| If you are in charge of planning a special event, it is | | | | you haven't defined. If you specify what you want, |
| likely you will need to hire a catering firm to help with | | | | you have the right to expect they will be done, but if |
| the preparations. In order to ensure a successful | | | | you are vague, you may have an unpleasant surprise. |
| function, professionals in the catering business help | | | | The caterer should also define areas where there are |
| keep track of the thousands of details that combine | | | | often misconceptions, but the information must be |
| to make things go smoothly. These guidelines will help | | | | provided to the professionals before you can assume |
| you choose a catering firm that gets the job done | | | | it will be done. |
| for you. | | | | Bids from the caterer should be defined at a level to |
| You have responsibilities to those individuals or firms | | | | let you see what you will be getting for your money. |
| you contact about providing catering services. It is up | | | | Caterers must perform the tasks that were in the |
| to you to define the type of event you want and | | | | bid proposal and you should insist of revisions of the |
| the number of people you expect. Caterers need to | | | | bid if you don't see the items you were expecting. |
| know whether you want a buffet or servers and | | | | Expect to do some careful reference checking for |
| whether the event will be in a building or in a park. | | | | the catering firms you are considering. Do not stop |
| You won't know all of the details, but you should | | | | with reading the ads or brochures about the |
| define at least the general parameters for the event. | | | | qualifications of the firm. Insist on talking personally to |
| Catering firms tend to specialize in certain types of | | | | satisfied customers. You can also look online for |
| events. You should keep that fact in mind when | | | | business review sites. |
| choosing a caterer for your function. A catering | | | | Food presentation is an important part of any |
| business that plans and carries out a wedding | | | | catered event. You need to be sure that the caterer |
| reception may not be able to do as well at planning a | | | | you select is able to prepare the type of food that |
| birthday party for children. Try to find a caterer who | | | | you choose. Fancy sit-down dinners require a |
| is able to do the type of event you are planning and | | | | different type of food preparation than large scale |
| do it well. You also want a caterer who can make | | | | buffet meals. The ability to prepare ethnic cuisines is |
| each event look unique. | | | | not necessarily transferable from one cook to the |
| Do not assume the catering firm will perform tasks | | | | next. |