8 Questions You Should Ask Your Caterer Before Your Event

The food can be the most memorable highlight of any event so choosing the right caterer can be a tough decision! Before planning your event, there are many things you will want to be aware of. Communication is important – you must be very clear and precise about what you are looking for. Before you begin asking questions, you should be aware of what is included in the caterer’s fees, such as alcohol, staff, tables, chairs, serving ware, garbage cans and more. Here are the questions we suggest you ask before signing the dotted line with a caterer:

How much of the clean up do you take care of?

If cleaning up isn’t for you, make sure you ask your catering vendor if they offer cleaning services. This service is not always included in a catering package.

How will the food be arranged and would you handle the table settings?

Some caterers can be elaborate in their presentation while others keep things more simple. If you have place cards and/or party favors, find out how your caterer may help with the arrangement of these items.

Who will be present on the day of the event?

You will want to know who the main contact will be on the day of the event. There will be many things happening at once so it will be important for you to know who to contact to ensure a smooth event.

What can you do for guests with allergies and dietary restrictions?

This is more common than you think. Food allergies and special diets like vegetarian and vegan can be a major concern for some guests. Most caterers will have dietary food options, but try to find this out upfront. You may also want to consider kid-friendly food options too!

Do you provide alcoholic beverages and bartenders?

Some caterers provide this service, some do not. You will want to consider the type of alcohol service you want, such as unlimited beer and wine, an assortment of beers and wine, or premium open bar. There are many choices so check to see what packages you can choose from.

Do you handle rental equipment such as tables, chairs, etc.?

This can often be the deciding factor in choosing a caterer. Check to see if this service is included in the caterer’s package or if it is a separate price.

How will your staff dress?

Don’t forget to ask how the catering staff will dress, as that too affects the event’s overall look and feel. You don’t want the waiters wearing funky t-shirts and sweatpants! It is ideal to have the staff easy to identify so be sure to find this out before making your decision.

There are many questions you must ask your caterer before doing business with them. Remember, they are the professionals, so don’t be afraid to leave it to the pros! An experienced party planner or caterer will be able to guide you and help you decide what’s right for you and your guests. We offer a catering experience that becomes the centerpiece of any event. Let us work with you to custom-tailor the event you’re envisioning and take the hassle out of feeding your guests. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our catering services, please visit our catering page.

When planning your event, one of the most important things to consider is how you want it to be served. While many party planners spend lots of time thinking about the menu itself, the type of food service can be just as important in planning the flow of the event and setting the tone for the type of party you have in mind. Read more to find out about the different types of catering styles that best suit your event.

Buffet Service

This is a system in which food is placed in a public area where guests can serve themselves. Usually, the arrangement ranges from appetizers to desserts. After they get their food, the guests return to their designated seating area. The buffet service can be assisted or unassisted. The assisted buffet service includes waiters who are available to take your order and present the food while guests are seated. The more formal events tend to lean toward the assisted buffet style. The unassisted system is the buffet style in which guests serve themselves and is suited for a more casual feel.

Pro: Can offer guests a large variety of food in sizable amounts. Each person can serve what they want, so there is often less wasted food.

Con: Can sometimes get hectic if too many people “rush” the buffet at once, or linger around the food.

Reception Service

This is a service in which appetizers are served buffet-style on a table. The guests typically stand and serve themselves. It is uncommon to sit down to eat. This service style is sometimes referred to as a “walk and talk.” Most of the food is known as “finger food”. The reception service is most commonly used at short meetings and birthday parties.

Pro: Usually the least expensive. Works well for networking and business gatherings where you want to encourage people to walk around.

Con: Guests may leave the event hungry because of just eating “finger foods”

Plated Service

At a plated meal service, guests are seated at tables and served by a waiter. This service is usually intended for more formal events. Plated meals are the most efficient catering style and work great for all types of events. Plated meals are served two ways: guests are given options for their entrée, or you can serve a single-entree meal. If you choose to have a single-entree, it is best to choose a meal that appeals to the majority of guests. Guest factors will depend on the cost of this service. There are typically 3 courses that are served: soup/salad, entree, and dessert.

Pros: Can be more enjoyable for guests because they are being waited on

Cons: Typically have less variety in food; most expensive; does not encourage socializing, as people are confined to their tables.

There are many types of catering styles, but choosing the right style for your event is completely up to you! Your budget as well as the type of mood you want to set for your event will probably be the two most important factors in helping you determine what type of food service to employ. And don’t be afraid to leave it to the pros! An experienced party planner or caterer will be able guide you and help you decide what’s right for you and your guests. Bon appetit!

Oak Lodge: 225-291-6257

PARC 73: 225-744-3344

Category: Catering