How to choose the right catering service for your role

Posted by Mords1944 on December 1st, 2020

Finding a catering service for any event is an extremely important decision. Corporate, or private, large or small, it is imperative to choose the right provider. There are many catering companies on the market so you must do your homework and choose carefully to ensure the success of your event. This article gives you a step-by-step guide to choosing the right provider along with a helpful checklist.

Preparation

Before looking for a catering service provider, you should think about your catering needs and gather information that a catering service provider will need to know:

What is the time and date of the event?
Have a budget in mind?
Where is your event taking place? (Or do you need a place?)
Is there a kitchen on site?
How many guests are you expecting?
Do any of your guests have special dietary needs?
Does your event have a theme?
Do you want a particular kitchen style?
Do you need decorations, flowers, table arrangements?
Do you need to hire a team? (Tables, chairs, tablecloths, dishes, etc.)
Once you have answered these questions, you will have a good idea of ​​the services you will need. A great caterer will offer a complete service so you don't have to run around organizing things separately. Having everything organized by one company will help your event run smoothly and reduce your workload.

Investigation

Once you've completed your prep, it's time to do some research. First you need to find some catering companies. The best way to do this is to seek recommendations. You can ask friends, family, and colleagues. Or use a search engine to get a list of professional caterers in the area where your event will be held.

Now select a short list of catering service providers based on the needs you identified in your preparation. For example, you may have identified that your venue does not have a kitchen, that your guests have particular dietary concerns, or that you need to hire equipment.

Once you have a list of a few caterers, reach out to them with a list of questions to make sure they have a good reputation and can handle your particular requirements.

What to look for

First, does the caterer offer a variety of menu options that include the particular cuisine you are looking for? Most good catering service providers will have detailed menu listings on their website. Otherwise, you can contact the company and receive this information by email or fax.

What kind of function are you organizing? Is it private or corporate, small or large, informal or formal, indoors or out? Whatever the case, make sure your chosen provider can handle the type of function you are planning.

Make sure the catering service is available on the day you want. (No charge on weekends or holidays). Also verify that the provider has 24 hour service and is available 7 days a week. Many events are held after business hours or on weekends, so it will be a huge disadvantage and frustration if you cannot reach your caterer in the evening or on a Sunday morning when you suddenly think of something to discuss party food delivery. And you certainly don't want to pay more for your catering just because your event is not during business hours.

Does the catering service provide its own service personnel? Does the staff have experience in the style of event you are planning? Will they be professionally dressed? Will the staff take care of everything from delivery and preparation to waiting and cleaning afterwards?

According to the needs you identified in your preparation, does the Catering provide you with the equipment you require? This can include tables, chairs, bedding, china, glassware, cutlery, or even ovens and a bar serving area. Make sure they can provide you with what you need so that you don't have to rush any more after booking the event. Also make sure your equipment is new and in excellent condition. You don't want worn bedding and tarnished cutlery to dull your event.

Maybe you need a venue for your event? If so, a catering service provider who can provide you with a venue will save you time and have an established relationship with the venue. This will streamline the entire catering experience and make your life so much easier!