What to ask your Caterer...

January 12&13 Design by Desire Catering is in the Abbotsford Tradex show "It’s my Wedding”. As we gear up for another year, I know the second week of January I can always expect the calls to come flooding in as all the newly engaged couples start to look and lock down their caterer. What most "Bridel Couples" don't know is that you will spend more money on wedding food than any other aspect of your reception, so you'll want to work with a top-notch professional?

So here are a few questions and things to think about when getting ready to interview your perspective caterers. When making appointments to interview your wedding caterers, try to schedule a tasting of their wares at a later point. That way you will feel confident on the day of your wedding that the food is exactly what you envisioned.

Below I have listed a few questions that you could use to ensure that you are getting the right cater for your special day.

1. Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food or service? (They should provide you with sample menus to review.) Find a cater who can make a memorable meal.

2. Can the caterer arrange for a tasting of the specific foods you're interested in prior to hiring? (They should.) Schedule a tasting if you get a good vibe.

3. What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include (linens, tax, and gratuity)? Does the caterer have printed price sheets for food selections? Make sure there is room in you budget.

4. How involved is the caterer in a typical reception -- does she work like a wedding coordinator or banquet manager, cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find someone to fill this role -- if your site manager or caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a wedding coordinator.

5. Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings, or other equipment? Or will they arrange for the rentals? If not, find wedding rentals in your area.

6. Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding? (You want this to be the case.)

7. Will the caterer work any other weddings on the same weekend, the same day, or at the same time as yours? (You want to be sure they will devote sufficient attention to you.) You may want to pass on a smaller outfit who indicates they have another job or two scheduled for that day.

8. Does the caterer handle all table settings? Will they put out place cards and favors?

9. Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would they recommend for the size of your wedding? What will the waitstaff wear?

10. Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they prepare vegetarian, kosher, kids, or halal meals for just a few of your guests?

11. Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer must bring in his own equipment, is there an additional fee?

12. Does the caterer work with fresh (not frozen) food?

13. Does the caterer have a license? (This means her business has met health department standards and has liability insurance -- make sure this includes a liquor license if you're having a bar.

14. Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a corkage fee? How and when will you get the alcohol to the caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an flexible wine list, and can you make special requests? How is this list priced?

15. How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work displays?

16. Can you speak to previous clients? (Get at least two references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style.)

17. Does the caterer also do wedding cakes? Can you use an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Remember at the end of the day the largest wedding expense isn't the music or the dress, it's the caterer. If you are planning a large reception with lots of food, a professional caterer is the best choice. The problem is that not all caterers are reliable or have the experience to pull off your event without a major problem. Taking your time when booking a caterer will ensure that your guests will be talking about your reception for years to come.