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You'll spend more money on food than any other aspect of
your wedding, so you'll want to work with a top-notch
professional. When making appointments to interview
caterers, try to schedule a tasting of their wares at a
later point. Don't forget to ask them the questions
below, and choosing a caterer will be as easy as pie --
just make sure your taste buds have a say in the matter,
too.
1. Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food
or service? (They should provide you with sample menus
to review.)
2. Can the caterer arrange for a tasting of the specific
foods you're interested in prior to hiring? (They
should.) Schedule a tasting if you get a good vibe.
3. What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs
itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there
an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include
(linens, tax, gratuities, etc.)? Does the caterer have
printed price sheets for food selections?
4. How involved is the caterer in a typical reception --
does he or she work like a wedding coordinator/banquet
manager, cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut
the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem
ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find
someone to fill this role -- if your site manager or
caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a
wedding coordinator.)
5. Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates,
table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and
more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're
acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings,
and/or other equipment or will they arrange for the
rentals?
6. Who is the main contact? Will the same person you
work with when planning also oversee meal service on the
day of the wedding? (You want this to be the case.)
7. Is the caterer working any other weddings on the same
weekend, on the same day, or at the same time as yours?
(You want to be sure they will devote sufficient
attention to you. You may want to pass on a smaller
outfit who indicates they have another job or two
scheduled for that day.)
8. Does the caterer handle all settings of tables? Will
they put out place cards and favors?
9. Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would
they recommend for the size of your wedding? What will
the wait staff wear? (Top caterers say they always use
their own serving personnel, even if the site's staff is
available, because they understand the caterer's way of
doing business.)
10. Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you
provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer
with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they
prepare vegetarian, kosher, or halal meals for just a
few of your guests?
11. Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site
facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager
need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer
must bring in his or her own equipment, is there an
additional fee?
12. Does the caterer work with fresh (not frozen) food?
13. Does the caterer have a license? (This means the
business has met health department standards and has
liability insurance -- make sure this includes a liquor
license if you're having a bar.)
14. Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle
the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a
corkage fee? How and when do you get the alcohol to the
caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an
inflexible wine list, or can you make special requests?
How is this list priced?
15. How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet
table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work
displays?
16. Can you speak to previous clients? (Get at least two
references that had a similar number of guests and a
similar menu style.)
17. Does the caterer also do wedding cakes? Can you use
an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting
fee?
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