QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PICKING A CATERER FOR YOUR WEDDING

Written by  Olivia Karegeannes
Edited by Royal David Igbinedion

So your big day is just months or weeks away and preparations are on top gear. Whether you are preparing as the bride or you're the wedding planner, here are some very crucial questions put together for you to ask your caterer. Most of these questions are only applicable to a medium or high budget wedding, but some of the questions are also applicable to a small budget wedding.The wedding caterer like you know, more often than none will take up the largest part of your budget. Ensure that you love your caterer’s food options, price, and personality before making a final decision. Before hiring let's consider the following questions so you are sure of making a good deal.

General/Basic

1. Will you be catering any other weddings on our date? 
2. When did your company begin? How many weddings do you do per month?
3. Does your company work only with a banquet manager to coordinate the servers and food or an on-site coordinator who will help plan the entire wedding? 
4. Food and Presentation

1. I want a food service that is delicious but also unique. With this budget, theme, guest number, and event style, do you have any suggestions? Does your company specialize in certain cuisines? Tip: ask for sample menus!
2. Do you make dishes that you haven’t made before?
3. Can you provide us with a complete breakdown of your packages?
4. Are the ingredients that you use fresh or processed? Do you use organic or sustainably farmed products? Can we also buy the ingredients and you prepare and serve?
5. We want to be able to accommodate all of our guests. Can you provide us with a menu that is kosher, vegan, gluten-free, etc?
6. If we wanted to have a specialty item included, such as a chocolate fountain or an ice sculpture, would you be able to accommodate us?
7. Have you ever done a theme menu? Are you willing to do one? Would décor be included to the cost?
8. Where would the food be prepared, if it can’t be prepared on site? Is there an additional fee for additional euipments and transportation?
9. How is the food arranged? Can you provide pictures?

Pricing

1. Would passed appetizers have different costs associated with them? What about a buffet vs. a sit-down meal? Are there any extra costs associated with these prices?
2. What is the cost of a dessert display?
3. We may decide to use an outside bakery for the cake. Do you charge a cake-cutting fee?
4. We will definitely want to taste the food before the wedding. Is there an extra charge for this?
5. Would you take care of renting furniture for the food/dessert/cocktail display or is this our responsibility?
6. Are there options for the types of linens, glassware, plates, and flatware that you provide? Will anything be disposable?
7. Can you provide us with a complete breakdown of your cleanup policy in writing? TIP:It will most likely be your responsibility to keep the venue clean–make sure that the caterer knows that you expect them to clean up!
8. We don’t want our food to go to waste. If there are any leftovers, will we be able to give it to guests or donate it?

Drinks

1. Will you provide a bar and bartenders? Will they be able to make specialty cocktails?
2. Which brands of drinks do you serve?
3. If we wanted to bring our own liquor, would you be able to provide bartenders? If we brought our own wine or champagne would you charge a corkage fee?
4. Is there a difference in pricing between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages? Is the pricing per consumption or per person? Which one would you say is more cost-efficient?
5. If we wanted to have a champagne toast, would the champagne be included in the meal package or would it come at an extra cost?

Business Matters 

1. Based on our guest number, how many servers will you have?
2. What is the dress attire for servers?
3. What is the price breakdown for your services? Are tax and service charge included?
4. Is there an extra fee for set up and break down? How long does this usually take?
5. Will you put out place cards and favors at the tables?
6. Are you flexible with overtime? What are the fees associated If any?
7. By when do you need a final guaranteed guest count? 
8. What is your payment policy? Do you accept credit cards?
9. Do you require a deposit or installment?  How much is it? When is the last payment due?
10. Are there any additional fees that will not be in the contract?
11. If we decide to use your company, how long will it take to see a written contract? If there are any changes would we get a notification.
12. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
13. Can you provide a list of recent references?

Feel free to ask your questions, remember you are paying for it, don't get pressurized, be flexible and open to new ideas from your caterers. I hope these questions will help at your next vendors meeting if you are a planner or even a bride. Do you have any more questions or suggestions you'll like to add?