How to Pick a Catering Service: Everything You Need to Know

Planning an event requires a lot of hard work. There are a lot of moving parts you need to plan out to pull off a successful event. Everything from the decorations, entertainment, and theme must be perfect for ensuring your guests have a good time. 

Of course, what event is complete without food?

Picking an option for food can take up a lot of time. There are lots of things to consider when you pick a catering service. To make things a little easier, here are some things to keep in mind when you’re deciding.

Pick a Catering Service Based on the Style of the Event

The type of event you’re hosting will help narrow down the catering service you use. Formal, semi-formal, and informal events all have different styles that affect the kind of food you’ll want. Your catering choice also needs to fit the theme of your event as well.

Some caterers offer a wide variety of services, while others focus on refinement with what they offer. Ask about their services and how they will fit with your event. 

Schedule a Taste Test

You should always do your due diligence when you hire anyone for their services. One of the most important things you can do when considering a caterer is to do a catering taste test. Even if the caterer seems like they know what they’re doing, you want to taste what they offer before you serve it to your guests.

You can also discuss what foods best suit your event, whether it’s filet mignon, roast chicken, or burger boxes.

Know Your Budget

Before you look at caterers, you need to know what you can afford. If you have a sizeable budget, a full-service caterer could be a good option based on the style of the event. Full-service offers many types of catering services.

Full-service is like renting a restaurant. Not only do they provide food, but they also supply dishes and silverware. They will also serve your guests their food, bus tables, and clean up. 

If you’re on a tight budget, drop-and-go could be what’s best for you. The catering service brings the food already prepared and drops it off. They also usually provide disposable plates and plasticware. 

Look for References

You may think a caterer is experienced, and you can even like their food, but you should look at what other people have said about them. Ask them for references or testimonials of work they’ve done in the past. Reading online reviews is also a good way to get lots of opinions from different people. 

Be Vigilant When Looking for Choices

When you’re looking at catering services, do your due diligence before committing to a choice. Before you pick a catering service, consider your event style and theme and your budget. As you narrow down choices, look at their references and reviews, and taste test their food.

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