How to Choose The Right Caterer: A Complete Guide


Every host dreams of holding a perfect event. A lot of work and planning goes into making an even great. Food and drink are particularly important in determining whether or not an event will be great. In order to ensure that the food in your event is great, you have to choose the best caterer for your event. It might not be the easiest thing to do but with a little guidance, you can be able to choose the perfect caterer.

Tips on How to Choose the Right Caterer:

1. Specialty
The first thing you should consider before you hire a caterer is their area of specialty. Catering is a rather vast service industry. What is one caterer’s strength may be another’s weakness. When it comes to choosing a caterer, you want to ensure that they are experts in your specific event in every way. If you are holding a corporate event, go for caterers who specialize in catering in corporate events. Additionally, make sure that you hire a caterer who can comfortably work in your chosen venue. You certainly don’t want a BBQ specialist working on your ballroom event; they will just not be able to perform well.

2. Tastings
Secondly, ask your potential caterer whether they are willing to provide tastings for various dishes to be served at your special event. An ideal caterer will have no problem providing samples of their food, but you may have to pay for this. It is imperative that you sample the food for your event to ascertain that it is of good quality, and so that you know what to expect for your event.

3. Personal Interest
A great caterer will be more than interested in your event. They will want to know as much as they can about you and your event so that they can meet your needs perfectly. Caterers show interest by asking a lot of questions, and responding to your concerns promptly. If you feel as though your preferred caterer treats your event as an afterthought, keep looking. You want dedicated and committed caterers such as The Tulsa Rib Company.

4. Contract Terms
Another important factor you should consider before hiring a caterer is the terms of the contract. When they provide you with their standard terms, go through each and every one of them to ascertain that it is what you agreed upon. If you do not have time to go through terms, then get your lawyer to go through the contract for you. Ensure that all the food items you agreed upon are included in the contract in the right quantities. Make sure that the company has a solid plan in case they have to cancel out on you. You want to ensure that you are protected from non- performance just as they are from non- payment.

5. Reputation
Finally, find out the kind of reputation your potential caterer has before you hire them. You don’t want to hire someone who is known to provide low quality food, or someone who is perpetually late. Any catering company worth its salt will have an online presence, from where you can read reviews written about them. Make sure to hire a reputable caterer for a great event

Conclusion
Choosing the right caterer is incredibly important if your event is to be great. Do not be in a hurry to get a caterer. Take your time. Follow the guidelines above, and you should be able to choose a great caterer with ease.