10 Tips For A Successful Relationship With Your Caterer

1.  Look for a caterer that is licensed and insured in your city.

They should have a city-permitted kitchen for you to visit and inspect upon request.

2.  Ask them if they have catered weddings before?

There are special nuanced methods that go into planning a wedding that an experienced pro can help provide. Many caterers provide wedding planning inclusive of their service. You buy the menu; they help with the entire production as a planner. They can act as your wedding hosts.

3.  Preview an event portfolio or DVD.

Pictures speak a thousand words about style and execution. Do their pictures look like the event you imagine?

4.  Never be afraid to ask a caterer for a list of previous clients or references and phone them.

Be sure to ask questions such as: Was the caterer on time? Were you happy with the service? Would you hire the caterer again? Was the final bill what you agreed upon?

5.  Request a tasting of the caterer's menu or recommendations.

Some caterer's may ask you for a tasting fee; but it could be money well spent.

6.  Be honest with the caterer about your budget from day one.

Most caterers will work with you to meet you in the middle. If you want to ask for a discount on a pricey item, do so, or ask the caterer's opinion on ways to cut back. Also don't be afraid to ask for a breakdown of each item; then if you think you can supply something cheaper do so.

7.  If the budget seems an insurmountable problem, ask the caterer if you can supply some of your own food items.

Their concern will be product liability insurance; meaning they can't be held responsible for food they didn't make. If it's important to you, offer to sign a waiver, or agree that you will provide your own insurance. It can be that easy. Anything can be settled with the right attitude.

8.  Ask for a contract, and make sure you understand it.

Be aware there may be hidden expenses such as a per-slice-cake cutting fee or overtime for wait staff who stay beyond the pre-arranged time. Some caters specify that a guest count can go up but not down. For example, if you told the caterer that one hundred guests are coming and only seventy-five arrive, then you are still going to be charged for the full 100 guests. If on the other hand, you tell the caterer the day before the wedding you are expecting ten extra guests, you will be charged for the extra guests. These fees are usually not applied until your final invoice.

9.  Plan on bringing the caterer any necessary phone numbers or contacts.

Make sure your caterer has the numbers and names of any vendors hired for your wedding day. Your caterer should be aware of everything that will be going on; deliveries, decorations, and friends/family who have volunteered to help.

10.  Remember the guest count is what will drive up the cost of your wedding.

Is it more important to you to have 150 people for cheese and crackers, or 50 for a sit-down dinner. Be sure you make this decision before speaking with your caterer as it will be easier to stay within your budget and not make quick decisions you may regret later. Whatever you decide, an experienced caterer has done it all before, and can can offer you great advice to make your wedding reception fabulous.