Mes Invités Choosing your wedding caterer: the questions to ask
A caterer's quote is compared line by line: food, drinks, service staff, equipment, delivery and overtime. Before signing, have them spell out the deadline for the final number of covers and the price per extra or fewer cover.
What the price includes
- The meal: how many pieces at the drinks reception, how many courses, cheese, dessert.
- The drinks, or corkage if you bring your own.
- Staff: how many waiters, until what time.
- Equipment: crockery, glassware, table linen, furniture.
- Delivery, set-up, clearing away and collection.
Two quotes at the same price per person can differ by several hundred euros once these lines are added.
The questions to ask
- Do you already work at this venue? Have you visited the kitchen?
- Who will be on site on the big day, and who is my contact beforehand?
- By what date do you need the final number?
- How much does a cover added after that date cost, and is a cover removed refunded?
- How do you handle allergies and dietary requirements?
- What happens if the party runs past the planned finish time?
The tasting
It's for tasting, but also to see how the caterer listens to you. Come with your constraints: dietary requirements, a dish a parent doesn't eat, children. Ask to see photos of buffets actually set up, not just plated dishes.
Before signing
Read the terms for deposit, balance and cancellation. Check that the quote states the date, the place, the service times and the base number of covers. A serious caterer will ask you for this information themselves.
The detailed figures and their sources: What a caterer costs.