Whether you are hosting an event or planning a wedding, working with a catering service is always recommended. But just what does that entail? What do you need to look for in your first meeting with a caterer? How can you ensure that you are getting the best possible service for your special occasion?
First of all, it is important that you meet with more than just one catering service. If you happen to know a couple of people who are willing to try their hand at catering, that’s great. But what happens when you are trying to select one? First, you’ll want to spend some time online. Start by researching a few caterers and what they have to offer.
It’s also a good idea to contact other friends or family members who have been where you want to be. They may have already attended a catered event and got along with the staff. Ask about their experience. Do they recommend one over another? Make sure that anyone you speak with has the first-hand experience with your planned event.
Once you’ve gathered a few recommendations, it’s time to make sure that the people you speak with understand the nature of your event. Are you having a simple reception, a corporate affair, or a more intimate gathering? What type of food will be served? Will there be wine served?
Knowing the specific requirements of your catering service will help you make the right choice. As you’re speaking with potential catering services, ask if they offer pre-planned menus. If you have a particular cuisine in mind, such as Chinese, ask if they have a special package for that cuisine.
Some catering services offer only a single brand of food or a specific type of cuisine. Before you book, make sure that your food is included on the menu. It’s always a good idea to ask about the training of the staff members. Be especially careful when it comes to seafood preparation.
If the catering service isn’t trained in handling food allergies, you could find yourself making food allergies a big problem during your special event. Make sure that any potential employees have undergone basic food handling training.
Working with a catering service can certainly save you a lot of time and effort in planning an event. However, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind before hiring someone to manage your event. Consider hiring a catering service for your next corporate event or wedding reception, but make sure that you’re working with someone you can trust.
You can never be too careful. Working with a catering service can be a great way to reduce your stress level. However, you should be prepared for things to go off without a hitch from time to time. Make sure that you and your potential catering service provider stay on the same page as far as time management goes.
Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in an endless cycle of preparation, shopping, and finally cooking the party and serving it for your guests at the end of the day. But by sticking to the big picture and communicating clearly with your potential catering service provider, you should be able to enjoy a successful business relationship.
If you’re working with a catering service on a regular basis for special events like weddings and birthday parties, make sure that you choose someone who has a proven record of excellent customer service. This is where you can determine if you’re getting the best value for your money. East Bay Deli will most certainly render services that’s worth every penny spent.
The catering service should handle all of your questions, requests, and concerns in a timely manner. They should have excellent customer service because that is their job. Another consideration is the price that they’re charging for their services. Before you hire a catering service, be sure to read through their menu options and their basic pricing structure.
While many caterers charge a base price per plate, most of them also include other added services, which will raise that price. There is nothing worse than thinking that you’re paying less for an event than you thought you were, and that’s why you should always keep a close eye on what the price is going to be.
Make sure you know what you’re paying for and have a good idea of how much an event will cost on average before you get started. Working with a catering service doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be an extremely enjoyable experience. You should always have a clear and defined goal in mind when you start working with a catering service.
You should always know exactly what you want to accomplish with the event and how much you have to spend. If you stay organized and focus on your goals from the start, you’ll be much more likely to make successful business relationships with the catering service you choose.
