10 Questions to Ask Your Caterer

Whether you need a caterer for your wedding or annual New Year's bash, it's important to find the perfect catering company that can provide the cuisine, food presentation, and overall ambiance you are looking for. To ensure you do, here are ten questions you should ask any prospective caterer you interview:

1. Do you specialize in a certain type of food? This is important if you are looking for something specific; the caterer should be able to supply you with sample menus to look over.

2. What is your average price range? Find out if costs are itemized depending on the food you select or if there's an all-inclusive rate. Does the cost include gratuity, taxes, and other additional costs?

3. Do you provide table linens, chairs, silverware, tableware, salt-and-pepper shakers, etc? Find out if the caterer can provide those non-food items and if not, if they will make the arrangements for rentals. If they provide them, ask to see them beforehand to ensure they are acceptable as is.

4. Who will by main contact? Find out if the person you work with throughout the planning will be who will oversee meal service on the day of your event (this should be the case).

5. Will you handle the table settings? Inquire if the catering company will set up the place settings and place name cards and favors or if you are in charge of doing that.

6. Will you provide wait staff? Whether you are having the event at your home or a banquet hall, find out how many wait staff they recommend for an event of your size. Most reputable caterers will use their own wait staff even if the site has serving personnel available.

7. Where will the food be provided? Are there on-site facilities or will the caterer need to make additional arrangements? Find out if there is an additional fee if the caterer is required to bring in their own equipment.

8. Do you have a valid license and proper insurance? A license ensures the catering company has met health department standards and has liability insurance which protects you in case of an accident. Make sure this includes a liquor license from the state if you plan on serving alcohol.

9. Do you provide the alcohol or can I provide it myself? If you can handle the bar separately, find out if there is a corkage fee and determine arrangements to get the caterer the alcohol. If the caterer will provide it, look over the wine list beforehand and find out if they allow special requests.

10. Can you arrange a tasting? If you get a good vibe from the caterer you are meeting with, schedule a tasting to sample their cuisine.