Top Questions to Ask Your Caterer

Top Questions to Ask Your Caterer

Planning an event that involves food? Whether it’s a wedding reception, bar mitzvah or whatever social gathering, you need to be prepared with the right questions to ask your potential caterer. Here are several questions you can use and why you should ask them to make your event a success.

Question #1: Do you have liability insurance and a government permit?

Liability insurance protects you from mishaps during your event, including damages to the venue caused by the caterer’s delivery trucks, or injuries sustained by a catering employee while working. It’s also important to ask about permits because it gives you assurance that the caterer has an approved facility that meets the government’s requirements.Are they gold licence caterers in Australia .

Question #2: How long have you been in business?

Ask this to learn more about your caterer’s background. This would give you an idea about their qualifications, previous clients, and perhaps even awards that would highlight their skills and specialization.

Question #3: Where’s your kitchen?

The location of a caterer’s kitchen would affect cost, service and food quality. There are caterers that prepare and cook the food hours before your event, then just reheat before serving. There’s nothing wrong with this—there are actually dishes that need to be prepared in advance—but you should see to it that the food is served delicious and fresh.

Question #4: Do you cater to specific venues or events?

There are some venues that allow only certain caterers in their premises. Additionally, some caterers that specialise in dinner, lunch, or even specific kinds of events like weddings or business functions. You can go for caterers that handle any event, though specialists can provide better services.

Question #5: What ingredients do you use?

Certain ingredients might cause allergic reactions among your guests so you need to find out what your caterer uses before the event. Don’t forget to ask if your guests have any dietary preferences or restrictions (e.g. vegetarians, lactose intolerance).

Question #6: Who will be my contact while planning my event?

As with any customer, you need to coordinate with a contact for any concerns leading to the event. Your contact needs to be knowledgeable and responsive to avoid any problems while planning. Don’t forget to ask who will be in charge during the day of the event.

Question #7: Are there any extra charges?

Sometimes, there are caterers that make extra charges for services like decorations, delivery or any other detail outside their usual package of services. The problem here is that these extra charges may surprise you when the bill arrives. To avoid this, get the full price before signing anything. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask if there are any discounts.

Question #8: Do you have a liquor license?

Certain states or territories might require caterers to get a liquor license before they can serve alcohol during events. If you’re determined to have alcohol during your event, find out if your preferred caterer has a liquor license.

Question #9: How is the food presented and disposed?

If you’re holding some sort of business function, impressing your guests is important. Because of this, having great food presentation is essential in making a strong impression on your clients. Food disposal is important as well. Who will take the leftovers home? Will you and your employees bring plastic containers?

Question #10: What other services do you provide?

There are caterers that also provide decorating services with lighting rentals, flowers and all sorts of details, which can make preparations easier for you, so make sure you ask. About the Author: This article was brought to you by George. George has had a lot of experience and enjoys sharing his thoughts and experiences.