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| Tips in Hiring A Professional Caterer |
| When Hiring A Professional Caterer
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The responsibilities of a caterer are to cook the food, to provide the necessary tableware and to supply staff. Food services comprise of appetizers, the main course, desserts and drinks. Some caterer looks after every detail and clean up when the event is over. Caterers can advise on a suitable venue with your theme and desires in mind. Caterers services also includes supplying ample amount of tables, chairs and chair covers, linen, crockery, cutlery, and glasses. |
| Do the following first before you get the service
of a Caterer: |
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Make sure that if you are unfamiliar with the caterer, that you go to a "tasting" and check references! |
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Be sure to ask about the ratio of servers to guests. Now, this can vary depending on the type of reception you have (seated dinner versus buffet). One good rule of thumb is to have one server for every 8-10 guests. |
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When hiring your caterer, be sure to ask about the dinnerware or china they will be using. Some caterers will include all the dinnerware in their price - but they may be chipped, scratched and worn out. So, ask to see samples to make sure that the place settings nicely compliment the rest of your wedding decor. |
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Determine
a final head count for your caterer, you should include
a meal for your entertainer (DJ or Band), photographer
and Wedding Day Coordinator. |
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Reminders
about The Take Home
Ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket"
that contains a sampling of all the food at your reception.
It's likely that the bride and groom will not get a
chance to eat and enjoy all of the wonderful food at
the reception. |
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| What should I consider when looking for caterer? |
If you are seeking for a service that will suit your taste, budget and presentation, then you have to think over the factors that will influence the way you choose. In the real world, consumers depend to the catering services that are being referred by their relatives to make it a personal service because they have they notion that is trustful if someone close to their hearts have already proven its services. On the other hand, most social climber gets the services from a caterers with a numerous celebrity experiences to gain social status.
In an article I read at www.wisegeek.com, it enumerated the items to consider:
1. First, decide on your event’s theme before you begin to look for a caterer. Different caterers have different areas of expertise.
2. Secondly, budget. Not only do you want to hire the best caterer around, you want the best caterer you can afford. Don’t go over budget though; you’ll find there are good caterers available in all price ranges. In order to get a fair estimate from a caterer, you’ll need to provide the following information: date, type of event, type of menu you have in mind, and approximate number of guests.
3. Thirdly, the food. Most caterers will let you sample some of their specialties so you can choose the one whose food you like best. It’s important to receive recommendations because you want to make sure the caterer you choose will show up for your event, especially if you will be leaving a deposit.
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| Remember this when Selecting a Caterer |
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1. Get referrals from friends, family and other wedding suppliers. If the reception location you have chosen does not handle catering, it's very likely they will have a few suggestions of caterers who are familiar with their facility.
2. Get names of caterers from the yellow pages, wedding sections of newspapers, magazine and bride guide ads, bridal showers and internet wedding magazines.
3. Check credentials through other directory resources.
4. Arrange schedules to sample food and, if possible, attend a function that they are catering to see set up, service and presentation of food.
5. Look at photographs of other weddings and events they have catered. Pay attention to details.
6. Interview and ask questions. Put the answers in writing so you will able to have a written comparison of catering services.
7. Get a specific contract that lists all the details, including menu, services provided, equipment to be used, financial information, dates, times and personnel to be included. It should have a guarantee, cancellation policy and recourse if you are unhappy.
I hope these important items would help to clear your decision making in Selecting your caterer.
Excerpts from the following websites:
www.wisegeek.com
www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=46
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| How to choose the caterer? |
A good caterer has a wealth of knowledge and contacts, and can provide a variety of services, from creating an inspired menu, to booking a great band, finding the right photographer and assisting with floral arrangements.
To find reputable caterers in your area:
1. Ask friends, neighbors and businesses that have hosted catered events for their recommendations.
2. Call museums and historical venues to see what caterers are on their preferred catering list.
Once you have three or four caterers that you think you are interested in learning more about, call or e-mail them to request a brochure. From there, you may want to ask for a written proposal.
To create a proposal, the caterer will need at least a rough overview of your wedding plans, and you should think about how you might answer the following types of questions:
1. What is the date, time, and venue of your wedding, and how many guests do you expect to invite?
2. Does your venue have a catering kitchen? What about tables and chairs? Will you need a tent?
3. What type of menu you are looking for: heavy hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, a buffet dinner, brunch, tea, a cook-out? If you're planning a seated or buffet dinner, will you want to offer more than one main entree? If you're planning a cocktail reception, will you want to provide enough food so that guests feel as though they've had a meal? Are there any dietary concerns to be considered (vegetarian restrictions, allergies, dislikes)?
4. What will be the general atmosphere of your wedding: casual, semi-formal, black tie?
5. Do you have a budget in mind for your wedding, and what are you looking for that budget to cover: food, rental equipment, waiters, bartenders, chefs, beverages, flowers, etc.?
6. Are there other items on your wish list, for example, specialty linens, signature beverages, party favors? Is there anything that makes you unique that might be brought into the occasion itself?
Once you have provided information along these lines, a caterer can create a proposal for you. In reviewing your proposal, you should expect to find a good interpretation of the ideas that you communicated to the caterer.
7. Has the caterer taken the time to go through your thoughts and make appropriate planning suggestions, both with regard to the menu and the type of celebration you are having?
The suggested menu should be seasonal, inspired, and interesting without alienating your guests. Also, ask the caterer to bring a portfolio of their work to the meeting.
If, after reviewing a proposal, you are still interested in working with that potential caterer, the next step is to meet with the caterer, or someone on the caterer's sales staff.
This is the time to flesh out menu ideas and review suggestions as to rentals and staffing.
1. Does the caterer's price include everything that you will need?
2. Does it include tables, chairs, linens, napkins, china, glassware, silverware, and all necessary serving pieces?
3. Does the caterer charge a cake cutting fee, corkage fee, or administrative fee? Are all taxes included? Are beverages included?
4. Will you need to rent cooking equipment if your site has no kitchen facilities?
5. Who is the owner of the catering company? Do you like what you see? Do you like the catering sales person? You will have many months to work together, so it is important that you like the person as well as the product.
If you sign a contract without asking all of these questions, you might find that items were not accounted for in the original quote, and that your price per person might increase significantly.
After meeting with a potential caterer and making any revisions to the caterer's proposal, you may want to request a tasting. In recent years, much ado has been paid to the tasting when choosing a caterer. But while tastings may give you an idea of a caterer's style, the reality remains that cooking for two in a caterer's kitchen can never be compared to cooking for 150 in a tent with no running water! If you enjoy the tasting, you may want to inquire about viewing an upcoming event that the caterer is doing. Seeing an event set-up, viewing the crew, and watching how a caterer performs "on the job" is as important as the taste of the food. You may also wish to request references from recent celebrations.
References from How to Hire a Caterer for Your Wedding by Emma Roberts
(CEO of Capers Catering, Boston, MA)
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=1963
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| What to ask your Caterer? |
Your Questions should be based with the following items:
1. Menu Options and Reception Styles
There is so much variety and choice when it comes to menu selection. You can have a traditional sit down
dinner, buffet, food stations or cocktail reception. It all depends on your personal preference and budget.
a. What type of food items do you recommend for my budget and the number of guests?
b. What type of service, sit-down dinner, or buffet, would be the best?
c. Discuss menu selections, ask the cost per person?
2. Budget
Let your caterer know your budget up front. Don't assume that a buffet or food stations is less expensive that a sit down dinner. Remember, it depends more on what type of food you serve that determines the price.
3. Food Preparation
Does the caterer use all fresh food and produce? Will any of the food for the reception be previously frozen? Most of the "top notch" caterers do not use any frozen foods or anything that comes from a can!
a. Do you provide the liquor?
b. What is the cost per drink?
c. Is it cheaper if we provide our own liquor?
d. Do you charge extra to pour coffee?
e. Do you charge a corkage fee per bottle is we provide our own wine and champagne?
4. Tastings
Ask if your caterer will do a "tasting". This is where the bride and groom can go sample and taste some of the caterer's dishes.
5. Family Recipes
Ask if dishes can be prepared that are not included on the regular menu. Some brides have a special "family" dish they'd like or a particular type of ethnic food prepared. Thisi s a great way to really personalize your dinner and reception.
6. Leftovers
Ask what is done with the leftover food. Particularly, if you are having a buffet or food stations there can be food leftover. Some brides choose to have the leftover food given to a homeless shelter or similar charity organization.
Many couples don't get a chance to eat much or really enjoy the food during the reception because they're so busy with their guests. So, ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" with a sampling of all the delicious hors d'oeuvres, main dishes and even dessert.
Sometimes the leftovers are given to the bride or groom's parents. It's especially nice if they are entertaining any out-of-town relatives and don't have time to cook!
a. Do you provide food for the photographer, videographer, or musicians?
b. Is this an extra per person fee?
c. Will you pack a to-go snack for the bride and groom?
7. Guaranteed Numbers
Many caterers will quote prices based upon a certain number or minimum number of guests. For instance, many caterers base their figures on a minimum of 100 guests. If you're final guest count is for only 80 guests, there may be an additional fee.
a. Do you require a guaranteed number of guests?
b. What is the last date I can give you a final guest count?
8. Wedding Cake
a. Is a wedding cake included in the price?
b. Is there an additional cake cutting fee?
c. Will you provide the groom's cake, if we want one?
d. Will you pack the top tier of the wedding cake?
9. Tax and Gratuities
Are they included in the price? Are there any additional fees that are not included in the quote or proposal?
a.
Do you have a contract?
b. What is the payment policy?
c. What is the deposit to hold the date?
d. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
e. Are gratuities already figured in the total price?
f. If so, what percent is being charged?
g. Is there an additional charge?
10. Ratio of Servers to Guests
Now, this can vary depending on the type of reception you have. One good rule of thumb is to have one server for every 8-10 guests.
11. Dress Code for Wait Staff
Will they be dressed formally in a black and white tuxedo look?
12. Decorations
Ask to see pictures of their table displays. Some caterers that do buffets or food stations will include floral arrangements and other decorations. As your wedding plans progress, talk to your caterer about your color theme so that all decorations and floral arrangements will coordinate.
a. Do you make arrangements for flowers, decorations, and music?
13. Tableware and Linens
Does the price included table linens, napkins, dishes, and glassware? Ask to see samples. Remember, if you don't like the tableware or linens they offer, most everything can be rented, but usually at an additional price!
a. Will you personally handle and attend my reception? If not, what is the name of the person who will?
b. Do you handle all rental equipment such as tables, chairs, serving pieces?
c. Do you provide linens?
d. Is there an additional fee?
e. Is there a color selection?
f. Would it cost less if I handled the rentals myself? Rental returns?
g. How much time will you need to set up?
h. Do you handle the clean up?
i. Can we go over the table locations and seating arrangements ahead of time?
14. Menu Board
A recent trend when doing buffets or food stations is to have a menu board. This when the name of the entrees and items served are scrolled elegantly onto a piece of paper displayed on a board or in a picture frame. Many guests love to know the names or what's in those delicious dishes they'll be eating.
15. Licenses
Your caterer should be licensed. Most display their license in their office, but if you're not sure, ask!
Excerpts from the following References:
http://www.usabride.com/wedplan/a_catererqa.html
Questions to Ask your Caterer by Beverly Clark "Planning a Wedding to Remember"
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=1674
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