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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CATERER
If you’ve chosen a reception site that does not provide its own catering, then you need to be well prepared for interviewing local caterers. Food and drinks will probably take up the largest chunk of your wedding budget, so choose carefully! If you can get recommendations from people who have actually used a specific caterer, that’s fantastic. Some reception sites will provide a list of recommended caterers—but you want to hear from the people who’ve actually tasted their wares and worked with them!
When you contact potential caterers, have the following information at hand: date of your wedding, reception site, approximate number of guests, and service preference (buffet, sit-down, family style, etc.).
Once you find a highly recommended caterer who is available for your wedding date, WeddingOutlook recommends you ask the following specific questions:
- Do you have access/permission to cater at your reception site?
- Do you assist in setting up guest tables, head table, etc?
- Do you provide linens for head table, guest tables, gift table, cake table, etc.?
- What decorating do you provide, if any?
- What types of menus are available? Can menu choices vary?
- Are hors d' oeuvres available for the cocktail hour? Passed or stationary, or a combination of both?
- Can “special diet” requirements be met?
- What types of dinnerware, tableware, and glassware are available?
- Are there extra charges for china and linen service?
- Do you provide wedding cakes? If so, will the wedding cake be served and/or boxed by your staff? Is there an extra charge for serving/boxing?
- Do you provide any additional desserts, such as a Viennese table, cookie trays, fruit, etc.?
- Are servers professionally attired?
- Do you provide liquor, wine, and/or beer? What are the alcohol packages available?
- Do you provide bartenders? Cups and supplies?
- Is extra food packaged for take-home?
- Is site cleanup included?
- Do you offer a contract with an itemized list of all services agreed upon?
- Is there a deposit required to hold our wedding date?
- When is full payment required?
- How soon in advance you need the final menu and final count of guests?
- Is there a menu tasting? If so, when would that be scheduled?
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