Event Planning for Dummies: Tips to a Successful Catering Event

Planning events require organization and a lot of attention to detail. Whether it is a big event for a business or company or a smaller more intimate event for a family reunion, hiring an event caterer must be on the top of your to-do list in order to pull off a successful event. Event planning is not an easy job so having an event planner or caterer with experience on your side will save you a great deal of time and stress!

To make sure you are super prepared, here are some top questions you should ask you event planner or caterer:

1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?
2. What types of food do they offer?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. What are their prices?
5. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions?
6. How many types of staff will they provide (servers, bartenders, etc) and what will they wear?
7. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared?
8. If my event location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will they be able to bring in the necessary appliances (refrigerators, grills, etc.)?
9. Do they work with fresh or frozen food?
10. How will the food be served (buffet style, table service, etc)?
11. How long will it take them to set up and break down the event?
12. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
13. When will I need to finalize the menu?
14. Is there a deposit needed?
15. When in the final balance due?

You may be confused and a bit overwhelmed but take a deep breath and relax...event planners and caterers work to ease your mind and your stress.

To help, take these 5 steps to assure your event planning process goes as smoothly as possible:

Step #1:  Plan early. Catering services can get booked up to a year in advance, so contact them as quickly as possible in the planning process.

Step #2:  Decide how you want the food served; buffet style or table service, because different caterers specialize in different areas

Step #3:  Ask for references and background information to ensure that the caterer is the right fit for your event

Step #4:  Request food samples. The taste is everything!

Step #5:  Ask for a full price quote and the payment schedule. Some may require a deposit. Also, make sure any fees, such as travel and cleanup costs, are included.

*BEWARE of hidden costs! Do not sign a contract without a price guarantee; otherwise you might get hit with surprise charges on your event day.

Choose a planner or caterer that really listens to you and who you feel comfortable working with. Today, the event industry can be cut-throat and some will do anything to get the gig, even if that means scamming you. So, do your homework and find that awesome event company that is there for you,  genuine and personable, and the rest will work itself out!