When choosing a catering company, ask about their experience with similar events, sample menus, pricing structure, booking timeline, staff qualifications, and references from past clients. The right questions help you identify caterers like Berman & Wallace who prioritise food quality, professional service, and reliable execution that matches your vision and budget.

Evaluating The Experience Of A Catering Company

Past performance offers valuable insights into what you can expect for your event. Ask potential catering companies about their history with venues similar to yours, as familiarity with a location streamlines many logistical elements. Request examples of previous events that resemble what you’re planning in size, style, and purpose. Discuss any challenging situations they’ve handled successfully, such as weather disruptions for outdoor events or last-minute guest count changes. Look for caterers who have worked with your specific type of gathering, whether it’s a corporate function, wedding, or milestone celebration. These experience-related questions help identify providers with relevant skills for your particular needs.

Menu Assessment

Food quality remains the most visible aspect of any catered event. Sample tastings provide valuable first-hand experience of what guests will receive, though some caterers charge for this service (often credited back if you book). Ask about ingredient sourcing practices to understand the quality standards used in their kitchens. Discuss menu customisation possibilities to ensure they can accommodate your vision rather than merely offering fixed packages. Review how dietary requirements are handled, from common allergies to religious restrictions to lifestyle choices like vegetarianism. Question whether seasonal adjustments might affect your planned menu if you’re booking well in advance. These culinary discussions help ensure the food meets your expectations and suits your guest list.

Understanding Pricing

Budget clarity prevents unpleasant financial surprises after your event. Request detailed quotes that itemise all potential charges rather than simple per-person estimates that might hide additional costs. Ask what’s included in standard packages versus add-on items that increase the final bill. Discuss deposit requirements, payment schedules, and cancellation policies before signing any agreements. Inquire about potential extra charges like service time extensions, special equipment needs, or staff travel for distant venues. Compare proposals based on overall value rather than just the lowest price point. These financial conversations help create realistic budgets while preventing misunderstandings about what you’re paying for.

How to Choose a Catering Company Based on Staffing

The team serving your event significantly impacts the guest experience. Ask about staff-to-guest ratios for different service styles, from buffets to plated meals to reception formats. Discuss server qualifications, training standards, and typical experience levels for event teams. Review uniform options to ensure staff appearance aligns with your event’s formality level. Confirm whether supervisors will be present throughout to manage the team and handle any issues that arise. Ask about contingency plans for staff illness or other last-minute personnel changes. These staffing questions help ensure appropriate service levels for your particular event format.

Logistical Planning

Practical details determine how smoothly your event unfolds. Discuss the timeline for when important decisions must be finalised, from menu selection to final guest counts. Ask about setup and breakdown requirements, including how much time they need before and after your event. Review their equipment provisions versus what might need separate rental arrangements through other vendors. Discuss venue requirements they’ve encountered at similar locations, from kitchen facilities to power needs to access restrictions. Ask about transportation plans, particularly for venues with challenging delivery circumstances. These operational questions help identify potential complications before they affect your event.

Checking Catering Company References

Third-party feedback provides valuable perspective beyond the catering company’s own claims. Request contact information for recent clients who held events similar to yours. Ask these references specific questions about reliability, problem-solving, and whether the final experience matched what was promised. Look for online reviews while recognising that extremely positive and negative accounts might not represent typical experiences. Contact venues where the caterer works frequently to gauge their professional reputation among industry partners. Ask whether previous clients would hire this caterer again for future events. These reference checks help confirm