Hiring A Professional Team For Your Catering Functions

By Author: Stephen John
Total Articles: 65

Looking for a catering team for a function you’re planning? Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when looking for a team to handle your event.

Determine your event needs.
The first thing you should do is to list down what you need for the event. Will it be a formal one, or you’re planning for a cozy type of function? How many is expected to attend? And most especially, where and when will it be held? Of course, while it’s usually recommended to go with professional caterers specializing in your chosen type of event, you can also find all-around companies that can handle your event just fine. Specify first what needs to be done so you can discuss your preferences clearly with the caterers.

Make a list of caterers.
Even if you’re planning a more particular event – say a company function, for instance, don’t limit yourself to caterers specializing in such event types. Many often get good discounts from hiring a private catering that offers services for a variety of event types. Make a list of caterers you can check out from your area. Your list may consist of suggestions from your social circles – remember, personal references will be critical here. Or you can also opt to check out online directories of caterers operating in your locale. You can check here for event caterer Sydney

Know about the services offered.
For each of the functions catering company in your list, make it a point to know more about the services they offer. You can check out their special menus, the venues they cater to, their preferred partner suppliers, as well as the company portfolio for different types of events they’ve handled in the past. This will save you a lot of time checking out only those companies that offer the kinds of services you want, hence helping make a shortlist of companies that can provide your event needs.

Interview caterers.
Know about the caterer’s availability on the dates and venue you’ve chosen for your event. This is also the best time to discuss or give a hint about the budget you can afford to spare for the event. Just give your target budget range – sometimes it’s not advisable to divulge up to how much you can pay so you can also get big discounts from the company in the process. During the interview, take note of their industry credentials and experience, as well as the catering function packages and services they can offer for the event depending on your budget and specific preferences.

Ask for a proposal and tasting sessions.
It’s advisable to ask for proposals from 2 or 3 of your chosen catering candidates so you can easily compare the types of services and packages you can get from each company. While you have your own preferences for the menu and other event catering essentials, it’s still recommended to work with your chosen catering functions company when building the menu. This will help you plan better the menu appropriate for your target occasion and number of attendees. If you have special requests or concerns, better discuss them right from the beginning.

Know about the total expenses.
To avoid surprises in the end, make it a point to discuss package costs and the included services right from the start. It will also help if you can have a signed agreement or contract with the caterer. Also know about cancellation terms and conditions, if any, as well as the payment schedules. If you can afford to get additional services apart from the catering itself, make sure to discuss promos and discounts you can avail so you can make the most of your budget. You can check out private catering in IconEventCatering to get started on your event planning.