Questions to Ask
Your Potential Caterer
Food plays
an important role in the wedding festivities,
so you'll want to take plenty of time and care
when choosing your caterer. Here are some great
questions to ask your caterer to ensure that
you have an amazing "wedding feast"
without any surprises!
Menu
Options and Reception Styles
There are so many food varieties
to choose from when it comes to menu selection.
You can have a traditional sit down dinner,
buffet, food stations or a cocktail reception.
It all depends on your personal preference and
budget.
Budget
Let your caterer know your budget up front.
Don’t assume that a buffet or food station
is less expensive than a sit down dinner. It
depends on the type of food served not how it's
served.
Food
Preparation
Does the caterer use all fresh food and produce?
Will any of the food for the reception be frozen
or canned?
Taste
Testing
Ask if your caterer will do a "tasting"
and when. This is where the bride and groom
can go sample and taste some of the caterer’s
dishes. Yum Yum...
Leftovers
Ask what is done with the leftover food. Particularly,
if you are having a buffet or food station,
there can be food leftover. Some brides choose
to have the leftover food given to a homeless
shelter or packed up and brought home. Some
caterers do not offer the option because they
can’t guarantee it’s freshness and
they don’t want anyone to get sick if
the food is not stored properly.
Ethnic
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. This is a great
way to really personalize your dinner and reception.
Guaranteed
Numbers
Many caterers will quote prices based upon a
certain number or minimum number of guests.
For instance, your caterer may have a minimum
of 100 guests and if only 80 show up there may
be an additional fee.
Wedding
Cakes
Do they offer wedding cakes in their package?
Can they make you a wedding cake?
Taxes
and Gratuities
Are they included in the price or will they
be added later? What will the price be after
taxes?
Ratio
of Servers to Guests
This will vary depending on the type of reception
you choose.
Dress
Code for Wait Staff
How will the staff be dressed?
Decorations
Ask to see pictures of their table displays.
Some caterers will include floral arrangements
and other decorations on their buffets. As your
wedding plans progress, talk to your caterer
about your color theme so that all decorations
and floral arrangements will coordinate.
Find out
what type of decorating they might do for you.
Will they swag your head and cake tables? Will
they set out your favors and seating cards?
Tableware
and Linens
Does the price include table linens, napkins,
dishes, and glassware? Ask to see samples. Are
you okay with what theu have to offer?
Licenses
Your caterer should be licensed. Most display
their license in their office, but if you're
not sure, ask!
Liquor
Do you need to get a permit or liquor license?
If you are supplying the alcohol and they are
bringing the mix, what is the price per person?
