Top Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Wedding Caterer
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1. Taste before you choose: You could be really proud of your chosen caterers reputation but it's always a good idea to try the dishes on offer to be sure you're making the right choice. On paper everything may look good but without trying the food you can't be sure, let your palate guide you.
Choose a small selection of dishes and your caterer will make small portions of them for you to try. If they refuse, it doesn't bode well for your discussions to come.
2. Look at their special dishes: Even if all your guests will be getting the same menu you've got to consider those who have dietary requirements, perhaps for medical or religious reasons. To be a good host you've got to plan these details.
Also, don't hesitate to ask about whether guests can return dishes to avoid any nasty surprises. Dishes that are vegetarian, don't contain pork or that are gluten free are usually on caterers menus.
3. Corkage fees: Some caterers require you to buy the alcoholic drinks yourself. Check that your caterer doesn't charge corkage fees, a flat rate charged per bottle opened, if you're the one providing the wine. A corkage fee will easily raise the bill and it's not always easy to go through another provider.
4. Service and equipment: You don't want to sit down for your wedding meal to find no crockery and no waiters so, it's best to ask the caterers whether waiters and crockery is included in the price. It's not essential to run this by them but it's a good idea that'll make your life easier.
Waiters aren't always necessary if you've chosen to have a buffet. Your guests will move out of the way whilst your close family/friends place the dishes on the table so everyone can help themselves.
5. Insurance: Your caterer should have insurance for if you or they have to cancel. This is very unlikely to happen but it's better than having to pay the whole bill for something that never took place. Deposits that have already been paid are usually kept by the caterers.
The caterer should be prepared to let someone else replace them if the cancellation is their fault instead of leaving you without a caterer for your big day. Usually they work with other companies who can step in if need be.
