When you’re in charge of organizing an event, catering is one of the most important (and often nerve wracking) parts of the whole process. Here you have anywhere from dozens to hundreds or even a thousand people, and your job is to make sure the event is a success. If it’s a catered event, the food and beverage service will certain be a large part of the overall impression made.
Making an impression can be more important in certain venues and at certain events; a formal corporate gathering for example would not reflect well on the company if there were quality issues, service problems, or shortages in the catering service. Even for casual events, however, these issues are important — and when the caterer makes a serious mistake, it’s inconvenient to say the least. Especially when good money is being paid for a professional service.
It’s important to make sure your caterer understands you and what your goals are for the event. It might a casual party or a fancy wedding, but it’s always good to keep things professional and discuss the details, as well as the big picture. Some catering companies don’t do a very good job of communicating with their customers, and when problems arise, it can be a no-win situation.
Here are three things your cater doesn’t understand (or does understand, if they’re a really reputable caterer).
Your tastes
You might be doing a themed event, like a Hawaiian Barbeque, in which case you mind find a caterer who specialized is that niche. More probably, you have specific tastes. You want the menu to be tasty and finished to a very high professional standard. In some cases you want to be more eclectic in your menu choices. In any case, it’s important that your caterer and you are on the exact same page.
Your fears
Caterers should definitely understand the anxieties faced by clients who organized events. They’re the ones responsible for the success of the event, and they’re counting on you (caterers) to deliver where it counts. Only through being meticulous and delivering as promised can a caterer meet these expectations, and communication is key for that.
Your budget
Highly professional caterers understand your budget and will work carefully to stay within it. They won’t charge surprise fees after the fact. They’ll be clear and transparent in terms of budgeting and costs.
Choose carefully
A large part of your catering success is determined the moment you choose a catering company. The really good ones know how to ask the right questions, and help the client to clarify and define things in a more productive way. Communication is a two-way street, and both caterers and clients win if communication is clear. As a client, the best way to ensure the success of your event is to pay close attention to reputation and communication when exploring which caterer to use.