Tuesday Tip- Three Questions to Ask Potential Caterers

I’ve got a few couples that are looking at caterers right now, and the same questions issues keep popping up. It’s important to compare apples to apples, So, after you’ve got your list of initial list of three prospects, but before you get proposals from them, ask them these three questions:

1. Is there a Food and Beverage minimum? A food and beverage minimum is how much you have to spend on food and beverage in order for them to cater. This could be in entirety, like, $16,000, or it could be by person, as in $70 per person. That question will tell you what the least amount is that you’ll be charged, plus tax and service. 

2. Do they include rentals? If they do, that’s one more thing you’re not paying an additional amount for, and that you don’t have to find/deal with. So, not just money, but also logistics. 

3. Are they going to be cooking on site, or bringing the food in and serving it? This will affect the rentals you’ll need (i.e., portable stove, oven, barbecue pit…?) the staff you’ll need, AND the space you’ll need at your venue for a kitchen area. 

Like I said, these questions will make it easier to compare costs and services, and face a few less surprises down the road. You’re welcome!

See you at the end of the aisle, 

Liz Coopersmith

Silver Charm Events

323-592-9318