Food is one of the essential components of any small or large event. You should not miss out on it whether you’re sponsoring a fundraising activity or you have a business party. But since you need to feed a couple of people during these occasions, you will need help from catering services. Doing so will allow you to focus your time on the main purposes of the event. The question is: How will you choose from amongst a list of catering services in town?

First things first – you have to prepare for it. Some event venues would only limit you with caterers that are found in town. Some would also offer you their in-house catering services. Whilst you can say yes to the offer at once, it is advised that you make the right choice. You can’t sacrifice your health (and your guests’ health as well).

A list of things you need when choosing catering services

There are a couple of concerns you should ask the service provider before you sign a deal with them. These include:

1. Catering needs. This list should include the actual date, time and venue for the event. This should also include the number of guests you expect to come during the occasion. Dietary concerns of some guests may also be considered.

2. Budget list. Make sure your caterer knows how much you’re willing to spend for this event. You can give them a “per head budget” or an overall budget. Together with the budget, they may also ask you about the event’s theme. Better be prepared for that.

3. List of menu options. You should include some questions to the service provider when it comes to this list. Do they have limited menu choices? Are they willing to take a closer look into dietary concerns of some of your guests? How many beverages are they willing to offer? Will they finalise the menu for you?

4. Taste test. You also need to have an actual taste of the menu that the caterer offers. Make sure you ask if there’s a fee for a taste test. In line with this, ask if you can tour the catering facility too. If you want, you can also visit an event sponsored by the caterer. Make sure you’re invited to that event.

5. A list of who’ll serve your guests during the party. Ask for the names of people who will come and serve you during the event. This will make it easier for you to know who to approach for any problems with food later on. At some instances, your caterer may be present in the occasion. You should also make sure that there are people who are sent by the caterer during the event. These ones are called the “wait staff”.

6. Supplies used in the party. Ask your provider if you’ll need to pay for table linens and utensils you will use during the party. Make sure you see the condition of these supplies before the day of the event itself.

You may have other concerns aside from the important things mentioned above. Make sure you raise them all before you actually hire the caterer for the deal. One last tip: Ensure you’re comfortable with the person or group you’ll work with for your catering needs.

Author Bio: Are you planning an event and you are in need of a caterer? You can see the list of catering service providers through this site.

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: caterer, catering, food