If you are considering catering for events like weddings, corporate gatherings or other types of parties then you are thinking along the right lines. It’s pretty difficult to plan a big event like this and the last thing you want to think about is also having to prepare all of the food for everyone in attendance. However, it can be a little overwhelming looking in to catering for events. So, here are a few things to help you determine what you need in a caterer.
Flexibility
When you are catering for events, it’s important to be flexible. You want to find someone that will work with your schedule and party preferences. Most catering companies will have their own stipulations for certain things, depending on the party venues, amount of guests and other factors. However, there should still be an element of flexibility when it comes to finding out what you want. You are the one paying, after all, so they should be willing to work with you. If you find someone who is rigid with their options, you might want to go with someone else if they do not have a good package that works for you. Catering for events is very competitive so you’ll definitely be able to find something that is better for you.
Options
This is similar to flexibility. However, this is specifically referring to the type of food and clean up packages that they have to offer. You should be able to mix and match their food and cleaning options. For example if there is a buffet service with a clean up crew in one package and a chicken dinner with waitstaff, you could be able to get the clean up staff with the chicken dinner if you are planning on providing your own waitstaff. Or perhaps pay a little extra for waitstaff and a clean up crew. Corporate events and even wedding receptions can get a little crazy so not having to clean up afterwards is worth the money.
Pricing
One of the main problems with caterers is that they can tend to be quite expensive. While you don’t want to pinch pennies when you are planning an event, you also don’t want blow the entire budget on the food. The food makes up much of a party, but there’s also other things that need to be paid for. Make sure that you do your research and find out what the going price is for certain things. Don’t overpay for minimal options but don’t underpay hoping for good quality. Remember that you get what you pay for.
Experience
Find a caterer that has a lot of expertise and experience in the field. If you are planning something for someone else, like a work party or wedding or birthday, then what matters is how the guest of honor feels. If you go with someone who has never catered a large event, they may not understand how much work it takes. The worst thing that could happen is to run out of food or be under staffed for the size of the event. Don’t be afraid to ask about experience. You should even get references to past customers and find out how happy they were with the service they received.
Staff
You may not be able to pick your own staff from the catering company but once they are selected, you should ask to meet them. You want to make sure that the staff is friendly and kind. Rude and impatient workers should not be allowed. Use your gut when you meet the staff. First impressions say a lot. They should be on their best behavior since it’s the first time they’ve met you. If you feel like someone isn’t trying, how much worse will it be on the day? It’s almost like an interview; be your best self to get the job.
If you are the event planner or host, it’s your job to make sure that everyone has fun. Terrible food or even a lack of food is not how you make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves. There needs to be an abundance of good food and drink and music to make an event worth attending.