Hiring a Caterer What You Need to Know
In this digital age that we live in, most people use online reviews as a key consideration when searching for a catering service. After all, it is only justified that using someone else’s negative experience with a certain restaurant or caterer can save you a great deal of time and money. Despite a restaurant or catering service having an amazing exterior ambiance, bad food can easily overshadow everything else and that is what you are most likely to remember in the long run. That is why you need to undertake due diligence when choosing a catering service. For casual catering, you should approach the selection services subtly considering that the number of guests is also predetermined. However, event catering or corporate catering will require you to do some research in order to get the best catering services.
Where to Start
In any event planning budget, catering services will always be on top of the list. The budget estimates will depend on whether you are looking for casual catering services or planning for a big social event. When it comes to budgeting for a social event, catering services can take a significant portion of your budget leaving limited funds for other expenses. Some events such as wedding events are a one-time thing. Today, the average number of wedding guests is 165. This means that the seriousness that should go into planning such an event should reflect its importance. Even before you get to the point of coming up with event menu ideas, make sure that your preferred caterer can be relied on. This should start from the first point of contact with the caterer. Look at how prompt they respond to emails and calls and use that as the base evaluation factor for possible catering services.
Be Specific on Your Expectations
Casual catering might not require extensive planning but that does not mean that you should let your guard down. Cover every aspect of your event and spell out your expectations to the caterer. Of importance is the number of guests you are expecting, the type of food to be served and the general layout of the event. A professional catering service will listen to every detail and try to work around your budget. During the consultation process, ask as many questions as possible about the budget, event planning process and how long it will take to finalize arrangements.
In the Catering Business, Experience is Paramount
Regardless of the kind of event you are planning, always make sure that the experience of the caterer is one of the key factors you take into consideration. For casual catering, the level of specialization may not be very significant but the same cannot be said for major events. You cannot hire a caterer specializing in black-tie affairs to offer services in an outdoor barbecue event. Experience should relate to the type of events the catering service is accustomed to. In order to get the perfect services for an event, it would work to your advantage if you sought the services of a catering service you have used before. Professional catering services will always confirm beforehand if they can offer services in an event even if it means losing business.