Questions To Ask Your Caterer
Congratulations! You're getting married! After you've set your wedding date, finding a place to hold your reception, and speaking to a caterer is one of the very first things you should do.
Many popular hotels and reception halls are booked well over a year in advance. Before you meet your caterer, you should have a list of questions prepared. Below is a guide to help you get started:
- What are the menu selections?
- Does wine come with the menu?
- Can we schedule a tasting? How soon before the event would the tasting take place?
- Is there a minimum that has to be spent?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What is your payment schedule?
- How many appetizers do you prepare per guest? What is your appetizer selection?
- How many servers walk around to serve the appetizers?
- Where will the cocktail hour be held? Will the bar remain open after the meal is served? Is there a fee for that?
- How many people can fit at each table?
- Is there a cake cutting fee? Do you provide the wedding cake?
- Is the gratuity added on the bill? What additional fees are added on the bill? Is the gratuity amount subject to increase before the date of the event?
- When do you need the final guest headcount?
- Do you provide extra tables for gifts, guest name tags and the guest sign in book?
- Do you provide all the napkins, tablecloths, tables, chairs, plates, silverware and glasses?
- What color linens do you provide?
- What styles do you fold the napkins in?
- What times do you recommend for serving the meal? What is a typical reception like? How does it flow?
- Do you serve salads pre-set on the plate or are they served after guests are seated?
- When do our meal selections have to be complete?
- Can you handle additional meals such as a brunch the next morning for out of town guests? What is your brunch menu?
- How many people can fit in the banquet hall?
- Can you mail us a contract? When does it have to be signed and returned? What deposit do we have to put down to hold our date?
- Can you provide vegetarian or kosher meals if they are needed? Can you handle other special dietary requests?
- If you are serving different entrees, how does the caterer determine which guest gets which entree?
- Do you have a kids menu?
- If you plan to have different stations like a pasta station or a prime rib station, is there a serving fee per station?
- Are your evening prices more than your daytime prices?
- Who will be in charge of my party and be my point of contact?
- Do you have a business card or e-mail address?
- What is the best way to reach you for additional questions?
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Julie Rana is the President of www.bridal-galaxy.com and
www.smarthostess.com
Wedding invitations, party favors, flowers, formalwear, brides maid's dresses, wedding/engagement rings, speeches, gifts, wines, party appetizers, registries, bridal shower games, religious jewelry, judaica and table seating help. Printed shirts, hats and mugs too!