Catering for a wedding is the biggest investment, so you want to make sure it meets your standards! Booking your caterer is an important part after you solidified your guest count, and booked your venue. Before booking, you want to make sure you are clear about everything included from the beginning. As experienced wedding planners in Chicago, we help guide our clients through every step of the wedding planning process, and we always recommend our favorite, trusted vendors. That being said, here are a few questions you should ask your caterer before booking.

1. Do You Have a Minimum?

Some caterers (especially when partnered with another vendor) have a required food and/or beverage minimum. It’s important to be aware of it because the minimum might be over your ideal budget. Nothing hurts more than having a dream caterer, and realizing they are way out of your price range. When looking for your caterer, you want to make sure their potential minimum matches your guest count; it’s a bit of a matching game.

2. What’s Included?

Typically your caterer will provide you with their menus, but make sure you are also aware of what’s included in the price. Does it include rentals? Linens? Staffing? A dessert package? A bar package? Some caterers have some amazing meal packages, and some have partnered with rental companies to save you some time and effort. These are important to consider especially if you might be torn between two caterers, and managing your budget. Make sure you remember to value your vision though!

3. Do You Have _ Date Available?

Ideally, you booked your venue first, so you want to make sure the caterer is also available. You want to make sure the caterer you want to work with is available before engaging in a logistical conversation. If the venue and caterer are a package deal, then yay, you’ve booked 2 vendors!

4. Do You Offer Tastings Prior to Booking?

Some places might offer tastings before you book. Some catering vendors also run restaurants and you might be able to taste their cuisine that way. It never hurts to ask. You definitely will get to taste your menu before your actual event, but some places might charge for them, or charge for additional people. Just make sure your are clear on what is offered and available.

5. How do you handle dietary restrictions?

If you know you will have a lot of guests with dietary restrictions, then make sure you ask how the caterer will handle them. Almost all vendors have a GF/Vegan/Vegetarian option, but you want to make sure, as you might have to outsource a few meal items!

DO YOU HAVE A BOLD VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING?

Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!

5 Questions to Ask Your Caterer Before Booking