16
2011 May

Wedding Checklist-Questions to ask your Caterer
by Louis Gervais / In Tips & Advice
Planning the biggest day of your life can be overwhelming and sometimes details get missed simply because you don’t know the right questions to ask. We asked our Sales & Event Manager, Heather Wright to create a handy ‘Wedding Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Caterer’ so there are no surprises and you can relax and enjoy your Wedding Day!
Wedding Catering Checklist
- Who is the main contact person?
Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding?
*you want this to be the case - Will the Caterer work any other weddings on the same weekend, the same day, or at the same time as your?
*you want to be sure they will devote enough attention to you - Menus
Does the caterer offer custom menu design?
Is there an additional charge for creating your own menu?
Can they prepare special meals for just a few of your guests to accommodate dietary concerns; vegetarian, kosher, kids, gluten-free, vegan, low-sodium, halal etc.?
Does the caterer offer a menu tasting?
If they do charge a tasting fee will that fee be applied as a credit to your final order? - Food Preparation
Does the caterer have a license?
*This means the business has met health department standards and has liability insurance
When and where will the food be prepared; at the venue or off-site and warmed up?
How far in advance will the food be prepared?
Does the caterer make all their own food?
*If any elements of the menu are outsourced ensure you look into the reputation of that company as well - Presentation
How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet?
or if you are having plated service:
How will the caterer arrange the food on the plate?
Can you see photos of previous work displays? - Staffing
Does the caterer have their own team of service staff or do they outsource to a staffing service?
How many staff would they recommend for the size of your wedding?
What will the waitstaff wear?
*Top caterers will always use their own serving personnel, even if the site’s staff is available, because they understand the caterer’s way of doing business - Beverage Service
Do they charge for beverage service?
If you want to provide your own wine, champagne and liquor do they charge a corkage fee? - Venues
Has the caterer worked at your chosen venue previously?
*this is important as many facilities have hidden nuances that can provide challenges to caterers who are new to the space - Equipment Rentals
Can the caterer provide tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, glassware and more?
Do they sub-contract these items or have their own supplies?
*In either case; ask to see these items to make sure they are acceptable - Hidden Service Costs
What service costs are included and what are additional?
Are set-up and clean-up included?
How much is overtime if the reception runs long?
Are gratuities included? - References
Can you speak to previous clients?
*Get at least two references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style
**Download our Wedding Catering Checklist PDF
Tags: caterer, catering, checklist, event planning, north vancouver, questions, wedding, wedding planning