Hiring a caterer isn't as easy as many people imagine. One of the overwhelming things about it is the number of catering companies looking for customers. Some of these companies offer substandard services because they are only after quick cash. If you have a special event to be attended by your special guests, you must choose a caterer you are 100% sure won't let you down.
Here are the top five things to know before you hire a caterer.
1. The budget may be bigger
The first step in hiring a caterer is to develop a budget. Like in all other industries, catering companies come in different forms and shapes. And the charges involved also vary from one caterer to the next. So when creating a budget, remember to take care of extra charges. Your budget should not be just about the food to be prepared and the amount you'll pay the caterer. You must factor in extra charges like gratuities and taxes in your budget. Your caterer may also have some extras that may require you to dig deeper into your pockets. Caterers like Hibachi Catering Los Angeles will inform you of all the charges beforehand to make it easier for you to budget.
2. Not all foods taste as the caterers claim
Some caterers hype their meals, using exaggerated terms to describe them. The only way to be sure you are getting what you deserve is to taste the food. Once you develop a menu for your guests, visit the caterer and taste the foods on your menu. If you aren't convinced they are what you are looking for, you could move on to the next company. You can't wait to be embarrassed on the day you are hosting the event. You might be surprised that what a caterer claims to be fresh food isn't actually fresh.
3. Not all foods are prepared the same
You may not know it, but if you order the same meals from different caterers, you may be surprised at how they taste differently. Cooking meals is a talent and a skill. Some caterers also specialize in serving specific types of food. So before you settle on a caterer, find out what they are good at. If you are looking for the best Los Angeles event catering, talk to about three to five caterers before picking the best one for the type of service and food you want for your guests.
Variation also comes in pricing. Some caterers charge lower prices than others, but it is worth remembering that going for cheap services may compromise quality.
4. Terms and conditions differ
Before hiring a catering company, read and understand their terms and conditions. Event catering in Los Angeles comes with different terms and conditions. So, before hiring a caterer, find out about their payment schedule, cancellation policy, and how much they charge for changes to the menu and guest list, among other things. Agree to sign the contract only if the terms and conditions are favorable. Otherwise, you can look elsewhere.
5. Confirm everything from references
Most catering companies don't deliver on what they promise. To be sure you'll get what you ordered, confirm from references. You can ask those who have hired them to find out whether what they claim is true. You can also check their online reviews.
Conclusion
To get a good caterer, you need to consider the five actors above. If you have a one-off event and want it to be memorable, you must invest energy and resources in identifying the best catering company.