Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer

As you’re planning your wedding, here is a list of questions to ask your caterer before you go for a tasting and at your tasting. 

Prior to Tasting

Before scheduling a tasting with a caterer be sure to ask these questions:

1. Is the caterer available on the date you need them?
   1. No need to go to a tasting with a caterer if they are already booked for your date, right?
2. How many guests can the caterer accommodate?
   1. You need to make sure that they are able to accommodate the number of guests that you plan on inviting.
3. How many events do they cater on any given day? 
   1. So you know how many other events they can handle.
4. How many events are already scheduled for your date?
   1. To see if they are close to being fully booked for your date. This is especially important if you plan on going to multiple tastings or if you want time to think about it.
5. Can you arrange for a tasting?
   1. Please be sure that you can taste the caterers food prior to booking! Some caterers only allow tastings if you book with them or if you pay for it.
6. Is there a cost for a tasting?
   1. Not every tasting is free! They have to pay for the food you eat and the time for the chef to cook it. Some caterers do offer free multiple person tastings, where they have a group of potential clients all come in to taste. In those cases, be sure to come prepared with your questions or ask them beforehand because you might not get undivided attention.
7. Have they worked with your venue in the past?
   1. Making sure that they know what to expect at a venue is key to planning a stress-free event. Some event venues don’t have specific cooking areas and your caterer will know how much space they need and if they need electrical plugs. If they haven’t, see if they are willing to do a walkthrough of the venue.
8. Does the caterer have insurance coverage including liquor liability (if served)?
   1. Most venues require caterers to be licensed and insured. Some require that they be listed as an additionally insured. This is doubly true for caterers who are providing alcohol. Be sure that you collect a copy of their insurance for your records. Every vendor you work with should have one and collecting them can come in handy later if there is an accident.

At Tasting

Once you’ve talked with a few caterers about their offerings and have narrowed down your options, be sure to schedule a tasting! At the tasting be sure to ask the wedding caterer these questions:

1. How much time does the caterer need to setup and take down?
   1. This is so that you can make sure that you have enough time with your venue for set up, breakdown and event.
2. How many servers will be provided?
   1. Important to know if they’ll be properly staffed for your event and can help with figuring out gratuities at a later date.
3. What do the servers wear?
   1. This one is important for the classier weddings. If they have a blue jean uniform but you’re hosting a black tie affair you might want to request that they wear something different if possible.
4. Do they provide beverages and alcohol?
   1. Some caterers do, some don’t. If they don’t you’ll need to figure out who is providing that service and who is providing things like ice, cups, napkins, mixers.
5. Do they charge per person or by the amount of alcohol/food consumed?
   1. Per person is a great method for figuring it out. If you know there are heavy drinkers/eaters attending your wedding this question can help make sure you’re not going over budget. If they charge by amount consumed, maybe think about drink tickets.
6. What is the gratuity percentage?
   1. Do they include gratuities? If so, how much and who gets it? Sometimes the business will take a cut of the gratuities included, you’ll want to tip your servers on after that. Trust me, they’re not getting paid anymore than minimum wage so tips are much appreciated.
7. What is the total cost and what is required for a deposit?
   1. You need to know the specifics ahead of time! See if they include taxes and fees on top of that. This question is important, especially if you are trying to keep within budget! Little bits add up quickly!
8. When does the caterer need your final food choices and guest count?
   1. Be sure to write it down and make sure that your RSVPs are returned by that date and that you give yourself an additional week or so in order to call anyone who you have not received RSVPs from.
9. Can leftover food from the event be packaged to take home or donated?
   1. Where does your extra food go at the end of the night?! You’re paying for it, be sure you know what the plans are after dinner.

Hopefully this list of questions to ask your caterer before and during the tour can help you to stay on track and pick the best caterer for you! If you’re looking for more information on planning your wedding be sure to check out this blog:  https://eventslayerapp.com/how-to-plan-a-wedding-choosing-your-vendors/