25 Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Caterers
Guest Blog: Kaitlyn Dawn
1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?
2. What types of food do they offer for hors d’ouerves? For the main course? For dessert?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. Is there a fee for a sample tasting?
5. What are their prices?
6. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.?
7. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, etc.?
8. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
9. How many types of staff will the caterer provide — waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.?
10. What will the wait staff wear?
11. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared?
12. If my reception location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will the catering company be able to bring in the necessary appliances — refrigerators, ovens, etc.?
13. Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?
14. Are they able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor?
15. How will the food be served — buffet style, table service or family style?
16. Can the caterer provide me with a wedding cake?
17. How long will it take them to set up and to break down the event?
18. Will they pack a snack for the bride and groom?
19. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
20. Will they provide food for the other vendors — the photographer, planner, videographer and band?
21. When will I need to finalize the menu?
22. When will they need a final head count?
23. Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge?
24. What is their cancellation policy?
25. How much is the deposit needed? When is the final balance due?
2. What types of food do they offer for hors d’ouerves? For the main course? For dessert?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. Is there a fee for a sample tasting?
5. What are their prices?
6. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.?
7. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, etc.?
8. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
9. How many types of staff will the caterer provide — waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.?
10. What will the wait staff wear?
11. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared?
12. If my reception location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will the catering company be able to bring in the necessary appliances — refrigerators, ovens, etc.?
13. Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?
14. Are they able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor?
15. How will the food be served — buffet style, table service or family style?
16. Can the caterer provide me with a wedding cake?
17. How long will it take them to set up and to break down the event?
18. Will they pack a snack for the bride and groom?
19. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
20. Will they provide food for the other vendors — the photographer, planner, videographer and band?
21. When will I need to finalize the menu?
22. When will they need a final head count?
23. Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge?
24. What is their cancellation policy?
25. How much is the deposit needed? When is the final balance due?
*Photo Credits: Wedding By Color
(Source: zazzle.com)

