The catering services market in the United States was valued at $133.6 billion in 2020.
While options are good, too many can make choosing the right caterer difficult. And the pressure of pulling off the perfect event makes choosing even more challenging.
Lucky for you, today you’ll learn how to go about choosing event catering services. With proper guidance, you’ll undoubtedly create a good impression among your guests.
Here are some tips for choosing the best catering service.
1. Act Fast
People often focus on venues and guest lists when planning events. This places catering services at the bottom of their priority lists, forcing them to rush through the selection process.
You’ll need to be proactive when choosing a catering service. Remember, the best companies are booked weeks or months before events. You may be forced to settle on your last choice if you don’t start searching for options early enough.
2. Consider Your Venue Location
You’ll need to consider the distance from a catering service’s location to your venue. The shorter, the better, as it’ll make coordination between your venue and caterer easier.
But, location doesn’t always have to be a dealbreaker. You can hire a caterer located far from your venue as long as they’re conversant with the area.
And, remember that some venues only allow pre-approved caterers on their premises. Check whether your venue allows the caterers you’ve shortlisted before continuing your search.
3. Consider Customer Reviews
Evaluating customer reviews can save you a lot of stress. A reliable food catering service will have many positive online customer reviews.
And, they’ll be willing to provide references of events they’ve catered for before. Don’t be afraid to contact the references to learn more about a caterer’s quality of service.
4. Consider Catering Specialties
Different food catering services specialize in varying events. The worst thing you can do is choose a corporate catering service for your child’s party. They most likely won’t deliver to your standards.
Companies specializing in kid’s parties will have things like an ice cream cart rental. It’s hard to find this in a corporate catering service. So, let your event dictate the kind of catering service you’ll hire.
5. Consider the Number of Staff Available
Nothing is worse than having to step in and help your caterers in the middle of an event. It creates a poor impression of the catering service and yourself.
Assess your guest list and type of event to determine the appropriate number of servers. Ideally, you’ll need one server per 25 guests for a cocktail party. But, you’ll need more servers if you’re planning a sit-down dinner involving multiple courses.
Choose a catering service with a sufficient number of servers ready for your event. Avoid any company that suggests subcontracting some services to another caterer.
6. Consider Flexibility
Many chefs pride themselves on being the masters of their kitchens. The Gordon Ramsay persona may be good for TV but not for events. You’ll need a chef who’s willing to collaborate with you every step of the way.
They should be ready to change menus at any time. Remember, the more you learn about your guests, the more adjustments you’ll need to make. Some guests may be allergic to certain ingredients, and your chef should understand that.
7. Consider Certifications and Insurance
This is the easiest way to determine a catering service’s reliability. The right caterer will have an up-to-date food handler’s permit and insurance cover.
Some overlook the need for insurance covers, forgetting that catering can be dangerous. Limit your liability by avoiding such companies.
You’ll also need to check whether your chosen caterer is licensed to serve alcohol. A liquor license is a must-have if you’re holding your event at an unlicensed location.
8. Assess Costs
Events costs can quickly get out of hand. Ask for several proposals and estimates from different caterers. You don’t want a caterer who’s too cheap or too expensive.
Most will be willing to provide a detailed breakdown of their charges. Look for areas you can cut on expenses if the costs are too high. For example, you can source alcohol from external vendors.
Ensure their cost estimates cover everything from food to disposables. An assessment of costs is necessary because some caterers may have hidden charges.
9. Consider Food Preparation Methods
A catering service will prepare food on-site or off-site and deliver it to your event. Most planners prefer off-site preparation since it’s cheaper. But, it’s not suitable for some dishes as they’re difficult to transport.
Be sure to consider your menu before choosing the off-site preparation option. And if you do, tour the service’s food preparation premises before the event. You don’t want your guests complaining about food poisoning.
10. Plan a Tasting
Scheduling a tasting is essential if you’ve never worked with your chosen caterer before. That’ll help you choose the best menu options for your event.
It’ll also help you make adjustments to meet your guests’ needs. Tastings are pretty straightforward, so you don’t need a lot of planning
But, a caterer may need you to pay for a tasting if you’ve not signed a contract. After all, they’ll be using their resources to accommodate your needs.
11. Assess a Caterer’s Communication Skills
Pay close attention to how fast a caterer responds to your messages, emails and calls. Also, assess whether they take note of your event catering ideas.
A caterer who’s slow to respond and ignores your input is not the right choice. Don’t be afraid of canceling them from your list, as they’ll most likely provide subpar services.
12. Draft a Contract
Don’t forget to sign a contract with your chosen catering company. There’s little to no chance of your caterer double-booking on your day when there’s a contract.
A contract also locks in the agreed-upon price. This is crucial as prices are constantly fluctuating. You don’t want to have to pay more than you agreed on.
Simplify Choosing a Catering Service by Following These Tips
With these tips, you’re sure to find the best catering service for your event. You only need a little dedication to the selection process. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, as long as they’ll help you settle on the best caterer.
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