Cooking for a crowd is fun and all but sometimes, hiring a caterer is really the best move. Let me think of an example … oh, I know! Bride to be over here says you’re definitely going to hire a caterer for your wedding, yes? Yes. But you shouldn’t take this task lightly because chances are your caterer is going to do much more than cook some food. In most cases, when it comes to a large event, like a wedding, the caterer is in charge of preparing the menu, helping with timeline coordination, providing table and glassware, stocking the bar, baking the wedding cake, and staffing the service. That’s a lot of 
responsibility! You’ll want to work with someone who knows their stuff. I know that planning a large event … let’s just call a spade a spade … planning a wedding is stressful and a ton of work, but it’s important that you take your time with the details and know what to expect on the big day. But don’t you worry; you’re in good hands. As the daughter of a chef/baker/restaurant owner who has catered weddings for years, an ex event planner, a previous cater waiter, AND a bride to be, I’ve got your back. Here are some important questions to ask your caterer.
To be clear, I think it’s best that you survey a few different options. Get some first impressions via a caterer’s website and reviews (avoid Yelp and stick to some wedding planning sites like The Knot or Wedding Wire. Yelp sucks and at least on a credible wedding site, the reviewers actually used the caterer in the same way you would be) and then use the following questions to narrow down your selection.
- Do you have a license?
A license is important because that means that the caterer meets all of the health code standards, which means your food is prepared safely – a clearly major benefit. It also means that they have liability insurance. The less you have to worry about, the better.
- Do you have a liquor license?
If the answer is no, then they won’t be providing any of the fun stuff, er, the booze, for your wedding. If the answer is no and they DO provide alcohol for the reception, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle. If the answer is yes, make sure they also have liquor liability insurance so that you are not responsible if, Heaven forbid, somebody were to get injured or into trouble after your open bar closes and they head out.
- Do you have any other jobs the day of my wedding? The weekend of?
It is very possible that a caterer will be working multiple events on your big day and probable that they will be working multiple events that weekend, especially if you are getting married in the midst of busy season. That’s not a deal breaker. Just make sure that they are well staffed so you know that your event will get the service it deserves.
- Is the meal full service?
As I mentioned earlier, many caterers provide much more than a meal. Does their cost include table settings? Bar service? Cleanup? Staff? You need to be clear on what you get for your money because your caterer will likely be a large chunk of your wedding budget. As a side note, you may also want to ask what the staff, if provided, will wear as a way to make sure that they will fit into the style and tone of your wedding. This is usually not an issue but if you’re having a formal wedding, a staff in polo shirts may stick out a bit.
- Do you offer tastings before booking?
This is a good one. You definitely want to taste a few things before signing contract. Taste, at least in my foodie family, is priority number one. Inquire about when tastings take place and what they entail so you can make sure to hit one before making your final decision.
Other questions to consider:
- Can you provide references?
- Do you specialize in any specific kind of cuisine?
- What is your average price range and are there different packages available?
- When would you need finalized chocies?
- Are you able to provide specialty meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, kid friendly)?
- Do you provide a wedding cake?
- Will you provide tables, chairs, plates, napkins, tableware, salt and pepper, etc.?
- What is the fee for additional servers?
- Do you provide a bar? How do you charge (per person or by consumption)?
- Can I provide my own alcohol?
- How does delivery, setup, and breakdown work? When would you need access to the venue?
- Where will the food be prepared?
- Will you set out our place and menu cards?
- Who will oversee everything on the day of? Is there a backup in place?
- Do you have any additional charges?
It seems like a lot. I know. But I’m telling you, your wedding day is not a day for surprises. Well … not in terms of what you and your guests are eating anyway. Make sure you cover all your bases and ask all of your questions before making a final decision.
Rebecca McKinney
I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.
So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!
Eat well & travel often,
Becky McKinney
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