Three Tips for Choosing the Right Caterer – Tip #3

#3: Get the price up front before you commit.

Know what you are buying!

For smaller gatherings and drop-off caterings, you’ll find most restaurants and caterers have printed or online menus with prices included.  Don’t forget about sales tax and if you are having the food delivered you will need to confirm the delivery fee and factor in any gratuity you plan to include to find out exactly how much you are spending.  (You’ll find our blog article about suggested gratuity guidelines here – http://blog.caternation.com/2013/08/how-much-should-you-tip-on-catering.html.)

For larger and/or more custom events, the prices may not be clear.  Always get a quote; preferably an itemized one so you will know how much you are paying for the food, beverages, service and equipment separately.  That will make it easier to make adjustments if you find out you are over your budget.

And once you do commit, if a contract is involved – READ IT!  You want to be sure you are aware of the cancellation policy, how they will handle changes in the number of guests and payment terms.

If it’s a large and/or custom event and the caterer doesn’t give you a contract, be sure to define in writing the following:

- Cancellation Policy

- Requirements and timing for head count changes (up or down)

- Payment terms

We hope you have found these tips useful.  Do you have any tips or would you like to share your experiences with us?  Leave us a comment below!