Tips For Getting Your Event Catered
Planning a catered event may sound intimidating, but it can actually simplify your hosting duties to bring in professional help. Getting your event catered lets you relax and enjoy the evening with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen or rushing to refill drinks and serving trays. But if you want your entertaining to go smoothly, it helps to put in a little planning when arranging for your event catering. Check out these catering tips from Hall Acura Virginia Beach:
Book a caterer in advance
Caterers, especially the most popular ones, are often booked weeks or months in advance. For large events such as weddings or milestone anniversaries, you may want to book as early as a year in advance. However, smaller events can often be booked with much shorter notice. Just remember that you’re likely to have more options when you plan further in advance.
Get recommendations
One of the best ways to find a great caterer is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you’ve been to a party where you particularly enjoyed the food, don’t be afraid to ask the host who catered the event. If you need to look beyond your personal circle of friends, you can also use the internet to search for local recommendations and business reviews.
Consider smaller catering companies
While large catering companies may have a more solid reputation, don’t overlook up-and-coming caterers. Many smaller companies will be eager to offer fabulous food and friendly service as they work on building up their client lists. They also tend to be more affordable, and they may continue to give you a repeat-customer discount even after they find success.
Plan for your appointment
Before meeting with a caterer, be sure to prepare for the appointment. You should know the approximate number of guests for your event, your general budget, and the planned date (or dates if you are flexible). It also helps if you have a basic theme in mind or at least know the level of formality of your event. Based on this information, the caterer will be able to advise you about the various options which will create the event of your dreams.
Buffet or wait staff
The cost of your catering will vary widely, but food isn’t the only factor in your total price. If you plan to have table service or passed appetizers, you will also have to pay for the wait staff. You can save money by planning a self-serve buffet, and still have a memorable touch with a carving station, an omelet bar, or other specialty dish. You can also provide a hosted bar with a bartender. A good caterer will work with you to offer options which will meet your needs while still staying within your budget.