with the caterer. Most caterers have their bespoke services for specific events, so don’t forget to ask them. It might not be on their website or portfolio, but they can provide them if asked for.
Negotiate all the possibilities with them on how to make your event unique and special. The possibilities might come with some extra charges, but they will be worth it if your event goes exactly as planned.
4. Check for Licenses
Most states and countries require caterers to have licenses from the food and other departments. So, make sure to ask them about their license and see if they have a valid license to date. Some caterers may also have some recommendations from the local health department.
Along with this, you will also have to look for any bad reviews or violations they have made in the past and how they overcome those experiences.
5. Taste the Menu
Caterers are more than happy to let you taste the food and drinks that are on the event menu. So, make sure to avail this opportunity. It will help you decide whether the food is up to your standards and right for the type of event you are arranging.
If you don’t quite like the food, you can either tell them about your preferences, or they will come up with a different taste and style themselves.