Beyond the Buffet: Must Ask Questions for your Caterer Before Signing the Contract

I don’t know about you, but my love language is food. Better yet, when I don’t even have to cook it! Your ‘Taco Tuesday’ dinner at home is much different than the dinner you want to be serving at your event. What vibe are you trying to set the mood for at your reception? You want a plated style where the guests are served their dinner right at their seat? Looking for a more casual sense by offering a buffet style where guests go through the line and pick as much, or as little, as their heart desires? The thoughts can be overwhelming, let alone even knowing where to begin! Let me address some hot topics below that you should be asking your caterer to ensure you picked JUST the right fit for your big day!

Experience and Expertise

Q: What is your specialty?

Understanding their forte—whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or specific cuisines—ensures their expertise aligns with your needs.

Q: How many events similar to mine have you catered?

Experience in handling events similar to yours can provide confidence in their ability to manage your specific requirements.

Menu and Dietary Accommodations *this is a biggie if you have multiple guests with dietary restrictions*

Q: Can you customize the menu to fit dietary restrictions or preferences?

A versatile caterer willing to adapt their menu to accommodate dietary needs ensures inclusivity for all guests.

Q: Do you offer tastings?

Tastings allow you to experience the quality of their food firsthand, helping you make informed menu decisions.

 Logistics and Services

Q: What is included in your catering packages?

Understanding what services and items are included—like linens, tableware, or setup—helps avoid unexpected surprises.

Q: Do you provide waitstaff, rentals, or other services?

Knowing if they offer additional services or can assist with rentals streamlines the planning process.

Pricing and Contracts

Q: What is your pricing structure?

Clarity on pricing—whether it’s per person, flat rate, or itemized—helps you budget effectively.

Q: Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

Being aware of potential extra charges for staffing, travel, or overtime prevents budgetary surprises later on.

References and Testimonials

Q: Can you provide references or client testimonials?

Genuine testimonials and references offer insights into their previous clients’ experiences.

Q:  Do you have photos or examples of previous events?

Visual examples can showcase their presentation style and attention to detail.

Availability and Booking

Q:  Are you available on my event date?

Confirming their availability is crucial before diving deeper into discussions.

Q: What is your booking and cancellation policy?

Understanding the terms regarding deposits, cancellations, and changes helps manage expectations and potential risks.

By addressing these tailored questions, you can select a caterer who not only delivers delicious food, but also provides seamless service, aligns with your budget, and contributes to the overall success and joy of your special day.

Bottom line, it never hurts to ask ALL of the questions to ensure you know what you are getting for your event, with no surprises! There are plenty of times the client does not ask the right questions before signing the contract and come to find out, their caterer doesn’t serve the food in the buffet line and it’s the client’s responsibility to figure it out, or they do not bus the tables (clean up when guests are finished eating). Don’t feel bad for asking! They should provide you with the quality of service you deserve..and paid for!

📸: Kalamazoo Wedding Co

📸: Out of the Woods Photo

📸: Vander Veen Media

📸: Katie Kendrick Photo