Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Caterer

Whether your function is formal or informal, indoor or outdoor, one of the most memorable details of any event will be the food. Simply stated, hiring the best caterer for the job is an essential aspect of a successful party. To launch a memorable event that keeps guests in awe for months afterward, ask your caterer the following five questions.

‍1. What’s on the menu?

‍The most obvious question to ask a potential caterer is what food they offer on their menu. Whether you’re serving appetizers or a five-course meal, you want a caterer that is experienced in providing the type of food you are looking for. If you’re uncertain about the food, ask what their specialty is – chances are you’ll end up with a crowd-pleaser.

‍2. How much will it cost?

‍The next question to ask is how much it will cost to cater your event. Most caterers estimate their price based on the cost of food per person, the fee for their staff, the price of beverages, and the cost for any additional rentals or specialty items, such as cakes. Be sure to ask about anything that might increase your bill, such as do they charge overtime or gratuities.

‍3. Can you provide for dietary restrictions?

‍A major concern for many party planners is dietary restrictions. Some guests may have food allergies or be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or kosher. Ensure your caterer is fully capable of handling these special requests, even if they are made last-minute.

‍4. Are you licensed?

‍Never choose a caterer who lacks the proper local and state licenses to serve food. In addition, your caterer should have the appropriate liability insurance to protect you, should anything go wrong.

‍5. What’s your dress code?

‍Another important interview question is how the staff will dress. It is important to ensure the wait staff at your party blends in with its overall theme, which means you may want to find a caterer who is open to changing their dress code to suit your needs.Big AZ Promotions has over 50 years of party and event planning experience and can help take the stress out of your event. In addition to providing catering, Big AZ Promotions is a full service event and party rental company and can provide everything you need for a memorable event.