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Catering Tips
Food and drink and their presentation are critical to the success of your party. They are not incidentals. Invited guests make up their mind to schedule in your party for different reasons. When they take the time to dress and travel to come to your event they have several expectations behind their decision to show up. Whatever these may be--business, social, networking, to honor someone, or just because they love you--reward their effort with good food and beverages.Catering to their needs with elegance, style, and thoroughness reflects admirably on the class of person you profess to be. Besides, they may have foregone meals in order to be excellent guests and able to accept your food offerings. Do not make them wish they'd grabbed a bite to eat before your party! And once everyone is assured that you are providing well for them they are much more sociable and the party is off to a wonderful success.
So, your choice of a professional caterer IS the party, so to speak. Here's a few tips regarding choosing the right caterer for your next event.
1) You must like your caterer. You must trust them and be comfortable with them. You will spend a lot of time with them preparing for your event and they will be the last people you see when the evening is over. Liking the person catering for you is extremely important to your success.
2) Get a team together to handle such things as set-up and clean-up at the location according to the requirements of your caterer.
3) You must verify that your caterer has the proper business and health licenses.
4) You must go to an event that your prospective caterer is handling to see their performance. Your caterer should make the arrangements to allow you to attend an event where you can observe. In respect for the hosts of this event make sure to dress appropriately as if you were their invited guest.
5) Discuss the food price and taste it--every item you are planning to serve
6) Insist on a written contract with details of how many people per table, waiters, servers, how they will be dressed, who is in charge of linen, tables, chairs, menu printing, centerpieces, etc. Some caterers do more than food. Know exactly what they are providing. Leave no detail in doubt or presume anything.
7) Discuss which things you as a client are responsible for, which things the caterer is responsible for. If you must also talk to the management at the banquet hall or facility make sure the caterer and you understand exactly what must be provided from the facility itself. Think of extra tables, extension cords, a dance floor, a change in lighting, etc. Leave NOTHING to chance. Follow up and follow up again.
8) Make sure you have an emergency on-call number directly to the person responsible at the catering company.
9) From the banquet facility get the direct contact numbers and emergency back up number for the custodians, electricians, and security employees who have access to the hall or room. Nothing impedes success more than finding the place locked when you've got to start deliveries and set-up. Call the day before and make sure you've talked to the actual person who will unlock the room if it is closed. And get their home number if possible or pager.
10) When discussing the menu with your caterer make sure you are keeping in mind the time of year for the event. Match the menu to the expected season. Light food and cold drinks for summer, hearty appetizers and soup for cold weather.
11) Decide certain guidelines such as budget for yourself before you meet with your caterer. However, be open to choices you will not have considered until your consultation.