Catering? Check this list

If you're having a party catered, or ordering catering — whether it be a home party, the company Christmas dinner, a wedding or any other type of event — here's a checklist to make sure you and your caterer are on the same page:

Information to give your caterer:

1. Date and time of event

2. Address and where to set things up

3. Number of guests expected

4. Where to unload vans and where to park

5. Type of event

6. Theme

7. Whether guests will be in the room during setup

8. Budget! Budget! Budget!

9. Responsible party for billing and payment options

10. On-site contact (with whom does the caterer check in?)

Questions to ask your caterer:

1. What can you provide within my budget?

2. What types of food do you recommend for my budget, number of guests, dynamics of my guests, season, time of day and event location?

3. If this is a delivery-and-set-up-only event, when will you return to pick up your things? Will you clean up after the event?

4. What is the cost difference between having a buffet or having servers at the event?

5. Do you provide linens? What are my options, and what is the cost?

6. Do you provide disposable or glass service? What are my options, and what is the cost?

7. Can you provide other rented items? What are my options, and what is the cost? Is there a delivery fee?

8. Do you provide centerpieces? What are my options, and what is the cost?

9. What other services do you provide?

10. How much time do you need to set up and clean up?

11. Who will be my contact person at your company? What will this person do for me?

12. Do you provide alcoholic beverage service? What are my options, and what is the cost?

13. When is the deadline for changes?

14. When are my guest guarantees due? (This is the number of guests that you will be paying for.)

15. Do you require a contract and deposit?

16. When will you provide the final bill?

17. What is your payment policy? Do you accept credit cards?

18. How much of a deposit do you need to hold my date?

19. What is your refund policy?

20. Are gratuities or tips included in your quoted price?

21. Do you provide food for the photographer, musicians, etc., and is there an additional fee?

Source: Maxine Turner, Cuisine Unlimited

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