Hiring a catering provider for your event can save you a lot of headaches. It’s a service that can turn your event into a great memory. It allows you enjoy the occasion you are celebrating and spend more time with friends and loved ones.
But a catering event can also mess up your plan if not done right. Serving sub-standard food can leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Late service can mess up your schedule. Not paying enough attention to dietary preferences or restrictions can leave impacted guests with unpleasant memories.
This why it is always recommended to put some time and effort when hiring a good catering provider. Here are some helpful tips to guide you when planning to hire a competent caterer for your next event.
Size Matters
First, consider the size and catering needs of your event and the experience you would like to create. A small birthday party of 20 guests demands a different type of consideration than a wedding party of 200. You may need just a single entree and may be some drinks. Other times, your event may require a full suite menu of main entrée appetizer, main course all way to desert and coffee.
To ensure your caterer can handle your party size without any challenges, you must ask them all the right questions. Did they cater to larger groups? Are they properly staffed to manage the size? Are they properly equipped?
They should be able to walk you through that process too. Don’t just hire a Yes-Service-Provider, but rather one who can also give sound advice based on their experience to accommodate your event needs and budget.
Be Specific
Many caterers have standardized menu packages for you to pick from. Make sure to choose the menu that not just fits your budget but also any dietary preferences or needs of your guests.
If you opt for a meat heavy menu, make sure you also include some vegan options for those guests with personal, health or cultural dietary needs. Ensure that your caterer can deliver on those options that may not necessarily be available in their standard menu.
Caterers offer varied pricing structures, menu options, and services, plated vs non-plated, finger food vs buffet style vs full-service. So, comparing one provider with another can be challenging. Be specific with the type of event and and service model you need. Any experienced caterer that’s genuinely interested in earning your trust and your business should take the time to understand your needs. They will ask all the right questions. They have a large repertoire of experiences they can tap into to give you examples of what worked and what did not.
Look for Experience
A caterer who specializes in upscale and black-tie events may not be the best for an outdoor, casual barbecue party. Experience with the type of event you are going to plan is important.
You also want to know what your potential caterer was like to work with with past clients. Whether they delivered on what they promised or whether there were any gaps in the services delivered. To find out honest answers of these questions, ask for a list of references from your prospective caterer. Take this as an opportunity to find out what their past clients are saying about their services.
Proof is in Pudding
Depending on the size of your event being planned and catering budget, some caterers will offer you a tasting experience of their menu. Make sure to ask if they offer that option.
Once you are close to decide on which what options you are interested in moving with, ask for a sample of proposed menu to see whether it meets your expectations. Take a friend or family member with you. That way you both can sample the food from cold to hot menu items. See if seasoning is right. Ask for plates, chafers, cutlery that will be used at your event.
Extra Services
Ask about table centre-piece, venue decorations, event coordinator references, rentals, lighting. Some caterers have a list of partners they work for and they can advise on those. This can save you $$$ and it’s best to work with people that have proven themselves before.
Asking the right questions from your caterer will save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. Consider some of the ones raised in this article to ensure a more enjoyable and memorable celebration experience.
Zesty Catering Services
Zesty offers value-driven catering services Burlington, Oakville, Halton region and across Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re planning a cozy event with friends and family in the comfort of your home, or inviting a large group of guests at a venue, Zesty will deliver on that promise.
We make the catering process easy on you. It all starts with the type of experience you would like to create and your budget. We work with you to ensure that we balance the occasion you are celebrating, the experience you would like to create and the budget you have in mind. We balance all to deliver the best return on your time and money.
We offer sampling of our menu before you decide. We are and remain extremely responsive and accessible throughout the catering process.
