How To Choose A Caterer For A Party

6 June 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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When it comes to making arrangements for a party, you can save yourself the additional worry and work by hiring a professional caterer to provide the food, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your guests.

Decide on your budget and the type of food you want

The first thing to do is to decide on how much you have available in your budget to spend on catering.  A nice idea is to provide finger food catering as a buffet so that guests can circulate easily without the formality of seating.  This format works really well on occasions like informal family parties where children are attending, as they can run around and have fun without the ties of a formal sit-down meal.

Ask for recommendations

If possible, ask for recommendations for a catering firm from people that you know. 

If you decide to Google caterers or look through your local paper's classified section, be sure to also check for reviews and references for these companies on the internet.  If other users have experienced good or poor service, you're sure to find details online.

Compile a short list

Once you've completed your search, compile a short list of suitable companies.  If you can find someone local to the venue of the party, you can remove logistical worries and avoid the possibility of the caterer being delayed due to traffic. 

Contact each one and explain the nature of the event you require catering for.  It's helpful if you can find someone who has catered for an informal party or family gathering previously, as they may be able to make some useful suggestions as regards format and menu.  Ask for a sample of a finger food menu based on your budget, and remember to request vegetarian content too so that all your guests are accommodated.  Most experienced catering firms will also be able to provide a range of suitable finger foods for kids.

The company you choose should provide you with a contract detailing exactly what they will be providing you with and when.  Make sure that you read the contract carefully, as this will be your only comeback if things are not satisfactory on the day.

In conclusion

A family party should be great fun for everyone attending.  You can help to make things go smoothly and save yourself a lot of work by using the services of an experienced professional caterer in your area.