Food is one of the most important elements of any party, so it is important to choose the right catering service.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a caterer from your budget and your food preferences to the reputation of the catering company; you will want to carefully consider your needs and expectations before hiring your catering service provider.
The following tips will help you get the best food at the best price for your special event.
Your Expectations The first thing you want to do is make a list of your catering expectations.
What do you need for your party or event?You should communicate this information clearly to potential caterers so that you can get an accurate estimate.
Factors to consider are whether you have a kitchen on location for your party, the number of guests, the type of food and dietary restrictions you have, and other special services you may want.
The best caterers should be able to adapt to your expectations, but will certainly need all this information in order to give you an idea of what the food will cost.
Budget With respect to the cost of catering, your budget may be the main deciding factor in which catering service you choose.
Remember that the type of service you receive will also impact the cost and your budget.
For example, you may receive many of the same menu items for a considerably lower cost if you choose to have a buffet meal rather than a sit-down meal with servers.
Ultimately, you can discuss the features of your food service with your caterer in order to keep your party on budget.
References As is the case when you hire any professional, you will want to get references from your caterer.
In fact, you may even seek referrals from family, friends, or coworkers before you contact potential catering companies.
By collecting references, you will not only learn what previous clients appreciated about their caterer, but you will also become aware of any shortcomings.
In addition, you can try to find information about where your caterer shops (i.
e.
do they serve fresh or frozen foods?), whether they supply linens, tables, and chairs, or what other benefits particular caterers offer.
Staff Finally, you should ask potential caterers some information about their staff.
Do they provide wait staff for special events, and what is the quality of service provided?If you are holding a formal party, you'll want to know more about the dress code for wait staff, and you should ensure there are enough servers for your party.
Generally speaking, professional caterers recommend at least one server for every 10 guests.
In the end, clear communication about your needs and expectations, as well as your budget will help you find the perfect caterer for your party or event.