Most of us at any given time will find we need a caterer for an event.  Whether it’s a wedding, birthday or a company holiday party, choosing the right caterer can be essential to your business as well as your repetition and let’s not forget avoiding the loss of sometimes thousands of dollars. 

To start the process of choosing a caterer let’s start with the basics. 

Plan Early, Plan Smart and have a realistic budget.

Planning early and interviewing as many caterers as possible can save you future headaches by avoiding rushed decisions and non-thorough inspections. Planning early awards you the time to taste the different choices of foods and drinks as well as samples of the various decors.  You’ll also have time to inspect the facilities in which the food will be prepared, check ratings, websites and any complaints. Take the time to get a feel for the caterer demeanor and professionalism.  Ask to call on some of the caterer referrals to make sure the referral s are legit.  Since most caterers’ book months sometimes a year in advance it’s wise to start the interview process as early as 8-12 month before your event.  Keep in mind popular caterer may require starting earlier. 

Planning smart can save you time, energy and money.  As you’re planning your event, take the time to write down the theme or what impression or vision you want your guest to go away with. Choose swatches of colors and fabrics you want to use for the event and share them with the caterer.  Take notes of the various ideas different caterer may have to make your event/dream come to life.  A caterer that has a creative notch can make the event unforgettable.  Look for caterers who can offer ideas you never thought about.  Be realistic is what you want to achieve.   (One hundred doves flying in a closed venue may not be practical.)  Consider all age groups and special needs when planning your event.  If it’s a buffet choose a caterer that is familiar with the venue who can arrange the event and make the event area friendly to those who are disabled.  For those who have food allergies, vegetarians or both, make sure the caterer offers a wide variety of food choices.  Talk thoroughly with the caterer to make sure you have allotted enough time for your event.  Rushing guest through dinner and through the event is never a good idea and can leaves a bad impression as well as a bad taste in you guest mouth. 

Having a realistic budget can save face with your boss, save face with your spouse and save your pocketbook.  Take time to price out your event by interviewing several caterers and choose caterer that can stay within that budget.  Avoid caterer who try to up sale and pressure you into purchasing food, drinks and décor you’re not prepared to pay for.  Working with a good caterer should be a pleasant experience.  If you feel pressured, simply seek another caterer.  Make sure the caterer invoices all items for your event. Don’t settle on estimates and ask for exact figures and make sure you give the caterer the exact number of guest for the event.  Sometimes it may take a little sacrificing of some items to stay in budget but at the end of the day it’s worth it.  Again, you want to choose a caterer who will keep you on budget. 

Caterer can make or break your event.

Be sure to choose catering that will coincide and bring your vision to life. Some of these options will include choosing a sit down meal, buffet style, or standing food stations and the decorations that will be used. Your chosen caterer should be well versed in whichever style or event you’re having especially if there are certain traditions that need to be executed at the event.  Again have the caterer show their references and confirm them.  A good caterer will be able to guide you gently towards the best selections for your event. With your reputation on the line, this is not a time to be rushed or pressured.  It is extremely important that you choose a caterer who is friendly and professional.  Making your guest feel welcome is part of a caterer job at an event.  After you have chosen a caterer you should feel good from beginning to end and should have a good rapport established with the catering company.  Your event should run like a well-oiled machine.  

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