When it comes to your wedding, great food is a key factor of the day. Whether you envision an elegant sit-down dinner or a more relaxed buffet or hog roast, choosing the right caterer to complement your wedding’s ambience is crucial.
Beyond the common questions of annual wedding engagements and pricing, pinpointing the right things to ask can be difficult. To guide you, we’ve compiled a vital list of 6 questions to pose to your potential caterer before making your decision, along with explanations for why they’re so important.
1 — Who Will Manage the Event on the Day, and Can We Meet Them?
While the person you meet initially might be impressive, it’s possible they will not be present on the day managing the catering. You’ll want to know the on-site manager and the total staff count for the day as well.
2 — How Will You Accommodate Guests with Dietary Restrictions?
It’s essential to consider potential dietary needs, like vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut allergies. Ensure your caterer can handle these requirements. Make sure to ask about dietary requirements on your invitations and then promptly inform the caterer of these needs. Be sure to inquire about child-friendly meal options, this can often come at a discount.
3 — What Are the Drink Service Choices?
Drinks service options, such as bar service or table-side drinks, differ depending on the vendor and the venue. Some caterers might allow you to provide alcohol, yet charge corkage fees, which is important to be aware of to avoid surprises. Clear up these details to align with your preferences and expectations.
4 — What Are Your Requirements for Water, Electricity, and Equipment?
Familiarity with your venue is key. Clarify if a site visit is necessary and if it incurs any extra charge. If you require furniture, find out if the caterer can provide tables, chairs, linens, and cutlery. If you are happy with this option, then be sure to ask about the additional costs associated with this service.
5 — What Is Your Arrival Time, Setup Duration, and Breakdown Schedule?
Timing is pivotal. The venue could require that the wedding supplies arrive by a certain time. Confirm the arrival and setup times to coordinate seamlessly with your venue’s requirements and ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible.
6 — What Details Should You Have Before the Event, and When Do You Need the Final Guest Count?
Avoid any possible hiccups by supplying essential information in advance. If there are any issues with your selected caterer, for any reason, make sure the blame doesn’t rest on you by supplying all info in advance. Set a sensible cutoff date for the final guest count to ensure everything goes seamlessly.
