It’s not always easy to find the right catering service for your event. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, but it is also important to do some research about the company or person providing catering services. What are their rates? Do they offer what you need? Is there a contract that needs to be signed before booking them? These are all questions that should be answered before you sign on any dotted line. Here is some advice on how to choose the best caterer for your party.
Start with a Budget and a Contract
The first step in choosing the right catering service is to figure out how much you can spend. If you want to stick to your budget, then it is wise to determine how much money you have for food and beverages before you begin shopping around. You can also talk to your caterer about their flexible menu options for creating a customized event within the budget you’ve set.
If you have a particularly large event planned, then it might be wise to include any equipment that will be needed with your catering service. Some companies will provide table and chair rentals, but you need to speak up if there is anything else that’s necessary. In some cases, this can cut down on the final bill of your caterer, since they will only have to provide the services you need.
In situations where there are multiple meals served at an event, it is important to make sure that you choose a catering service that requires a contract to be signed before any services are provided. This can ensure that everyone is on the same page about what is required of them.
What Will They Provide and Where are They Based?
When deciding on a catering service, it’s important to figure out exactly what they will provide. This might sound like an easy question, but if you’ve never planned an event before it can be easy to overlook all of the details. For example, what will your caterer provide in terms of drinks? And how much will they charge for each item you order? Also, take into account that some catering services offer other amenities like tables and chairs (for both guests and the staff).
The next step after determining how much money you have for catering services is figuring out where the company or person providing the services is based. Does it matter if they are local to the area, or they are a Food truck catering in Charlotte, North Carolina and you are willing to have them travel to your location? How much does it cost for your food and beverages to be shipped in if the caterer is not local?
Is There a Cancellation/Refund Policy?
This might sound obvious, but you need to determine if there is a cancellation policy with your catering service. You don’t want to find out that there are fees associated with canceling any time before your event, so it is best to find out this information before the caterer begins preparing your food.
If you are particularly worried about inclement weather or other factors that may cause an event to be canceled, then it might be best to choose a caterer who offers some sort of refund if the event is canceled with enough notice. Again, this might not seem important, but you don’t want to find out that there are no refunds available after all of your food has been ordered or prepared.
Choosing the right catering service for your event can be a daunting task. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! This article has provided some helpful advice on how to choose the best caterer for your party that is within budget and provides what you need. If there are any questions or concerns about choosing a company or person who will provide catering services, do not hesitate to do additional research on your own, or ask your friends and family for advice and suggestions!