Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Caterer

Consider asking these questions along with any other questions that you have in mind:

• What is the cost per head and what does that include (i.e. food, bar, decor or tabletop props for the buffet display)?
• What are their specialties and what menu would they suggest based on your party?
• Can they prepare something different for guests with allergies? Or you may have certain dietary needs that you wish to inquire about (i.e. vegetarian or kosher dishes).
• Can they provide recommendations with phone numbers that you can call?
• Do they have photos of past events that they've done which are similar to yours?
• Can they think of extra-anticipated costs based on the location from permits to equipment to rentals?
• Can they handle the rentals (i.e. tables and chairs) if need be or do you have to take care of setting that up?
• Do they have all the necessary paperwork for your event such as insurance or a liquor license? And, can they obtain any permits you may need, such as a liquor license for an event that is not in your home or fire permits if necessary for lit candles?
• Can they recommend any other vendors or party peeps such as a deejay or entertainment? For more info read Top 5 Party Tips for Hiring A Deejay or Band.
• Do they have an "in-house" waiter staff or do they hire from a staffing agency? See my articles Top 5 Tips for Hiring Staff for more info.
• Can you sample their work including tasting their food and perhaps seeing them in action?
• Keep the conversation casual but businesslike, as you don't want this to feel like an interrogation but you do want to know that you're going to be taken care of. Some people ask more questions than others, and I'm a big believer in "there are no stupid questions" especially when it comes to spending money.