How To Select a Caterer

The question of how to select a caterer can challenge many people planning a major event, but with some simple tips you can choose a caterer that will provide you with a delicious and memorable buffet or dinner.

What Does a Caterer Do? - Your caterer can help your wedding, reception or other casual or formal event a success. When considering how to select a caterer, look at many factors. You should consider the nature of the event, how formal it is, what sorts of foods you wish to serve, and how much you can afford to spend. Obviously, you should also consider issues such as how food is transported, who serves the food, and how and where it is prepared. A super bowl party may be very well served by a local caterer specializing in barbeque or casual foods, but your formal wedding is better served by a caterer who favors more elegant dishes. Choosing a caterer is an important decision when planning any catered event, and the food will certainly be remembered long after the day is past, so choose your caterer carefully to ensure a wonderful buffet or meal.

Finding a Caterer - How to select a caterer? The ideal way to find a caterer is via personal recommendation. Ask friends, family and colleagues if they have catered an event, and who they used. Personal recommendations can help you select the right caterer; however, if you are left floundering when selecting a caterer, your local phone book is a viable starting point. Also, wedding fairs, consultants and party planners can make recommendations. If you are planning an event at a reception hall, the facility may offer catering services, or be able to suggest a caterer. Also, if you have a favorite restaurant, ask if they offer catering services or a suggestion of a caterer. When you begin looking for a caterer, look specifically at those that offer the sorts of menus you envision for your event. Interview several caterers to select the one best suited for your wedding, party or reception.

Interviewing Your Caterer - You should interview several caterers before you select the one best for your activity or event. A number of questions can help you as you wonder how to select a caterer for your wedding or party. Request sample menus from caterers before you spend time interviewing them to help weed out caterers that are not suited to your personal needs. Ask who will be in charge of preparing the food, and who will manage the catering of your event. Find out who will serve the food, and if the caterer’s staff is familiar with the reception hall or other facility you are planning to use. Know what state regulations are regarding catering, and find out if the caterer you are interviewing is compliant with them. Finally, your caterers should offer you a tasting of their food, so you can determine both whether you enjoy the style and the quality of their cooking.

Catering your Wedding - Your wedding is likely the first event you have ever had catered, and an important one. Good food, whether you plan a buffet or a sit down meal, will help to make your wedding reception a success. First, as you consider how to select a caterer, consider what you envision for your wedding and what you need to serve. An afternoon wedding may be well suited by a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, but an evening wedding will require a full meal service. Also, as you look at sample menus, consider the overall wedding atmosphere, the tastes of your guests, and what you can afford to spend per guest. Choosing a caterer can be a difficult part of your wedding planning, but one that can help provide you with great memories of your special day.

Planning a Catered Event - Planning a catered event requires a lot of attention to detail, ranging from how to select a caterer to arranging cleanup of your wedding, party or other event. Choosing your caterer is likely the step immediately after selecting your reception venue in the catered event planning process. Whether you need a simple sandwich buffet or a formal meal, take time to talk with your caterer about the steps required to organize and plan your event from start to finish. Choose your menu carefully, and select fresh, seasonal foods for the most delicious meal. Listen to your caterer’s advice as you select your menu for the most successful wedding or party. A professional caterer should be able to offer menu suggestions suited to any event, incorporating foods you and your guests will enjoy. Thoughtful planning will make your catered event a success.

Choosing a Catered Buffet - A catered buffet is a popular option many people select, and one that should come into play as you consider how to select a caterer. A catered buffet can range from simple snacks or lovely appetizers to a full meal. A full buffet will still require staff to clear the courses, set up and maintain the buffet for a successful catered event. If your buffet will be a formal sit down affair, foods of all sorts will be appropriate; however, if table space is at a premium avoid messy foods or those that will be difficult to eat while standing.
Hot dishes in particular will require either chaffing dishes or attentive servers. Choosing the right foods for a buffet is an especially important part of planning your appetizer buffet or dinner buffet. A good caterer can help you plan a buffet you and your guests will enjoy.

Catering a Sit Down Dinner - Catering a sit down dinner can be different from catering a buffet dinner, from how to select a caterer to menu planning. If you choose a sit down meal for your catered dinner, you do have more options as far as menu selection. Heavier meats, soups, and less conveniently eaten foods are all options at a sit down dinner as opposed to a buffet. A sit down dinner is typically more expensive, and requires more servers to provide the courses to your guests in a timely manner. If you have always envisioned an elegant and formal wedding or other party, a sit down dinner may be the most appropriate option to discuss with your caterer. With good planning and carefully choosing a caterer, your formal catered event will be lovely and delicious.

Wedding Cakes and More: Catering Desserts - Desserts or dessert buffets can also be catered, and if you are planning a meal of any sort you should remember to include a treat at the end. As you consider how to select a caterer, look at the possible dessert options available. Dessert buffets and afternoon teas are both popular and will require a variety of tasty treats. While most caterers can provide a wide range of desserts from cheesecakes to fruit cobblers, you will find that many caterers do not provide wedding cakes. Your caterer may be able to recommend a qualified and skilled baker or cake decorator for your wedding cake. As with choosing a caterer, select a baker or decorator well suited to your personal needs and wedding vision.

Working Well with Your Caterer - Working well with your caterer is a critical part of planning your catered event, and it begins with how to select your caterer. Choosing the right caterer for your event will help you start your working relationship with your caterer on the right foot and help to ensure a delicious meal and a well planned and smoothly running event. Whether you are catering an afternoon tea for a baby shower, a large wedding, or a corporate event, careful menu planning, good communication and a skilled caterer can make all the difference and allow you and your guests great memories of your catered event.