Choosing Your Caterer

Once the ceremony is over it is time to eat, drink and be merry! Whether you choose a sit-down meal or an informal buffet, Selecting the right caterer will play a big part to ensuring your wedding day is a stress-free experience.
It's important to ask all the right questions to ensure you select the right caterer for your event.

Questions to ask:

How long has the caterer been in the catering business?

Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event and you want to work with someone who has the experience necessary to handle whatever comes along. A minimum of 5 years is a good rule of thumb.

How many weddings have they catered?

Even years of corporate catering cannot prepare a caterer for the unique needs and circumstances of wedding receptions. Do you want to trust your reception to a first-time wedding caterer?

Is the caterer sensitive to your budget and schedule issues?

This can become a deciding factor, especially when you're on a tight budget and schedule. Beware of caterers who seem overly interested in their own ideas or ignore your concerns about cost.

Does the caterer have wedding customer testimonials?

This may seem obvious, but even if a caterer has years of wedding experience, you need to hear from people who have used them before.

Will the caterer be available throughout the planning period?

You're going to have questions that come up along the way as you won't be able to get all the answers in one meeting. It's important that your caterer be reasonably available to help you through the planning process.

Does the caterer explain all their policies up front and exactly what is included?

Again, this may seem obvious, but you need to make sure you have all the information up front before making your decision. Beyond that, the last thing you need is to be surprised by a number of hidden charges when it comes time to pay the bill.

Does the caterer only have set menus or can you create your own?

Make sure your caterer is happy to provide the meal you have planned. You don’t want to sign the contract and then find that you have to stick to one of their set menus.

Can you and your fiancé have a taste test?

If you are unfamiliar with the caterer, always schedule a "tasting" to sample their culinary skills and take note that the food is attractively presented too.

If you are holding your reception at home, in a marquee or at a reception venue, will the meal be prepared and cooked beforehand, or does the caterer need cooking or storage facilities?

Ensure your caterer will be able to “produce the goods” in the environment in which your are holding the reception.

How much clearing up will be done after the reception?

Some caterers will only clear the kitchen while others will wait until the end of the entire evening and clear everything away. In-house caterers will usually clear up more at the end of the evening.

Does the caterer provide for waiting staff in your quote?

Find out if waiters and bar staff are included. A good rule of thumb is one server to every 8 to 10 guests. Also find out what the staff will be wearing.