The Top Three Things to Consider When Choosing a Catering Company

Jake Milkerson
3 min readApr 24, 2021

Choosing a catering company for your event can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 3 things you should consider before choosing a catering company. We’ll go over the benefits of each and help you determine what’s best for your event.

A formal event being catered.

Responsiveness and Ability to Handle Your Specific Event

First and foremost, you don’t want a caterer that’s going to flake out or show up late at to the event! When choosing a catering company, you should look for one that’s going to show up on time and address any of your specific event requirements.

Some caterers are more affordable than others, but might not be able to provide the service you need like coordinating with other vendors or feeding many people all at once. You’ll want to find someone who has good reviews online and is reliable when it comes to responsiveness and ability.

If you’re having a big event with many people, make sure the catering company has enough staff to feed the group promptly and without any problems. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have ever handled a similar sized event before!

Menu Options and The Option to Sample Food Beforehand

If you know in advance that members of your event will have special dietaryary requirements, like if someone has food allergies or needs to avoid gluten for medical reasons, you’ll want to let the catering company know as soon as possible.

It’s important that your event is catered appropriately so everyone can enjoy their meal! If you’re unsure about what kinds of foods are available and how they might be prepared, don’t hesitate to ask questions! You’ll also want to find out whether it will cost more per person for any special menu options.

Some caterers offer a free tasting experience in advance before signing on with them — this way you get an idea of how good their food tastes without having to commit until after trying it first hand. That means no surprises at the end when the food is plated and served to your guests. Plus, who doesn’t like sampling great food!

A delicious spread on a grazing table at a catered event.
Image Source: Table and Thyme

References, Insurance and an Experienced Kitchen Staff that Knows Your Venue

Lastly, you need to make sure your caterer has all the appropriate licenses and insurance policies. You’ll want to make sure the staff has food safety training and plenty of experience.

In addition, you need a caterer who has experience working with your venue type or even better, a company that frequently caters to your chosen event space. You may even want to check with the venue owner to see if they have any recommendations for you to work with.

Conclusion: The catering company that you choose for your event is an important decision. Don’t take any shortcuts when choosing a caterer; ensure they have the experience, licenses and insurance coverage to provide the best possible food quality with your budget in mind.

--

--

Jake Milkerson

Just a dude that loves to write about anything and everything under the sun!