Simple Catering Solutions Explained

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Simple Catering Solutions Explained
First and foremost, does the Caterer offer a range of menu options like the particular cuisine you are after? Most good Caterers could have detailed menu listings on their website. Failing this, you can contact the company and have this information emailed or faxed to you.

What type of function are you organizing? Is it private or corporate, small or large, casual or formal, inside or outside? Whatever the case, ensure that your chosen Caterer can handle the type of function you are planning.

Make sure the Caterer is available on the day that you desire. (With no weekend or public holiday loading.) Also check that the Caterer has a 24 hour service and is contactable 7 days a week. Many events are held after hours or on weekends so it will be a great disadvantage and frustration in the event that you can not contact your Caterer in the evening or on a Sunday morning when you suddenly think of something you need to discuss! And you certainly do not want to pay more for your catering just because your event is not in business hours.

Does the Caterer provide their own waiting staff? Are the staff experienced in the style of event you are planning? Will they be professionally attired? Will the staff take care of everything from delivery and preparation to waiting and cleaning up afterwards?

According to the needs that you identified in your preparation, does the Caterer provide the equipment that you require? This may include tables, chairs, linen, crockery, glassware, cutlery or even ovens and a bar serving area. Cause them to become able to provide what you need so that you do not have to do additional running around after event hire. Also ensure that their equipment is new and in excellent condition. You do not want tatty linen and tarnished silverware to take the sparkle out of your event.

Perhaps you require a venue for your event? If so, a Caterer who can source a venue for you will save you time and have an established relationship with the venue. This will streamline the whole catering experience and make your life a lot easier!

If you plan a theme for your event, can the Caterer help you to reach your desired atmosphere, from cuisine choices to decorations and table settings?

Where will the food be prepared? If your venue does not have a kitchen the Caterer will need to prepare and heat it at their premises and then deliver it ready to serve.

Can the Caterer organize beverages? There is a lot involved in the logistics in the event that you should try it yourself. First you need to physically purchase the drinks and then transport them to your venue. Then you need somewhere to store them and a method of keeping them cool. On the day you will need staff to serve the drinks along with a bar serving area, plus glasses etc. Therefore if the Caterer does not handle anything to do with the drinks you have got a lot more tasks to add to your to-do-list.

Is the company an actual Caterer? (Not just a bakery or cafe). There is after all a lot more to catering than simply the food, so that you need to select a Caterer who is familiar with all aspects of event catering.

For peace of mind, check that the company is a member of any relevant Catering Associations, or you can also ask for references. A good Caterer should have nothing to hide.

Ensure that the catering company you are considering has an actual premises and is not just an online middleman. (In the case of the latter, you may have problems with food quality, accountability and battle to contact the company.)

What payment methods does the company accept? Make sure they accept all forms, including credit card, and that there is no additional charge for using a credit. Be very wary of companies that will only accept cash. You have very little bargaining power should things go wrong.

Does the Caterer call for a deposit? Almost all will, yet the amount will vary significantly. The lower the deposit the better.

What is their cancellation policy? Can you get all your money back should the event be cancelled?

Do they have a postponement policy? Hopefully the Caterer can simply change the date. However some will charge a fee for this.