Searching For Caterers: How To Do It The Easy Way
Food is one of the core elements of a party.
It is the first thing that your guests will remember.
If you are planning for a big party, it is necessary to find an excellent caterer; it cannot be done on the basis of which caterer will provide the cheapest deal because usually the quality of service you will receive will also depend on how much cash you shelled out.
The first step to do prior to looking for a suitable caterer is to make a plan.
Determine what your budget for food is; the number of guests who are coming, the type of food that you wish to serve to your guests, and finalize where will be your venue.
Know if you are going to serve your guests hors d'oeuvres or a full meal.
Would you like to serve both? There are many ways to search for caterers.
You can search through the yellow pages, internet, inquire at your local cooking schools and ask friends and relatives for referrals.
Narrow down your list of choices by choosing the best three caterers that you think can provide you the service that you need.
Get quotations.
Set an appointment so that you can meet with the caterer, discuss your catering needs and they can also present the services that they can offer to you.
During the meeting, ask questions such as do they provide tokens and do they accommodate requests for special diet.
Check how many food servers and bartenders they can provide, and do they have a valet for the parking lot.
Do not forget to ask if they will provide the utensils, decorations and table center pieces, table cloths, do they provide extra servings, what dishes they can provide, and most of all ask what the payment arrangement is.
Usually you will be required to make a partial payment and pay the remaining balance before the party.
Before signing a contact ask for the caterer's portfolio.
Check pictures of the dishes and request for sample dishes.
When you ask for sample platters, expect that you will be charged $15-$100 per dish.
Ask for the names of previous clients of the caterer and get their number.
Call them and ask for feedbacks.
Also, ask if the caterer is insured and bonded.
Hiring the services of a caterer who is not insured and bonded is complete suicide especially if you plan to host a big party.
To save money, ask your caterer if it is possible for you to buy your own drinks and even cake if you need one.
Also, ask if there will be additional payment if you extend beyond the agreed number of servicing hours as noted in the contract.
Last but most important of all, lay down your policy to the caterer.
Clearly state what are your expectations from the caterer during the party and also ask the caterer what are his/her expectations from you.
Beware of caterers who do not ask questions about what you want; it is a sign of a caterer who only provides generic services and not a personalized one.
Enjoy your party.
Do not for get to give tips to your caterer and to the servicing staffs.
It is the first thing that your guests will remember.
If you are planning for a big party, it is necessary to find an excellent caterer; it cannot be done on the basis of which caterer will provide the cheapest deal because usually the quality of service you will receive will also depend on how much cash you shelled out.
The first step to do prior to looking for a suitable caterer is to make a plan.
Determine what your budget for food is; the number of guests who are coming, the type of food that you wish to serve to your guests, and finalize where will be your venue.
Know if you are going to serve your guests hors d'oeuvres or a full meal.
Would you like to serve both? There are many ways to search for caterers.
You can search through the yellow pages, internet, inquire at your local cooking schools and ask friends and relatives for referrals.
Narrow down your list of choices by choosing the best three caterers that you think can provide you the service that you need.
Get quotations.
Set an appointment so that you can meet with the caterer, discuss your catering needs and they can also present the services that they can offer to you.
During the meeting, ask questions such as do they provide tokens and do they accommodate requests for special diet.
Check how many food servers and bartenders they can provide, and do they have a valet for the parking lot.
Do not forget to ask if they will provide the utensils, decorations and table center pieces, table cloths, do they provide extra servings, what dishes they can provide, and most of all ask what the payment arrangement is.
Usually you will be required to make a partial payment and pay the remaining balance before the party.
Before signing a contact ask for the caterer's portfolio.
Check pictures of the dishes and request for sample dishes.
When you ask for sample platters, expect that you will be charged $15-$100 per dish.
Ask for the names of previous clients of the caterer and get their number.
Call them and ask for feedbacks.
Also, ask if the caterer is insured and bonded.
Hiring the services of a caterer who is not insured and bonded is complete suicide especially if you plan to host a big party.
To save money, ask your caterer if it is possible for you to buy your own drinks and even cake if you need one.
Also, ask if there will be additional payment if you extend beyond the agreed number of servicing hours as noted in the contract.
Last but most important of all, lay down your policy to the caterer.
Clearly state what are your expectations from the caterer during the party and also ask the caterer what are his/her expectations from you.
Beware of caterers who do not ask questions about what you want; it is a sign of a caterer who only provides generic services and not a personalized one.
Enjoy your party.
Do not for get to give tips to your caterer and to the servicing staffs.