Are you planning an important occasion or special dinner? There are a number of events that may require the expertise and ease of hiring a caterer. Whether you are working full-time, managing a household, or lack the gourmet touch, a caterer can help alleviate any event stress.
But how do you find the best caterer for your needs? You need to analyze your personal event goals and budget.
Next, do your research. Caterers are not one size fits all. Depending on dietary restrictions or food preferences, you can find the right fit.
Finally, once you have done the legwork of hiring the perfect team, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the event. Do away with the days of last-minute grocery shopping or preparing food hours before a party. A professional caterer can help you save time and aggravation.
But most importantly, they allow you to enjoy time with your guests and create event memories. Read on to discover the ultimate guide for hiring a caterer.
Establish Your Event Vision
Before hiring a caterer, you will need an event vision. An event vision is your dream scenario or party idea.
For example, are you hosting a summer cookout? Do you envision gingham tablecloths and casual fare? Or, are you hosting an elegant event that requires canapes and the works?
Collect Your Ideas
Hosting and planning events is fun! But you may be feeling overwhelmed and sidetracked by all the options.
What appetizers should I serve? Do those flavors go with this main dish? Where does the dessert come into play?
At this stage, try taming ideas. While, a professional caterer can offer food menus and advice, having a clear vision of what you want and do not want will make the process easier.
Consider the Guests
How many guests will be at this event? What are the guests’ preferences? What are their expectations?
When you think about your guests, you literally put a face to the event! This can help the event from feeling like an overwhelming affair.
Dietary Restrictions
By visualizing the guests, you become clear on your exact needs and wants for catering. This can also help reduce stress or mistakes down the line. If you already know your guest’s dietary restrictions, well done!
But, there may be some surprising food allergies or dislikes you never knew about. Did you forget a good portion of your friends doesn’t like goats’ cheese? Ah, good catch.
Try sending out an email to collect information about guests’ dietary restrictions. Or, on the event RSVP include an area to note this information. These are important details you will need to know when hiring a caterer.
Finalize the Vision
Organize your data and insights into a list format. You can create this in Excel or any document. Make it easy to follow and read.
This information will be especially helpful to pass on to your caterer. By following these steps, you can save time and help create the catering event you have always envisioned.
Consider Budget
Do you know your catering budget? A professional caterer should offer you different tiers of pricing or packages for your event. Depending on your budget, you may have to pick and choose certain extras.
For example, do you have the budget to serve appetizers and desserts? Depending on your guest’s preferences and expectations, you may have to make a choice.
Caterers can also give you great ideas to get the most out of your budget. By serving particular dishes or using seasonal ingredients, you can stretch the budget without sacrificing.
Know Limits and Accessibility
Catering events in your home or at a venue can present limits or accessibility challenges. For example, some venues don’t permit alcohol, grills, or open flames.
In your home, you may not have space for a buffet set-up. This is important information to know when hiring a caterer.
Find a Caterer Near You
Now that you have your event goals set, you can begin the research process to hire a caterer. You may have researched “best catering near me,” and feel overwhelmed by the options! How do you choose the right caterer?
Check out company reviews, websites, or social media platforms. These channels can reveal important insights about the company’s background, experience, and customer satisfaction. Using the research gathered above, like dietary restrictions or budget limitations can help narrow down the options.
Hire a Caterer
Found the perfect caterer? It’s almost party time! When planning your catering events, a professional team will launch your vision into a reality. They have noted your information, vision, and interests.
Collaborate and Create the Perfect Event
After hiring your dream caterer, fun event planning begins. Be prepared to wow your guests with the best catering food.
Delicious foods you may not have the skillset to make yourself are sure to take your event to the next level. You can work with your caterer to establish the menu, edit as needed, and collaborate on ideas to realize the event vision.
Hiring the Best Caterer Is a Must for Any Event
While hiring a caterer is an expense, consider it an event investment. Catering can save you time and stress. The best caterer knows creative ways to use your budget and can take care of event details that may have slipped your mind.
After all, important events like anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and more don’t happen every day. It’s important that you use a professional’s services to elevate these events. And, hiring a caterer should alleviate stress, not add to the equation!
When hiring a caterer, remember to assess your own event goals, vision, and budget. Write and store this information. Your caterer will make good use of it later.
Do your catering research and sort through the many options to find your perfect company. Finally, hire the caterer! Get ready to relax and enjoy your amazing event with delicious food! If you found this event guide helpful, check out our other culinary stories.
