Top 10 Things To Know Before Hiring A Caterer

Finding the perfect caterer for your event doesn't have to be time consuming or a hassle. Ask these 10 questions to ensure you hire a professional who can make your event a dream come true.

1) Do they have a food, liquor, and (dram shop) workman's comp license?

Professional caterers have all the required licenses to legally operate a food business in the state which means they understand the proper methods for preparing food and keeping everything sanitary. Make the mistake of hiring a fly-by-night caterer who doesn't have the proper licenses and you could find yourself dealing with a food-borne illness and the Illinois Health Department.

2) How many years have they been in business?

The longer a caterer has been in business, the more likely they are to have the necessary experience to prepare delicious foods and execute an event for large quantities of people. A good rule of thumb is to only work with caterers that have at least 10 years of experience (AND quality testimonials).

3) Do they require you to sign a contract?

To ensure that the caterer accomplishes what you want them to and that they receive payment in exchange for their services, caterers often request a signed contract or a deposit after you approve their proposal. And don't forget to keep a copy of the contract/proposal for your records.

4) Are there any hidden costs?

Do you know how much your event is really costing you? Shady caterers love to quote you a low price and then tack on hidden fees when they send you the bill. So, when you receive your caterer's proposal, make sure that everything is clearly spelled out.

5) Do they have a list of referrals for you to contact?

The only true way to determine if a caterer is as good as you think they are is to listen to what past customers have to say. Check out the testimonials and even give past customers a call to see what went well and what didn't.

6) Will the staff arrive on time for your event?

This goes without saying, but you'd be surprised how often miscommunication occurs and the caterer doesn't show up with enough time to set up and distribute the food.

7) How is the food presented and is it kept at a safe temperature?

The longer food stays out the higher the risk of food-borne illness. The Illinois Health Department has strict rules to keep you and your guests safe. Make sure your caterer understands these rules and keeps your hot food heated, and your cold food chilled.

8) Who keeps the leftover food?

Good caterers always prepare extra food. So, at the end of your event you will undoubtedly have leftovers. It's important that you and your caterer understands what happens to the leftover food. Does it get wrapped up for you to keep? Does it get thrown out? Does the caterer take it back with them?

9) When is the final payment due?

The quickest route to frustration is miscommunication about the money. It's standard for caterers to request a deposit when booking your event, and then request full payment at least a week before the event. Make sure your catering proposal clearly outlines when payment is due, if not, ask right away.

10) Who is responsible for cleanup?

If you pay a caterer for full service, cleanup should be included. All quality caterers automatically plan on cleaning up, so it's a sure sign you're working with a small-time caterer when they want you to do the cleaning.

The difference between a magical event and a nightmare can be attributed to the caterer you select. Finding out the answers to each of these 10 questions before you make a decision is the safest way to ensure you work with a quality caterer.