By Kelli Zeigler
No matter what type of caterer you need, there are a few key questions you should ask before you make any commitments.
No matter what type of caterer you need, there are a few key questions you should ask before you make any commitments.
- What types of meal service are offered? Sit down? Buffet? Russian? Sit down and buffet are the most common services, but at an extremely formal affair you might want Russian-style service. With Russian-style, the food is brought out on large platters by waiters trained in this service . The waiters either serve each person from the platter, or hold the platter while guests serve themselves. No matter how simple or fancy the service, if you want it , you had better make sure your caterer can deliver.
Is the catering service covered by insurance. If you are counting on them to serve liquor, do they have liability insurance to cover any accidents that could occur after the wedding as a result of drunk driving. It should go without saying that the caterer must have a liquor license if liquor is served by the staff.
What will the ratio of staff to guests be? Will there be enough people to man the tables? Will those people be dressed appropriately for the occasion in uniform?
Do they specialize in any special cuisine? Are there several meal options.
Will they make provisions for guest with special dietary needs? What will the extra costs be? Try to plan ahead for guest on vegetarian, low cholesterol, or kosher diets.
Will meals be provided for the disk jockey (or band), photographer,, and videographer? Don't forget they get hungry too.
Does the caterer off hors d'oeuvres? At what cost? What is the price difference between having them served by Waiter's and waitresses and displaying them on a buffet table?
Can the caterer provide the wedding cake? Will there be an extra cost to cut the cake? How about a sweet table(with lots of cavity causing desserts)? At what price?
Can you inspect linens, dinnerware, and other related items? You don't want brown tablecloths unless you ask for them.
Does the caterer's fee include gratuities for the staff, or will you be hit with that bill later? What about the cost of coat room attendants, bartenders, and other's who may be working at the reception?
What is the refund policy, in the unlikely event you should have to cancel. Better to be safe than sorry.
What does the caterer do with leftover food? Since you paid for it, you may wish to have it boxed up for yourself, or perhaps given to a local food bank.
