Choosing a caterer for your looming event can turn your special event into a superb success or total calamity That’s why I have taken the time today to discuss a few things you should consider, if you take them on board, you are sure to have a happy outcome.
The first thing I say to potential customers is “Do you have a plan on how much you wish to spend?” If they don’t have any concept on this and they are already talking with me as their potential caterer they are either going to have unrealistic expectations, or will be fleeced by an unprofessional competitor. So, before you pick up the telephone, plan how much money you are willing to spend, give or take a minor margin. With appropriate preparation it’s amazing how a tightly budgeted function can look and feel like an incredible lavish event.
It’s now appropriate for me to share with you the ‘Five P’s’ Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance! So get your finances in order then your caterer (if they are any good) will do their best to satisfyyour requirements.
The second most important matter when selecting the right caterer for your event is;
“Do they fit the feel” of your function. There are some great caterers around that will produce a ‘special vibe for your occasion’ whilst others will ‘bring the whole vibe down’ so you should talk with many caterers before hand, as much as possible, so you can get a feel whether they will fit in to your special event. How will your guests respond to being served by this caterer? Do they present themselves well? Is their attitude in line with the experience you are attempting to create?
What is the quality of the food like? Can I try the food prior to the event?
Many caterers who specialise in mobile catering don’t have a shop and in fact their cuisine is more often than not perfect as it is not an add onto their retail focus. They have created delicacies specific for their chosen niche that can be created and cooked on-site. So if you are unable to get to taste the cuisine, appraise their client reviews. How many testimonials do they have? Are the client reviews from similar clients e.g. testimonials for wedding events are similar what you are planning.
Please ask as many questions to the caterer as you can. Professional caterers have heard 99.9% of these questions before and should have a more than adequate response for you. From my own personal experience as a caterer here in The Midlands, I realise the more questions asked in advance by my customer, the less surprises for us on the day. So ask away, professional caterers are always happy to help.
Here are some questions you should ponder asking your caterer?
What is the price?
Where do you cook? In my kitchen or outside?
Are you totally self-contained? Do you have all your own equipment?
Do you pre-set everything before my colleagues arrive?
How much food will there be?
Will there be left over’s, and if so do I keep it?
Can you cater for specific dietary requirements eg Halal, Kosher, Coeliac, Vegan, Vegetarian?
How do you get in to my venue (e.g. through garage, front door)?
Do you serve drinks as well?
What does your staff wear?
What happens if it rains?
What happens if only half the people turn up?
What do you serve the food on?
Are chefs included?
What is not included inyour price?
When do I pay you?
When do i book your service?
Finally the role of the caterer is to manage everything to do with the food, and make certain that all your requirements have been attended to prior to the occasion. Before making the final decision as to which caterer you decide on, I believe you will feel it in your heart and it will be confirmed in your mind that this caterer “will prove to be the perfect choice for my special day”. If you do not get that feeling, and you have some worries, ask more questions or start again.
