|
One
of the most important decisions you will make as an event planner will
be how to satisfy your guests' rumbling stomachs. Serving large numbers
of guests usually requires the aid of a caterer. Though their job as food
preparation professionals is to lessen the burden of making these very
detailed decisions, there are a few things to think about when hiring
such a service.
Book
in Advance!
- When
you decide on a definite event date, start searching for a caterer.
Many services are booked at least a year in advance.
How
do I find a good caterer?
- Ask
friends who have experience with local caterers.
- Look
up services in the yellow pages or on the Internet and schedule an appointment
to interview two or three caterers.
- If
you've reserved a facility to hold your event, ask if they have an approved
list of caterers who have experience with the facility and its staff.
Be
prepared when talking to the caterer.
Either
know or have some estimate of the following:
- Event
date, time and location
- Anticipated
number of guests
- Buffet
or sit-down meal
- China/glass
or disposable plates and glasses
- Theme
of event
Find
out exactly what is included in service.
- Do
they provide china or disposables?
- Are
top and skirt provided for dinner/buffet tables?
- Are
labor costs per person or additional?
- Are
there corkage charges for opening/pouring champagne or wine?
- If
there is a wedding cake -- do they have a per piece cutting charge?
Suggested
Questions:
- How
long has the service been in business?
- Has
this caterer had experience with the event facility?
- Does
that facility charge an additional "catering fee" for caterers not on
the facility's approved list?
- Has
this caterer served a group of your required size?
- What
will be the ratio of servers to guests?
- Will
the caterer handle the set-up as well as tear-down of the tablecloths,
skirts and tables?
- How
is tax and gratuity handled?
- How
are leftovers handled?
- What
will the staff be wearing?
Dealing
with the Contract
- Be
sure the signed agreement outlines EXACTLY what will be included in
the service and its price.
- The
agreement should guarantee service on specific dates and times.
Source:
Hospitality Networks -- www.eventplanning.com
|
