What do you know about hiring a caterer?

Question

I may need to hire a caterer for my reception. My wedding will be somewhat small, less than 40-50 guests. But I want a reception dinner that's nice, probably a sit-down dinner. When I mention caterers, most people refer me to BBQ or Mexican places, but I want something classier than that (but still on a small budget!!!!!!!!). I don't even know what kind of price tag I'm looking at here...Any help?!?

Answer 1

Google caterers in your area. That's the best way to find one!! Are you looking to rent a hall or have it at your place. I would recommend renting a hall or having it at a restaurant. I looked into doing it myself and it is very detailed. You have to not only get the caterer, you also have to rent the utincils plates glasses linens AS WELL AS pick a florist, etc. And it will cost the same as having it somewhere and they can do it all for you in one shot or at least recommend florists and photographers. Plus if you do it in your backyard you get less money as gifts cuz they assume it cost less then a hall, which isn't true.

Check out about.com. They have a great section on weddings.

http://weddings.about.com/index.htm?terms=weddings

And I found this site with some very inexpensive flowers

https://www.afloral.com/


Good luck.

Answer 2

Here are some great questons to ask

quiz Your Caterer

Second only to the ceremony, the reception will be the part of your wedding that friends and family will remember best. The primary key to a successful reception is the food provided. No matter if the wedding is large or small or if you are having a small, cocktail-hour type of reception or a full-fledged, five-course dinner, the food must be of impeccable quality. Choosing a caterer or reception site can be difficult and time-consuming, so here are our Top Ten Tips for finding the perfect one for your wedding:

Decide if you want a theme for your reception (such as a Hawaiian or tropical location) early on in the planning. This may limit your choices of caterer.
It's a good idea to look carefully at a minimum of three possible caterers, no matter if you are using an outside caterer at a location or if the reception will be held at a hotel or other locale that provides their own caterer.
Don't assume that a served dinner is more expensive than a buffet. Ask the caterer – sometimes a served meal is cheaper, mostly depending upon what food you have chosen.
Don't be afraid to let caterers know your budget. Often they will be able to craft a reception to fit your budget so you can hold it at the locale of your choice, even though the standard menu is beyond your budget. Agreements like this are particularly likely if your wedding is in the off-season or during the morning or on a weekday.
Check references personally. You may be able to drop by an event in progress and sneak a peek at the setup, but if you are allowed to do this, be discrete (after all, you would not want strangers intruding on your reception).
Develop a close relationship with the caterer you finally choose, so that they understand your taste and plan for the entire reception, and can present you with food choices that are appropriate for the setting.
Sample, sample, sample. The presentation on the plate may be gorgeous, but if the food is not good, your reception will not be as successful as it could be.
Ensure you and the caterer have planned the menu and course order carefully together, so there is no misunderstanding of the service order at the reception. Make a confirmation visit to the caterer a few days before the reception.
Be sure everything is in writing and you have copies of all the items included (not just the food, but other items such as chair covers, chocolate or champagne fountains, etc.) and those not included. If you change your original agreement, keep written copies of the changes as well.
Ensure you have a signed contract and have read all the fine print about cancellation in particular. Be prepared to pay up to 50% as a deposit (use a credit card for additional protection).

Answer 3

Mexican or BBQ??? Where do you LIVE? Are you telling them it's for a wedding? I can't imagine...

Anyway, here are some questions you'll want to ask a caterer. Oh...since you're asking, I'm assuming that there is no family member or any one else you know who can give you a referral? If you haven't checked yet, be sure to ask them as well. They might even be able to refer you to a "friend of a friend" who used X Catering Co. - some first hand experience goes a long way.
So...here you are:


1. Is the caterer licensed? Does the caterer possess a current permit from the Health Department? Ask to see it!
2. Is the caterer insured? What if his staff spills gazpacho on that new white sofa? Are the caterers staff insured if they injure themselves in your home or on your property? Ask the name of the insurance company.

3. Does the caterer work out of an approved, inspected kitchen or commissary? An approved, and certified workplace is regularly inspected and meets Board of Health standards. The water supply is also regularly tested.

4. Is your caterer a "full service caterer?" Can he/she take care of all your party needs, from tables to tents, chairs, glassware, linens, flatware, china, steam trays, bar, paper and plastics, etc.? Can the caterer assist you with arrangements for invitations, flowers, liquor, music, sites, photographer or video crews? Which aspects of the wedding will they not assist with?

5. How long will the caterer remain on the job? Is it in writing? What happens if you wish to extend your party longer than originally planned? Will there be an overtime charge? If so, how much?

6. Will there be enough food? Exactly how much food will there be? How large are the portions? Make the caterer be specific. Will the chicken breast be four, six or eight ounces? Will the sirloin be prime or choice? What happens to leftovers?

7. If you are not familiar with a caterer's work, will he give references? You should ask for three recent parties. Don't be afraid to call these people and ask how they feel about the caterer's work and attitude.

8. Will the caterer help you create the ambiance you want and assist with other non-food-related aspects of your party?

9. What kinds of serving pieces and china will be used? Are they in keeping with your planned food and ambiance? Ask to see samples or photographs.

10. Who takes care of the garbage? Will plastics be recycled or just dumped?

11. Will the caterer accommodate the special needs of particular guests (i.e., restricted diets, vegetarians, diabetics, alcohol-free or kosher guests, etc.)?

12. Does your caterer sub-contract out certain food items, such as the wedding cake, to other caterers, chefs of companies? If so, which items and who will prepare them?

13. Will the caterer sign a written contract, specifying any and all charges? Make sure you have a signed copy.

14. Can you choose the food and non-food items, or does the caterer insist on making all the choices? Does the caterer seem enthusiastic about your party?

Answer 4

Since your wedding is so small, I would go ahead and wander into your favorite restaurant and ask if they can do something like this. I think that a lot of people would be able to accomodate you. Also, a lot of other people have posted questions to ask your potential caterer but really if you are just looking for ideas I'd say go into places you enjoy and it doesn't hurt to just ask. Good luck!

Answer 5

Just open up the phone book and look for caterers. They will serve whatever you tell them that you want. These people are referring you to restaurants that cater parties, so they serve whatever their restaurant serves. Actual caterers serve whatever you want, prime rib, turkey, ham, chicken, you tell them. Start calling and comparing prices.