4 Basic Questions to Ask Your Event Caterer

By Catering Staff | July 5, 2016

Finding a caterer is one of the most challenging part of planning any kind of event. Since someone is spending money to feed a number of people, it’s just normal that some folks want to eat good food. It gets trickier if you’re on a tight budget but still want to please your guests.

If you’re in a pinch of this sort, here are 4 questions you should always ask your potential caterer. Whether they’re a specialized catering company or a casual dining restaurant like P.F. Chang’s, they should still be able to answer such questions and help you evaluate whether they’re the right fit for your event.

Does the catered meal come with full service?

You’ll need to know whether they’ll provide manpower that will prepare and serve the food to guests as well as do clean up after the event so you can plan accordingly. Big events require caterers that do full service for convenience, but if the event you’re hosting is small, maybe you can allocate a staff member or two to the food.

Can they make special dishes for guests who have dietary restrictions?

If your event will be attended by a few folks who have special dietary restrictions, you have to make sure to serve a few dishes that they can enjoy. Most caterers will be able to provide options for you, especially if they already have a lot of experience.

Will they provide chairs, tables, and decorations?

If your event require furnishings, it’s best if you can check with your caterer if they can cover this area as well. If you choose to get catered by a restaurant like P.F. Chang’s, you can easily just rent a private room for your party. If you opt for a catering company who can’t provide the furnishings, you might have to rent out some, which can definitely add to your expenses.

What will the staff wear?

If your catering service will come with full service, you should also be particular with what they are going to wear to your party. It’s best if they have a uniform so your guests can easily know who to turn to if they need some help with the food.
These are just some of the most basic questions you need to know if you’re paying for a catering service for your party. If your event is as simple as a backyard bbq and you’re just planning on getting something extra to offer to guests, you can always just order some meat platters from Arby’s and get the party started without too much fuss.