How to hire an Event Caterer?
Dec 13
We're a full-service agency that is specialized in the administration of events. We're able to connect with the right people. We've got the right people to help you find DJs, bartenders, and event staff. In the end, the most essential element of any event is the food. It's something we are accustomed to as a culture to talk about and indulge in. So if your event isn't served by a reputable caterer It's a red alert.
Tips to Choose the Best Event Caterer
1. When choosing a caterer, consider your needs and the event's size.
Make sure that whoever you select for your event can handle the number of guests you're planning to invite. It's also important to determine what you'll require from your caterer. Sometimes you might need appetizers and entrees. Given all details upfront, your caterer should be able to manage the party's size with ease.
2. Be aware of the location of your event when choosing the catering company.
The location is essential. It is essential to take into consideration where they will be coming from to host your event. If they don't attend events in your area often, they may have difficulty working with the location. Find a caterer familiar with the venue or has at minimum some experience working in similar places. We have had several companies build out entire kitchens for our events on location when there wasn't one available. It might not be the best fit for your occasion if they do not go the extra mile and surpass your expectations.
3. Decide how much flexibility you require from your caterer.
Hosts and party planners are faced with the stress of planning for any event that might occur, and it makes it easier for everyone to make sure that all parties are as flexible as possible. This is especially true when it comes to food. It is vital to have a chef who is able to anticipate and plan for food allergies as well as other preferences. Find out what last-minute arrangements they had to put together while interviewing for the position. This will give you an insight into their imagination and problem-solving abilities and also how adaptable they are with other chefs.
4. Before hiring a caterer, be sure to read reviews about them.
It is essential to trust your caterer's ability to keep their word. Verifying your sources is the most reliable method to ensure that you've selected the correct caterer. If you heard of the caterer from a credible source, you should be sure to ask around if your friends or colleagues have had the pleasure of working with them. It is also a good idea in the event that you were recommended by an acquaintance. Be sure to go online to find sources.
5. Examine the costs of your event caterer.
Although this may seem simple, the cost of food is vital, particularly as the cost of catering can escalate quickly. Be sure to take your time and weigh your options, and look out for hidden costs in the budget of your event. There will always be some exchange, but you don't want to go too low or too high. Consider your expectations, the dimensions, and the type of food that you would like to consume, and then consider what you can expect from it.
6. Ask for the certifications from the caterer.
When you figure out who you'd like to hire, make sure they're certified to meet the minimum requirements set forth by the health departments and insurance agencies. If they aren't able to present these kinds of documents to you, it could be time to move on to the next candidate before you run into a problem on your hands.
7. Make sure you ask about the catering company's method of cooking.
Consider how the food will be prepared and served if you require catering offsite. This element should also be included when planning your event budget and also in the overall timeline of your event. It's a cheaper alternative to have your food prepared offsite, but it is only suitable for specific meals. There are limitations to using this method however, there are advantages that are cost-effective. You can hire a fantastic chef who prepares meals on-site, but you need to be aware of how the system will operate before you agree to it.
8. Decide how many catering staff are required for your event.
You'll need to have several staff members available for the event the caterer should be able to supply them.
9. Look over the menus of the caterer.
Whatever the description or how stunning the images are, make sure your potential caterer provides tastings, particularly when you've not worked with them before. Finding out that their staff was jam-packed with writers and photographers and there was no chef on at the time of the event could be a major disappointment.
10. You can get a sense of the caliber of the caterer.
This quality should be expected from any vendor, particularly when it comes to a caterer. From the design of the food to specific clauses in your contract, the specifics are vital. You and your caterer should have a thorough discussion of all the terms in the contract to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of a cancellation. Be sure you have worked out any kinks prior to the celebration.
It's never a bad idea to ask the appropriate questions. Uncle Nick's Deli allow you to tell your story about the caterer you like or your experience with the vendor.
1140 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220
Day and hours: Mon-Fri 10:30 AM-7:30 PM, Sat 10:30 AM -5:30 PM