How to Choose a Caterer for a Company Event
Catered company events can be fun and many are also very important for the success of introducing new programs, business meetings or saying thanks to employees. Learning how to choose a caterer for a company event will teach you how to find caterers, what services to hire, questions to ask and how to book events.
Finding Caterers
Understand your responsibilities for hiring caterers for a business event. Confirm whether you have a free hand to choose your own caterers or if there is a specific catering service required by your company. Establish if there is a budget and if so how much? Confirm the date and time for the function and the theme. Ask whether it is a formal or informal gathering.
Utilize recommendations from work associates, friends and relatives. Check with clubs, churches or other associations that have used caterers in the past for recommendations. Carefully search the Internet for caterers specializing in company events.
Catering Services
Identify catering services that cater to your event location. Establish whether they only serve food or liquor too. Are you responsible for linens, tables and chairs or does their service include these? Inquire whether tableware, silverware and glassware are provided by the service. Some caterers offer to include decorations for party themes, music, balloons and flowers for a price. Determine if services include a wait staff or if it is your responsibility.
Questions/Concerns
Work with a service that you feel comfortable with and has your best interests in mind. If the catering business cannot or does not want to provide for your needs, choose one that will.
Compare menu selections and options from at least a half a dozen caterers. Good food served hot and in a timely fashion should be top priority. Ask whether there is a charge to taste their food before hiring.
How to Book Catering Events
Ask to see photos of other events by each caterer. Enquire about client references. Better yet, make arrangements to attend an event that they are catering to see how they perform.
Check credentials. Each catering company should be insured and licensed for the area they are serving. Visit the Better Business Bureau to view complaints.
Fill out a contract listing all the details the caterer will provide and any conditions that you must provide as well. Specific details should include dates, times, menus, costs, cancellation fees, equipment, seating arrangements and the number of guests to be served.
Consider not hiring a catering service for a business event if they will not sign an agreement. Contract agreements protect you just as much as they do the caterer in the event that something goes wrong.