Most events won’t be complete without good food or beverage. Because of this, catering has been considered as one of the top priorities in budgeting, so much so that it usually is the first or second line item cost.
If that doesn’t convince you that catering plays a critical role in the overall success of your event, just remember how you felt when you last attended to a simple get together but was served good food. In reverse, eating below par food can actually ruin your mood even if the affair had some amazing displays.
Taking all that into account, it is imperative that, as an event planner, you know and understand the following things you should consider in selecting the perfect caterer for your next affair.
- Communication and Interest
Many event planners— and even caterers— consider communication as the best indicator of how well the vendor will perform during an event. From the very beginning, a good caterer should show utmost interest in the project through being open to constructive criticism, being responsive to queries, and even accepting suggestions from their clients.
- Flexibility
Like any other professional, flexibility is a skill that will make a caterer stand out from the rest. This is because every event is unique, which requires specific types of food and beverages to be served. On top of that, affairs are also common avenues of unexpected delays and mishaps. A flexible caterer can overcome obstacles using innovativeness, creativity, and resourcefulness.
- Taste Tasting
The initial taste test is critical in choosing an event caterer simply because it is your chance to sample the goods they will deliver on the day of the affair. This way, you can determine whether they can deliver the quality of food and drinks to your guests. Of course, not all caterers offer taste testing services, so you might want to narrow down your options first before requesting for it.
- Venue Familiarity
Caterers who are familiar with the venue tend to have an edge over those who don’t. This is because their experiences in specific kinds of events will be their pillar in servicing your guests, so be sure to avoid reeling in a BBQ take-out joint for a formal ballroom fundraiser if you don’t want unpleasant surprises during the affair.
- Contract Details
The contract details are critical to the selection process. Choose a caterer who can fully explain the goods and services they can provide your event down to the last detail. This way, you can avoid misunderstandings that can cause problems later. It is also a good idea to have your attorney look over the document before signing it.
- Cancelation Policy
A good caterer will have a cancelation policy that is well-defined in the contract. It should cover both the cancelation of contract on the part of the client and the vendor as well as financial penalties for the party that initiated the end of the contract.
- Experience and References
Before acquiring services of a caterer, you should make sure that you have contacted their past clients who have experienced their food and services first-hand. This is a great opportunity to learn about their actual service. You may also opt to change the sequence of things a bit by listing down vendors recommended by people you know before proceeding with matters like taste testing and contract signing.
- Insurance
Insurance is probably the last thing in your mind when planning an event, but it is actually “a given” for most professional caterers. Event insurance protects event planners from taking responsibility for liabilities brought about by the vendor.
