The next thing you have to do think about after you have tackled selecting your dream wedding venue is the food. Unfortunately, your dream wedding cake won’t keep your guest’s from getting hungry, no matter how beautiful it is. This is where a wedding catering company comes into play.
If you don’t know how to hire the ideal catering in Lakeland FL, here are several questions you should ask:
What Catering Styles Do They Provide?
You have several choices when it comes to serving style. The style you pick will have an impact on the cost and the atmosphere of your venue. Thus, you will have to consider this well.
The most well-known styles include:
Cocktail Style – The cocktail style is certainly the most modern choice. Instead of serving full meals, the caterer will serve hors d’oeuvres.
Family-Style – The family-style catering option is a more comfortable one where guests pass the dishes around. However, it can get a bit chaotic. Thus, this style is best for smaller table groups.
Buffet – You might choose a buffet if you are okay with something a little more casual. In this style, the guests will have to serve themselves. The advantage of this is that you will not have to waste a lot of food since your guests will choose their own portion sizes.
Can You Select Our Own Menus?
Typically, wedding caterers are ready to make adjustments in their menu to fit your guests and you. Are your guests more likely to be amazed by brownies instead of truffles? Would you prefer chicken to fish? If your caterer is not willing to make several changes in their menu, they might not be the best one for your wedding. Keep in mind that several caterers have fixed menus. Thus, you have to let them answer the question first before you continue.
Do They Provide Options for Guests with Unique Restrictions?
It is crucial to accommodate the dietary restrictions and food allergies of your guests. Thus, you have to ensure you check if your wedding caterer is able to offer alternatives for nut-, meat-, dairy-, and gluten-free meals.
Can Guests Pick Their Entrees?
You have to ask the wedding caterer if they are fine with it before you give your family and friends the option to pick between steak, chicken, or seafood. If you provide your guests choices, it will mean that the caterer has to produce various mains. Thus, it is always better to let them know beforehand.
Can You Cut the Cost?
A professional caterer is knowledgeable in the food world. Thus, they will know that is in season. For those who don’t know, if something is in season, it means it is cheaper. They will also know how to add and omit particular dishes to cut the cost a little.
Have They Catered at the Venue Before?
You have to know if the caterer has catered with your planned venue. This will ensure that the caterer will have fewer mistakes during the event.
Though a lot of excellent event venues have a banquet department or an executive chef on staff, almost every unique and beautiful venue around the world doesn’t provide catering services. Luckily, there are a lot of catering companies that happily offer their services.
Of course, just like any other things, it is useful to know some tips in hiring catering in Gainesville FL before you hire one to work the event.
Sample Their Food
Sampling the food of the caterer will offer you a chance to taste their dishes. In addition to that, you will also see how the food will be presented. You can also use this time to talk to the Chef and know if he/she is flexible. Every item can be adapted to your own preferences. Thus, you have to ensure they take seriously your feedback and they listen to you carefully.
Check References
Most of the time, catering companies will give likely give you a list of extremely satisfied clients. However, if you really take the time to check the references of a caterer, you can still learn a lot of information about them. It is a great way to get insights about the caterer.
You can ask the previous customers questions such as would you hire them for your next event? Or what did you like best about their catering services? Or how many times have you hired the caterer?
Ask for Previous Event Photos
Catering photos will provide you an excellent idea of the aesthetic of the caterer. Previous events photos can provide you an insight into how they set up the event in general.
Be sure you ask yourself questions such as is it the style I would like for my event? Do I like their finishing touches, use of spacing, and service ware?
In addition to that, you can also explain to the caterer what you like with references if you view photos of their previous work.
Talk about Available Services
Several caterers provide comprehensive services. They can offer event décor, florals, chairs, tables, linens, and much more. You can simply provide them your ideal event and they can organize everything. However, there are several caterers who only offer the event food service. This means that you’ll be accountable for coordinating all your other vendors and items. Well, as long as their services match your requirements, both are fine.
Personally Review Everything
Aside from an excellent way to make sure that there’s no miscommunication when it comes to significant matters such as catering proposal and planned catering menu, meeting them personally is also an excellent way to obtain a better feel for your selected caterer. For example, if you visit them personally, you can see how they operate. Are you greeted in a courteous and friendly manner? Is their operation area clean and sanitized?
If you see something that you do not like or agree with, you have to ensure you fix it now or they might bring it over to your event.
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