Cape Fear Wedding: Choosing a caterer

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Photo by Frank Bua

    The question of whether to use a caterer, a hotel, a restaurant, or fix your own food is more a matter of choice than cost.
   It's difficult to plan, buy food, rent goods, prepare, serve and clean up after a party and then really enjoy being at the party. Friends who could help out may prefer to be guests instead of volunteer workers.
    A professional caterer will help you plan your menu according to your wishes and budget and can supply almost all of the party needs, including table covering, dishes, silver, ice, music, servers and cleanup people. The professional caterer has the experience to really help you present a successful party with much less stress and worry.
    It makes little difference if your party is for 50 or 500. Your caterer will allow you to order as many or as few of his services as you require or as your budget allows.

   Don't be bashful. Ask what is included. You should expect a complete written quotation covering the selected food, services and extras hou have ordered and their cost. Know in advance what you are getting and the total cost.
    Be prepared to pay a deposit in advance for the caterer to begin ordering your services, food and servers.

Why a caterer? | Choosing your caterer | What to expect

Photo by Frank Bua

Choosing your caterer
    You've made the decision to hold your reception at home, or in a location that doesn't provide its own food service.
   Now you have to select your caterer. A referral would be fine but you don't have one. There are dozens of caterers in the area. Which one will be the proper choice? You've been told about things that can go wrong: Bad food, not enough food, poor service, faulty equipment, late service, etc.
    The solution: ask these key questions. The answers will help you come up with your choice. Competent caterers will welcome questions and give you honest answers.

Have you catered this type of event?
You don't want anyone practicing on your special event.
Is the staff well-trained and courteous?
A clumsy butler is funny only in the movies.
Can you handle the number of guests I am expecting?
It takes experience to deal with large numbers.
Do you have access to related services?
The relationship between various services is crucial.
How do you deal with last-minute problems?
I have enough pressure. I don't want my caterer collapsing under his.
What are the true and final costs?
Know up front exactly what you are getting for your money.
Most important, do you operate a Health Department licensed kitchen?
Ask to see the license, the kitchen, and the most recent Health Department inspection rating. Some caterers operate in less than optimal conditions.

    After the interviews ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with this company? Can I call frequently for reassurance? If you get positive responses, your choice will be easier.

Why a caterer? | Choosing your caterer | What to expect

What to expect
   Whether your wedding reception is being held at a facility that does its own catering, or you are having an outside caterer handle the arrangements, you should consult the caterer's staff early.
   They will work with you to establish a food budget. Once your budget is set, your caterer will help you to select an appropriate menu for the time of day. Because a caterer is experienced in planning and working with large groups, they have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that a sufficient quantity of food will be properly refrigerated and/or heated on your special day. Not only does your caterer select, purchase, and prepare the food, a full-service caterer will do the setup, serving, and cleaning as well.
    Most catering services also provide table linens, china, and silverware as part of their service. Be sure to ask your caterer what services are include in your price quote. Also, coordinate arrangements between your caterer and any rental service providing equipment for the reception.
    Using a professional caterer allows your family and friends to participate in your wedding and enjoy the day as guests, not workers. So let a caterer attend to all the necessary tasks of making sure the refreshments and hors d'oeuvres are always fresh and plentiful. A good caterer will also help arrange an appropriate floor plan with your rental facility to ensure that your guests are accommodated in the most comfortable way.
    When shopping for a caterer, check references and look through photo albums of past wedding receptions. Interview each company to determine what services you will be receiving. Make sure you are comfortable with the caterer and the staff, and get written commitment of all services they will provide. A competent, qualified caterer will welcome your questions, answer them, and make you feel confident that they can handle your receptions with skill and ease.

Why a caterer? | Choosing your caterer | What to expect
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