Wedding Catering Checklist
The following will help you prepare for your caterer meetings
and provide important questions to ask the caterer you ultimately choose.
A good rule of thumb is to choose 3 caterers to quote your event before making a decision.
¨ Number of Guests (range)
Early in your planning you won’t know exact numbers yet, but a range is critical for a caterer to know from the onset in order to make appropriate recommendations for your needs.
¨ Wedding date and time
If you don’t know this, the caterer can still provide a quote, but won’t be able to confirm availability
¨ Wedding location*
Many caterers may offer a venue for you to consider or the venue you’ve chosen may allow certain caterers. Know this information in advance so you don’t waste your time with a caterer who isn’t approved for your venue.
*Savor Hospitality offers a reception venue in downtown Cary and there is no facility fee for using this venue.
¨ Type of Service
This can range from heavy hors d’ oeuvres to buffet to formal plated. The caterer won’t be able to provide a quote without knowing this as server/staff needs will vary according to type of service performed.
¨ Rental Needs**
If you expect the caterer to provide all tables, chairs, linens and china, make sure he/she knows this up front. Many caterers will charge extra for this. Also, if you have specific color requirements, share this information immediately.
**Savor Hospitality does not charge rental fees for on-site events. Tables, chairs, black and white linen, white dinnerware and silverware are all included.
¨ Budget
Most caterers can design a menu for any budget (within reason). By providing this information to your catering prospects, you are assured to get a quote that meets your budgetary needs.
¨ Favorite Foods
If you or your fiancé has any foods you MUST have, let the catering prospects know this as soon as possible so they can accommodate.
¨ Flow of Event
A good caterer will ask you how you envision the flow of your event so consider this before meeting with any catering prospect.
¨ Dessert Needs
Ask the catering prospects if they will provide wedding cake if that is something you need. Also, it is becoming increasingly popular to feature an additional dessert or dessert array at weddings.
¨ Beverage Needs
Will you be serving alcohol at your event? What soft drinks will be necessary? Will there be an open bar for the entire event or a period of time? Do you want a cash event? Don’t assume this is included in the quote. Make sure you include your needs so the caterer can quote this and confirm necessary permits, etc.
¨ Profile of Guests
Let the catering prospect know the age range of guests, backgrounds, any known food allergies and any other information that might help the caterer in menu planning.
¨ Cake Cutting Service***
Many caterers charge extra for this and cutting a wedding cake is more difficult than it looks. Ask the question up front so there are no surprises.
*** Cake Cutting Service is offered at no charge for on-site and off-site Savor Hospitality weddings.
¨ Timeline for Decision
Let your catering prospect know when you plan to make your final decision. The key to any successful event planning is frequent and clear communication.