Hiring a wedding caterer is a bit more involved than opening up the phone book and selecting A-1 Catering Service because it was the first one you came across. It’s important to shop around and find one that will serve your needs the best.
It’s also really important to ask questions about any potential caterer you may hire for your wedding. If you get the vibe that a caterer is avoiding answering your questions, isn’t being completely truthful, or won’t submit to an interview, that should be a giant red flag.
Here are some important questions to ask any potential wedding caterer:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Professional caterers are part of the food service industry and are regulated by the province in which they do business. Therefore, your caterer should have a license which holds them to all health and safety standards set by your province.
But even the safest caterers can have problems, such as a supplier giving the caterer a tainted batch of eggs. If this should happen, if your caterer is bonded and insured, you know that the caterer will be able to pay for any damages.
Are you available for my wedding?
Sometimes the simplest questions are the most important. Make sure the caterer you want is available for the day of your wedding. Oftentimes weddings are planned six months to a year in advance, so make sure you ask as soon as possible after you set a date.
How do you handle dietary restrictions?
There are many reasons that you may request dietary restrictions for a wedding. It may be because of health (peanut allergies, low sodium, etc.), religion (kosher), or just a matter of preference (vegetarian, organic). This is a serious concern, so if a caterer acts unconcerned or impatient with this line of questioning, he may be unconcerned when it comes to preparing your food.
How much do you charge?
The most expensive caterer isn’t necessarily the best. Shop around and see which one gives you the best bang for your buck.
Do you have any testimonials?
Ask to see any comments from previous clients. However, make sure you ask for proof that they are real people and real clients. Testimonials can easily be faked.