Making sure they are professional, experienced and capable of timely communication is very important.

Your wedding caterer may be your biggest expense, so it’s wise to make sure you pick the right person.

Below are some consideration factors:


Management

•How long has the caterer been in the off-premise large special event business?
•Are you a full time caterer?
•Does the caterer have a health department approved kitchen & license?
•How many qualified chefs/supervisors/bartenders do you have?
•How responsive and helpful has the caterer been to you so far?
•Do they function as a restaurant, too?


Rentals

  • Does the caterer arrange for the rentals, manage them and take full responsibility?
  • Will I have a choice in the rentals or what company we use?
  • Who will be responsible for any breakage or loss costs after the event?
  • Do you do delivery and pick-up?

Food

  • Who is your Executive Chef?
  • Who creates the menus to make sure they will be successful in an off-premise catering environment?
  • How long has the chef been with you doing this kind of work specifically?
  • Will the food be made fresh on site?
  • What do you make from scratch?
  • Do you offer free tastings?
  • What is the food transported in to keep it in the safe temperature zone and ensure no one will get sick?
  • Who grows your tomatoes, and what local farmers do you use?
  • Where do you get your seafood?
  • Do you provide alcoholic beverages or other beverages?

Contract

  • How much is the deposit, and what if I cancel?
  • Are the details of the agreement clearly understood?
  • Are there any fees that won’t be included in the proposal that we should be aware of?
  • Extra hours?
  • What if my needs change the day of the wedding?
  • What will the cost be?