Have a question or need advice? are here to help.
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| Questions To Ask The Caterer |
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- Make sure the caterer is licensed or you may be liable if something
happens.
- If outdoors, make sure they have refrigeration.
- Find out how they dress.
- What is the estimated cost per person for a seated dinner? Buffet?
Cocktail reception? Open bar? What does the cost include?
- What is the staff-to-guest ratio? (For seated meals, the ratio
is usually one waiter to 8-10 guests.)
- Have you worked at my prospective reception sites? Can you recommend
other sites for weddings?
- Do you have a set menu? Can the menu be modified?
- Can the kitchen staff adhere to special dietary restrictions for
some guests who may be diabetic, kosher, vegetarian?
- Do you have liability coverage - including liquor liability?
- Can you supply me with a list of references? (Contact two.)
- How much advance time is needed to confirm a reservation?
- Can I arrange to view the catering of another wedding reception
to check food display, service style, flow, organization? Can we arrange
to taste foods on the menu you suggest?
- Do you set the tables? Provide linens? Order floral arrangements?
Coordinate the music?
- What additional charges might be incurred other than the food,
beverages, and rental of requested extras?
- What is the policy for payment, tipping? (Some caterers request
cash, others accept checks or credit cards. Some include gratuities in
the base or overall price, others do not.)
- How much advance time will you need to set up?
- Can you send me a confirmation letter including the wedding date
and time, names of service help, tipping policy, decorating time, color
schemes, menu, cost per person?
- Can I see available linens? What is the additional rental cost?
- How much food is enough? (Ten to twelve hors d'oeuvres per person
is adequate. With buffets, offer a choice of two entrees.)
- Will the hors d'oeuvres be hand served or on a buffet?
- How much are your overtime and cancellation costs?
- Can you give me a ceiling on anticipated menu price increases?
(Caterers quote final prices 90 days prior to the wedding. Due to rising
food costs, an increase might be 10%.)
- When will the wedding cake be delivered (if your caterer will
provide you with one)? Is the cake cut by the banquet staff?
- Can we go over placement of the head table - on a raised platform
or floor level, dais or round table?
- How many drinks does each bottle of liquor, champagne, provide?
Is there an opening fee per bottle of champagne?
- Will you feed the photographers, the musicians?
- What is the guarantee requirement for number of guests?
- When must I provide a final guest count?
Get all estimates in writing; contracts should state what food and drink
is to be served, how many servers will be needed, and a provision to inform
the caterer of the final number of expected guests at least a week before
the wedding.
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Do You Have A Catering Question For Us?
Our staff is always ready to assist you as you plan your important day. If you have a catering question or concern that is not included in the above information, feel free to send us your question and our staff will respond with an answer, usually within a few days. Please be sure to include your correct e-mail address or else we won't be able to contact you.
Best wishes!
--The Wedding Details Staff
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