6 Catering Tips to Find the Right Caterer
Finding the right caterer can be a time consuming and daunting experience. It’s your big day and you want everything to be memorable especially the food. Here are 6 valuable tips that will help you find the right caterer.
#1. Know your budget
Knowing what your budget is will save you time and energy. If you have an unlimited budget then you are free to go after any caterer you choose without anything holding you back. If you are on a limited budget let the caterer know sooner rather than later. It’s best to know up front rather than later in the process if a caterer is too expensive for you. The last thing you want to do is waste your time if you are not in even in the same ballpark price-wise. Feel free to ask a caterer upfront what their catering price range is and share your budget with them.
#2. Choose a caterer that has been in business a while
Hiring a new catering company can be scary, and certainly, there are new caterers that excel at their craft, but we suggest hiring a catering company that has been in business at least 2-3 years, and/or have catered at least 50+ events. If your event has a large guest count, be sure they have catered large-scale events as well. This will help avoid a possible disaster.
#3. Check out their reviews & look to the community/Internet for help
Check out caterers’ reviews on sites such as Yelp, Wedding Wire, The Knot and local wedding blogs. You may also get information from your venue from their preferred vendor lists. And the good ole word of mouth is a huge plus.
#4. Do they offer tastings? Be sure to request a tasting
Catering companies can “put on a show” for a tasting but you will get a good idea of the quality of food. And if the food is just okay or below average chances are it may be worse on your big day so you may want to continue your search.
#5. Choose a caterer that responds to you in a timely manner
Your initial communication, whether it is by phone or email, is the first impression you will get from the catering company; choose a catering company that is not only quick to respond to your request but also has a representative that is easily accessible and informative. Ask yourself, if you have to chase them around before you have paid for their services, how will you be treated after you have paid?
#6. How far is the commissary kitchen
We have all been to that wedding or event that had the rubber chicken or the dried out fish? Well, the reason is because the food was cooked offsite at a commissary kitchen and transported to the venue. And who knows how long the food sits during transport or how long it sits in chafing dishes before it is actually served.
What sets us apart?
Curiocity Catering has been in business since 2011. We have catered over 250+ events ranging from weddings/receptions to corporate events and large gatherings. We have catered intimate private events for 25, and large-scale events up to 1,000 guests.
We are proud of our positive online presence, so check us out on Yelp, Wedding Wire, The Knot, local wedding blogs etc. Curiocity Catering is listed as a preferred vendor at over 10 venues throughout San Diego County.
We offer tastings events twice a month so you can see and taste the quality of the food and the care that goes into every dish we prepare. Curiocity Catering is one of the few caterers that prepares and cooks FRESH ON SITE! We are literally cooking as we are serving so the food you taste at the tasting is what you are to expect for your event.
We pride ourselves on answering all inquiries promptly and with professionalism, and due to our experience, can provide custom options and suggestions so your event is a success.