Questions to ask your wedding caterer

Catering will be a big part of what you pay for your wedding and what your guests remember. These are some questions every couple should ask when they're interviewing a wedding caterer.

Basic Screening Questions: Before you get to the tastings, you want to narrow down your options. Once you identify your best prospects that are available for your wedding date, ask these questions.
• Do you have all the necessary licenses and permits? Make sure they're licensed and insured. If they're serving liquor, they obviously need a liquor license too. For some venues, you may need special permits so clarify who's responsible for getting them.
• What experience do you have? You want to know how many years they've been in business and how many weddings they've done.
• Are you familiar with our venue? It's often advantageous to get a caterer who's worked in your chosen venue before. If you're talking with a caterer before finalizing your venue, the caterer may have some valuable suggestions.

Questions about the Food and Beverages: Examine the sample menus carefully. Let the caterer know your special needs and wishes.
• What kind of food do you specialize in? It's usually easiest to start with a caterer who specializes in your kind of dining.
• Can you handle special requests? Make sure they can accommodate all your guests including vegans, vegetarians and people with any kind of medical needs like diabetes.
• Can you serve alcohol? If your caterer will be serving alcohol, cover all those questions too including who provides the alcohol and the pricing.
• Will you be doing the cake? Your catering may include the cake or you may want to use another baker. Ask about cake cutting fees in any case.

Clarifying the Presentation: You want everything to look as good as it tastes. Try to get an idea of the overall effect you'll achieve.
• What do the servers wear? The best caterers usually use their own serving staff. They can tell you their dress code.
• Can you show me pictures? Look at photos of similar events to be sure they match your expectations.

Discussing Logistics and Other Services: Caterers handle more than just the food and drinks. Make sure you know everything that's included and the related charges.
• Will you take care of the set up? Ask if the caterer provides tables, chairs, linens, glasses, flatware, plates, salt and pepper shakers and place cards. Know who's responsible for arranging any rentals.
• Who does the clean up? If the caterer is doing the clean up, make sure you both understand every detail that entails. Most contracts make you responsible for leaving the venue as you found it.
• How are the leftovers handled? Let the caterer know if you want the leftovers given to you or a designated family member or friend or you may want to donate them to a local food bank.
• Do you provide any additional event services? Some caterers have branched out into every aspect of managing a wedding. You may be able to contract with them for additional services like serving as your wedding coordinator. They may also be able to recommend other vendors you'll need.

Developing a Contract: Get everything in writing. If you make changes, get them in writing too.
• Will you give me some references? Get a couple of recent references for weddings similar in size and style to your own.
• What are your payment and refund policies? Understand all the policy terms including deposits, whether they accept credit cards, and the dates for payments and guaranteed guest counts.
• Can you explain your pricing breakdown and any additional fees? Review a line item budget including taxes and service charges. List any additional fees like overtime charges.

Write all your questions down in advance and take them with you so you'll be sure to cover everything. Interviewing wedding caterers thoroughly will help you avoid unexpected charges and allow you to focus on each other without worrying about the food.