Being a cater in Rochester for 20 years, I found the following tips to be important for my customers and myself.
1. Look for a caterer in Rochester NY that is licensed and insured.
They should have a county-permitted kitchen for you to visit and inspect upon request. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of insurance you will be surprised by how many caterers do not have one.
2. Ask them what type of catering they have done before?
An example of this would be:
There are special details methods that go into planning a wedding or a open house that an experienced pro can help provide. Many caterers provide planning inclusive of their service. You buy the menu; they help with the entire production as a planner. They can act as your wedding hosts.
3. Preview an event portfolio or even an event to see how it is going. Is it running smooth? Do they have enough food? Is the staff pleasant and not under a lot of stress?
Pictures do speak a thousand words about style and execution. Do they match what you actually see at the event or do the pictures look like the event you imagine?
4. Never be afraid to ask a caterer for a list of previous clients or references and don’t be afraid to phone them.
Be sure to ask questions such as: Was the caterer on time? Were you happy with the service? Would you hire the caterer again? Was the final bill what you agreed upon?
5. Request a tasting of the caterer’s menu or recommendations. It does cost the cater time and money and so some may ask for a tasting fee.
6. Try to know your budget from day one. This is the best way for a caterer to know what to propose to you for your event. Some caterers will work with you to meet you in the middle. If you want to ask for a discount on a pricey item, do so, or ask the caterer’s opinion on ways to cut back. Any good caterer will know how to make changes to help stay in budget and still WOW your guests.
7. If the budget seems to be problem, ask the caterer if you can supply some of your own food items. Their concern will be product liability insurance; meaning they can’t be held responsible for food they didn’t make. If it’s important to you, offer to sign a waiver, or agree that you will provide your own insurance. It can be that easy. Anything can be settled with the right attitude, but please remember this is their living and they need to be compensated for the work that they do for you.
8. Ask for a contract, and make sure you understand it. Be aware there are some caterers whom have hidden expenses such as a per-slice-cake cutting fee. You may have to pay overtime for wait staff who stays beyond the pre-arranged time. These fees are usually not applied until your final invoice.
9. Plan on letting your cater know about other vendors whom are working your event. Your caterer should be aware of everything that will be going on; deliveries, decorations, and friends/family who have volunteered to help.
10. Here is one important thought you must have. Is it more important for you to have 150 people for cheese and crackers, or 50 for a sit-down dinner Be sure you make this decision before speaking with your caterer as it will be easier to stay within your budget and not make quick decisions that you may regret later. Whatever you decide, an experienced caterer has done it all before, and can offer you great advice to make your event fabulous.
