Questions to Ask Your Caterer: Wedding, Corporate Event, & Top Tips

Food can make or break an event so it's crucial to ask the right questions to ensure the food at your event wows. In this article we’ll give you insider knowledge and advice on what to ask your caterer to make sure your event is tasty & stress free!

Understanding Their Experience and Expertise

Before perusing the caterers menus the first thing you should do is check the caterers skills and background. Look at reviews and company bios to understand the caterer's reputation.

How many events of this size/type have you catered?

Experience is key! A caterer who has handled similar events will be better prepared. Make sure you give the caterer as much information as possible about the venue. Does it have a kitchen for use? Are caterers permitted to bring in equipment? Are there any access issues? Providing detailed information will allow the caterer to advise what’s possible.

Can I see examples of your work (photos, menus from past events)?

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Ask the caterer to provide pictures of similar events and food they have catered. It will help you gauge how they present the food. Asking for past menus they have created is also a great way to understand if their styles match what you are looking for.

Are you insured?

This is a must-ask question. Every caterer should have £5mil public liability as a minimum. As well as public liability insurance caterers should have a food safety certificate and a council awarded hygiene rating. Some caterers may also have risk assessments, fire assessments and additional allergen training.

Having these documents proves they meet health and safety rules. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong. Don't skip this step! It's essential for a worry-free event.

Menu and Service Customisation

Now for the fun part: personalising the food. A good caterer will be happy to work with you to create a bespoke menu personal to you and your event. Many clients are unsure about how to begin creating a bespoke menu. The first step is to choose your preferred cuisine, such as Greek, British, BBQ, or Grazing. Next, decide on a service style, which could be plated, sharing boards, street food style, or a hot buffet. Once you’ve made these choices, we’ll handle all the hard work for you.

VIEW SAMPLE MENUS

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

Many people have special dietary requirements these days so it’s important to choose a caterer that can accommodate these requirements. Check if the caterer can offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Often caterers will adapt your menu choices to cater for these requirements. A good caterer will be happy to offer options for all guests.

Are menu tastings available?

Menu tastings are a fun way to try before you buy! A tasting session is a great way to help you decide on the dishes for your event. Whether you want to try a myriad of options or you simply want to see how the dishes you’ve chosen will be presented, tasting sessions are a great way to help you make some important decisions.

What service styles do you offer (buffet, plated, family-style, stations)?

There are lots of different options when it comes to the style of food service to choose. Buffets are casual and a great way to offer variety. Plated meals are more formal but require more staff, so be aware to consider this extra cost. Food stations and family style sharing boards are a great way to add a fun interactive element to your event. Each option suits different events. Chat with your caterer about what works best for you.

Logistics and Operational Details

The behind-the-scenes stuff matters. This makes sure the event runs smoothly.

What is included in your pricing (staffing, rentals, setup, breakdown)?

There are lots of costs to consider when to comes to planning an event. Ask for a cost breakdown from the caterer to see what's covered. Does the cost per head include staff? Are there any additional costs for equipment hire? If it's a delivery service is there a delivery fee? Spotting hidden costs early avoids surprises.

What is your staff-to-guest ratio?

Having enough staff is vital. The number of staff working an event will depend on the food choices and service. For example canape events we normally allocate 1 server for every 25 people, weddings will usually require 1 server for every 15-20 people whilst served buffets only require 2-3 people. Each event is different but make sure to ask about their staff to guest ratio.

What are your setup and breakdown procedures?

Timing is key, a good caterer will have a solid plan on set up and break down. Ask what happens during set up and breakdown. Knowing these details will help you plan your event timeline. FYI at Dish we sent our clients a detailed plan of action that covers everything you need to know.

Contract and Payment

Contracts can be confusing. Understand everything before signing.

What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Ask your caterer for a payment schedule ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. It’s important to ask what the caterer's policy is for cancellations. We understand things can change so don’t be worried if you have to cancel!

Top Tips for a Successful Catering Experience

Communicate your vision clearly and early.

Tell your caterer exactly what you want, the more details the better. Sharing your ideas early will ensure you get the event you envision.

Confirm all details in writing.

Confirm everything you and your caterer discuss in writing. Final details like guest numbers, allergen requirements, event start time, menu; this should all be confirmed in writing.

Read online reviews

Reading reviews is the best way to gauge how accomplished a caterer is. Find out what others have to say and hear about their experiences.

Conclusion

Picking a caterer takes work. Ask lots of questions. Be clear about what you want. Knowing the right questions to ask a caterer for your wedding, corporate event, or party is key. With careful planning and clear communication, your event will be delicious. So, go on. Plan your next event. Make it tasty!