How to Interview a Caterer

A Complete Guide to Helping You Select a Caterer for Your Wedding or Special Event

Here are a number of great tips and some sample questions to ask your prospective caterer.

Many people discover that their catered event is the biggest expense of their wedding or party. The cost of your wedding reception or party includes the food, beverages, kitchen staff, waitstaff, rentals, the decorations, and the cost of the reception site itself. About 50% of a couple's wedding costs are the reception. It is very important to know how to interview and to choose a caterer.

Site/Availability

When you are selecting a facility such as a winery, hotel, country club, park, resort, reception hall, or restaurant you need to know whether the site includes the caterer. Some reception/facility sites have their own in-house caterer and they do not allow outside caterers to provide the food on their site. The site that you choose should match the formality of the event, the theme of your wedding/event, the type of food that you want to provide, and your budget. You may want to reserve a site where you have the freedom to choose your own caterer.

Is your event/wedding reception indoors or outdoors?

This is important to know what facilities are available at your site. Some facilities do not have sinks, kitchens, ovens, stoves, or barbecues for the caterers to work out of. In terms of the weather and the menu, the food may need to be kept hot or cold.

Pick a date!

Once you have figured out if you need to hire an off-premise caterer, then you need to find out if they are available on the day of your event or wedding. The caterer you want could already be booked for an event on the same day of your affair. You should try to book your caterer at least 6-12 months in advance of your event.

Budget

Now you need to decide if they can work within your budget!
What is your budget for your catered event?
Most caterers require an initial deposit to hold the date of your event. Is there a deposit?
Are installments or payment plans available?
When is the final payment due for the catering?
Is there a gratuity or service charge? How much are the taxes?
How many hours of service does the caterer include in their overall cost?
How much extra will it be if my event runs overtime?

Route 66 Catering Company would love to work with you.
Give Brandon a call today!
We can set up a time where we can start planning your special event.
(928) 635-2475