Finding a caterer is not an easy job and calls for a well done homework before you begin your caterer search. Many aspects of the event need to be sorted before hiring or searching a catering service San Diego. To avoid any type of confusion it is better to understand your budget, venue, number of guests, menus, type of catering services required whether you want separate food catering services, desired number of waiting staff, the dress code of the wait staff (optional), presentation/ decoration and rental equipments.
Prepare a list of all these important things on a paper. May be you are good at remembering stuffs but it is always better to have a hard copy of list, to avoid forgetting.
Then begin the search for best catering service for your event. For better research of catering services try to search caterers in every possible field from internet to family and friends.
The Internet is a big reservoir of various catering service companies San Diego whether it is full party catering or mere food catering, you can find a caterer from any part of the world by using a major search engine like Google, Yahoo or MSN, at your convenience. The search can further be filtered according to the requirement. Moreover, there are many websites on which you can post your event and invite bids from various best-suited professionals, like Bidgourmet.com.
You can also ask your near and dear ones for their suggestions. Your personal experience in some party can also be helpful to make a choice of the catering services company. You can contact your friends whose party’s catering services you liked and take their caterers’ contact number. If you have any special food caterer in your mind then you can also hire separate food catering services and party catering services for your event.
Many other things are also to be considered while finding an appropriate caterer for your event like catering service company’s license, permits, insurance coverage, experience and hidden costs if any. Before finalizing any catering service San Diego it is always better to ask for their recent past references and make sure to call these references to know about their services.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Build a Relationship With Your Caterer
1. Look for a caterer San Diego that is licensed and insured in your city.
They should have a city-permitted kitchen for you to visit and inspect upon request.
2. Ask them if they have catered weddings before?
There are special nuanced methods that go into planning a wedding that an experienced pro can help provide. Many caterers provide wedding 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 DVD.
Pictures speak a thousand words about style and execution. Do their pictures look like the event you imagine?
4. Never be afraid to ask a caterer San Diego for a list of previous clients or references and 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.
Some caterer's may ask you for a tasting fee; but it could be money well spent.
6. Be honest with the caterer about your budget from day one.
Most 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. Also don't be afraid to ask for a breakdown of each item; then if you think you can supply something cheaper do so.
7. If the budget seems an insurmountable 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.
8. Ask for a contract, and make sure you understand it.
Be aware there may be hidden expenses such as a per-slice-cake cutting fee or overtime for wait staff who stay beyond the pre-arranged time. Some caters specify that a guest count can go up but not down. For example, if you told the caterer that one hundred guests are coming and only seventy-five arrive, then you are still going to be charged for the full 100 guests. If on the other hand, you tell the caterer the day before the wedding you are expecting ten extra guests, you will be charged for the extra guests. These fees are usually not applied until your final invoice.
9. Plan on bringing the caterer any necessary phone numbers or contacts.
Make sure your caterer has the numbers and names of any vendors hired for your wedding day. Your caterer should be aware of everything that will be going on; deliveries, decorations, and friends/family who have volunteered to help.
10. Remember the guest count is what will drive up the cost of your wedding.
Is it more important to 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 San Diego as it will be easier to stay within your budget and not make quick decisions you may regret later. Whatever you decide, an experienced caterer has done it all before, and can can offer you great advice to make your wedding reception fabulous.
They should have a city-permitted kitchen for you to visit and inspect upon request.
2. Ask them if they have catered weddings before?
There are special nuanced methods that go into planning a wedding that an experienced pro can help provide. Many caterers provide wedding 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 DVD.
Pictures speak a thousand words about style and execution. Do their pictures look like the event you imagine?
4. Never be afraid to ask a caterer San Diego for a list of previous clients or references and 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.
Some caterer's may ask you for a tasting fee; but it could be money well spent.
6. Be honest with the caterer about your budget from day one.
Most 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. Also don't be afraid to ask for a breakdown of each item; then if you think you can supply something cheaper do so.
7. If the budget seems an insurmountable 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.
8. Ask for a contract, and make sure you understand it.
Be aware there may be hidden expenses such as a per-slice-cake cutting fee or overtime for wait staff who stay beyond the pre-arranged time. Some caters specify that a guest count can go up but not down. For example, if you told the caterer that one hundred guests are coming and only seventy-five arrive, then you are still going to be charged for the full 100 guests. If on the other hand, you tell the caterer the day before the wedding you are expecting ten extra guests, you will be charged for the extra guests. These fees are usually not applied until your final invoice.
9. Plan on bringing the caterer any necessary phone numbers or contacts.
Make sure your caterer has the numbers and names of any vendors hired for your wedding day. Your caterer should be aware of everything that will be going on; deliveries, decorations, and friends/family who have volunteered to help.
10. Remember the guest count is what will drive up the cost of your wedding.
Is it more important to 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 San Diego as it will be easier to stay within your budget and not make quick decisions you may regret later. Whatever you decide, an experienced caterer has done it all before, and can can offer you great advice to make your wedding reception fabulous.
Catering and Weddings
Your wedding reception is the biggest party you will ever throw so you want to make sure you do it right. Choosing the right caterer San Diego is essential. Take it from me not all caterers are created equal.
Here is a list of tips to help your choose a great caterer
1. Get Referrals
A good place to start looking for a caterer is right in your own backyard. Ask your married friends, family and coworkers for referrals. You can also look in your local phone book. When you're interviewing your caterer, ask him/her to supply you with references. If the caterer refuses your request, it may be a good idea to leave and go onto the next interview.
2. Licenses & liability Insurance
Make sure the caterer is licensed in your state and has liability insurance. Insurance is very important in case one of your guests gets food poisoning (God Forbid!), chips a tooth, or is involved in an accident after leaving your reception. If the caterer does not have insurance, ask him/her if you can buy some.
3. Budget
The main thing you must consider is your budget. Before meeting with your caterer San Diego know exactly how much money you can afford to spend. A good caterer is creative and will gladly work with you to make sure you can stick to that budget. Do not let the caterer talk you into something you cannot afford as you do not need the extra stress worrying about how to pay for it.
4. Flexibility
Is your caterer flexible? Does he/she listen to your ideas and concerns. Will the caterer serve special food for guests with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, and people with food allergies. Would the caterer be willing to cook a special family dish?
5. Personality & Style
Do you feel comfortable with the caterer. Do you have similar tastes? Beware of the know-it-all caterer who tries to talk you into something you do not want.
6. Food
Be careful! The caterer will try to sell you the most expensive meal plans. Ask how much each plate will cost. How much food each person will receive. Will you serve hors d'oeuvres and what is the cost?
(Money Saving Tip: Tray pass hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and serve a lighter meal.)
Don't forget to ask about your wedding cake. Will they make one for you or do you need to bring your own. If the caterer is making the cake, do not assume they know how. Ask if they have any sample cakes you can see. Also you should show the caterer pictures of any cakes you like.
7. Taste Testing the Food
Most caterers San Diego will allow you to sample the planned dishes. This is very important as you do not want any surprises at your reception. Also, with any luck you may be able to taste a sample of your wedding cake.
8. Servers
Does the caterer provide waiter and waitresses. You will need approximately one server for every ten guests. Also you should ask what kind of clothes the waitstaff wears. Are you allowed to make wardrobe requests?
Here is a list of tips to help your choose a great caterer
1. Get Referrals
A good place to start looking for a caterer is right in your own backyard. Ask your married friends, family and coworkers for referrals. You can also look in your local phone book. When you're interviewing your caterer, ask him/her to supply you with references. If the caterer refuses your request, it may be a good idea to leave and go onto the next interview.
2. Licenses & liability Insurance
Make sure the caterer is licensed in your state and has liability insurance. Insurance is very important in case one of your guests gets food poisoning (God Forbid!), chips a tooth, or is involved in an accident after leaving your reception. If the caterer does not have insurance, ask him/her if you can buy some.
3. Budget
The main thing you must consider is your budget. Before meeting with your caterer San Diego know exactly how much money you can afford to spend. A good caterer is creative and will gladly work with you to make sure you can stick to that budget. Do not let the caterer talk you into something you cannot afford as you do not need the extra stress worrying about how to pay for it.
4. Flexibility
Is your caterer flexible? Does he/she listen to your ideas and concerns. Will the caterer serve special food for guests with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, and people with food allergies. Would the caterer be willing to cook a special family dish?
5. Personality & Style
Do you feel comfortable with the caterer. Do you have similar tastes? Beware of the know-it-all caterer who tries to talk you into something you do not want.
6. Food
Be careful! The caterer will try to sell you the most expensive meal plans. Ask how much each plate will cost. How much food each person will receive. Will you serve hors d'oeuvres and what is the cost?
(Money Saving Tip: Tray pass hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and serve a lighter meal.)
Don't forget to ask about your wedding cake. Will they make one for you or do you need to bring your own. If the caterer is making the cake, do not assume they know how. Ask if they have any sample cakes you can see. Also you should show the caterer pictures of any cakes you like.
7. Taste Testing the Food
Most caterers San Diego will allow you to sample the planned dishes. This is very important as you do not want any surprises at your reception. Also, with any luck you may be able to taste a sample of your wedding cake.
8. Servers
Does the caterer provide waiter and waitresses. You will need approximately one server for every ten guests. Also you should ask what kind of clothes the waitstaff wears. Are you allowed to make wardrobe requests?
Tips When Hiring a Catering Service
Here are some tips to think about if you are considering hiring an event catering service San Diego:
1. It is easier! The caterers will do all the work you just need to tell them how many guests and pick a menu. You probably want to plan on meeting with them about six times before the event to work out the kinks.
2. Hire them ahead of time. Many of the really good catering services San Diego might be booked a year in advance and certainly most of them will need a three to six month lead time in order to properly cater your event. Therefore, you'll need to start looking at catering services as soon as you know that you are going to need one. The further ahead you can book them the better your choices of caterers will be.
3. Sometimes bigger isn't better. Sometimes the biggest and most expensive event catering services aren't necessarily the best ones. A lot of the smaller ones may work harder as they are still building a reputation. Plus, sometimes the bigger ones use canned or packaged foods while the small ones will typically make everything from scratch.
4. Network. The event caterers typically have a network of complimentary services like florists, decorators and disc jockeys so if you're looking for any of these services you might want to ask your caterer who they might recommend. This could end up being easier and maybe even cheaper for you.
5. Do your homework. Before you hire anyone, you want to make sure you do your due diligence. Check all references to make sure that other clients were satisfied with the job of the caterer. Also you want to make sure that they are certified in safety procedures as well as food handling. The certification is done by your local Board of Health and they should just have it posted right in their place of business. In addition, get a copy of their liability insurance to make sure they are covered.
6. Make a visit. Before you make the final deal, visit the caterers in their place of business. Oftentimes they'll have little samples of their food and you want to take advantage of this to make sure that the production tastes good.
7. Payment. Usually you'll have to give the event catering service 50% up front to confirm the reservation. The final payment is usually due a couple of weeks before the event. If you need to cancel you want to notify the caterer as soon as you know because the sooner you can let them know the more of your deposit you will get back. Usually, however, if you cancel less than 30 days before the event you probably lose your whole deposit and maybe even a little bit more. It's always a good idea to read the fine print in your contract to find out what the penalties may be.
8. Budget. When working with an event catering service San Diego, you want to understate your budget a little bit so that you have a little wiggle room in case you have to make menu changes or add more guests. Most catered events usually end up costing more than the original quote so you can keep within your budget if you simply understate it to begin with.
1. It is easier! The caterers will do all the work you just need to tell them how many guests and pick a menu. You probably want to plan on meeting with them about six times before the event to work out the kinks.
2. Hire them ahead of time. Many of the really good catering services San Diego might be booked a year in advance and certainly most of them will need a three to six month lead time in order to properly cater your event. Therefore, you'll need to start looking at catering services as soon as you know that you are going to need one. The further ahead you can book them the better your choices of caterers will be.
3. Sometimes bigger isn't better. Sometimes the biggest and most expensive event catering services aren't necessarily the best ones. A lot of the smaller ones may work harder as they are still building a reputation. Plus, sometimes the bigger ones use canned or packaged foods while the small ones will typically make everything from scratch.
4. Network. The event caterers typically have a network of complimentary services like florists, decorators and disc jockeys so if you're looking for any of these services you might want to ask your caterer who they might recommend. This could end up being easier and maybe even cheaper for you.
5. Do your homework. Before you hire anyone, you want to make sure you do your due diligence. Check all references to make sure that other clients were satisfied with the job of the caterer. Also you want to make sure that they are certified in safety procedures as well as food handling. The certification is done by your local Board of Health and they should just have it posted right in their place of business. In addition, get a copy of their liability insurance to make sure they are covered.
6. Make a visit. Before you make the final deal, visit the caterers in their place of business. Oftentimes they'll have little samples of their food and you want to take advantage of this to make sure that the production tastes good.
7. Payment. Usually you'll have to give the event catering service 50% up front to confirm the reservation. The final payment is usually due a couple of weeks before the event. If you need to cancel you want to notify the caterer as soon as you know because the sooner you can let them know the more of your deposit you will get back. Usually, however, if you cancel less than 30 days before the event you probably lose your whole deposit and maybe even a little bit more. It's always a good idea to read the fine print in your contract to find out what the penalties may be.
8. Budget. When working with an event catering service San Diego, you want to understate your budget a little bit so that you have a little wiggle room in case you have to make menu changes or add more guests. Most catered events usually end up costing more than the original quote so you can keep within your budget if you simply understate it to begin with.
Catering Ideas
Hosting a big event can be overwhelming and a challenging task for even the most organised person. The main thing you need to do to make things easier on yourself is to get organised. You need a list of the people you're inviting to the event so that you can get a head count. The next thing is to decide on the style of event and the food that you will be serving. This is dependent on the type of event. If it's a wedding, you might want a served meal but if you are having a birthday or anniversary you might choose a more informal option such as a barbecue.
No matter what the event is, you going to need the proper decorations, serving utensils, dinnerware, drink glasses and other decor such as napkins, candelabras, and flowers and so on. While planning a big event can be stressful, being organised and planning things out thoroughly can help your event be huge success.
Catering Tips
If you are holding a banquet and need banquet catering ideas San Diego, here are some things to think about. It can sometimes be hard to get started, but if you keep a few things in mind you should be able to have a great banquet catering experience.
The first thing that you need to think about is what kind of banquet you are throwing. If it is a wedding banquet, you will usually be a bit more formal. A business meeting or corporate awards banquet or recognition ceremony will also lend itself to a more formal atmosphere and menu. If it is a teen banquet or other less formal occasion, you can be a little less sophisticated with your menu.
Before you choose a banquet catering company San Diego, it is wise to determine the location of your event. This way, the caterer will have a better idea of how and where they can set things up. If you need to rent additional items like plates, silverware, tables, or chairs the caterer may be able to help you. They cannot help you, however, if you don't know whether you need these things or not. They can also have a better understanding of how many servers they will need and what kind of set up is required. If you don't have a location in mind before you choose a banquet catering service San Diego, the caterer may have a recommendation.
No matter what the event is, you going to need the proper decorations, serving utensils, dinnerware, drink glasses and other decor such as napkins, candelabras, and flowers and so on. While planning a big event can be stressful, being organised and planning things out thoroughly can help your event be huge success.
Catering Tips
If you are holding a banquet and need banquet catering ideas San Diego, here are some things to think about. It can sometimes be hard to get started, but if you keep a few things in mind you should be able to have a great banquet catering experience.
The first thing that you need to think about is what kind of banquet you are throwing. If it is a wedding banquet, you will usually be a bit more formal. A business meeting or corporate awards banquet or recognition ceremony will also lend itself to a more formal atmosphere and menu. If it is a teen banquet or other less formal occasion, you can be a little less sophisticated with your menu.
Before you choose a banquet catering company San Diego, it is wise to determine the location of your event. This way, the caterer will have a better idea of how and where they can set things up. If you need to rent additional items like plates, silverware, tables, or chairs the caterer may be able to help you. They cannot help you, however, if you don't know whether you need these things or not. They can also have a better understanding of how many servers they will need and what kind of set up is required. If you don't have a location in mind before you choose a banquet catering service San Diego, the caterer may have a recommendation.
Catering Your Wedding!
If you are a recently engaged couple you know that you will need to do a lot of wedding planning San Diego. You may have already selected the date but you still have much to accomplish. Examples of the things you need to consider are the guest list, clothes, colors, location, and catering options. You still have many decisions to make.
What guests will eat is one of the most important choices. Even if you don't think it ranks very high on your list of priorities, the guests attending your wedding certainly will. Making a wise choice for wedding catering San Diego is crucial. Aside from planning a menu that most guests will like, you should also consider allergies, when the food will arrive, and above all the taste.
You will want to review the specifics for providing great food through those experienced, responsible and reliable in wedding catering San Diego (catering bröllop). It would be best to find someone who's very versed in bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and of course the wedding reception.
Some other catering tips to keep in mind: 1) Arrange an in-person meeting with your caterer to discuss questions. Ask for references who can provide information about their experiences. Make sure that they are equipped to handle your number of guests and check to see that they have all the necessary health permits. 2) If you're going with a destination wedding, check whether catering services are included in the package price. If it is, you should still ask questions to make expectations clear.
One of the most important factors is taste. Many caterers provide for taste testing of their menu options in order to help the client select the food best suited to their party's needs. Some caterers charge for the taste tests, and some do not. If you are comfortable with the caterer, a taste testing may not be required.
What guests will eat is one of the most important choices. Even if you don't think it ranks very high on your list of priorities, the guests attending your wedding certainly will. Making a wise choice for wedding catering San Diego is crucial. Aside from planning a menu that most guests will like, you should also consider allergies, when the food will arrive, and above all the taste.
You will want to review the specifics for providing great food through those experienced, responsible and reliable in wedding catering San Diego (catering bröllop). It would be best to find someone who's very versed in bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and of course the wedding reception.
Some other catering tips to keep in mind: 1) Arrange an in-person meeting with your caterer to discuss questions. Ask for references who can provide information about their experiences. Make sure that they are equipped to handle your number of guests and check to see that they have all the necessary health permits. 2) If you're going with a destination wedding, check whether catering services are included in the package price. If it is, you should still ask questions to make expectations clear.
One of the most important factors is taste. Many caterers provide for taste testing of their menu options in order to help the client select the food best suited to their party's needs. Some caterers charge for the taste tests, and some do not. If you are comfortable with the caterer, a taste testing may not be required.
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