Imagine visiting a wedding where the food isn’t good, would you really enjoy it? Having proper food at your wedding is really important and it shouldn’t be underestimated at any cost. Especially if it’s an Indian wedding then you should definitely be very particular about the food that is being served. Choosing a good catering service is not going to be that easy however, there are few things which should be kept in mind to make a wise decision while having a word with Indian wedding planners Chicago.
Below mentioned are some of the questions to ask your wedding caterer once you’ve shortlisted a list of possible caterers:
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How long have you been working in this field?
You surely don’t want someone experimenting with dishes on your big day. You should hire a caterer who has experience in the culinary field and has handled many wedding events. You’ll need a caterer with sufficient resources, people, and experience in offering catering services.
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Licence and liability insurance?
It is very important to make sure the caterer has a proper licence, which means they’ve met the local health department’s requirements. In the off-chance something goes wrong, you’ll want to be sure they have liability insurance.
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Do you consider some particular instructions as well?
It is very common that people have food allergies, and you would definitely want your guests to return to their home in good health. Therefore, do consider informing the caterers regarding the same. Make sure the caterer is able to accommodate dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and other dietary restrictions.
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Have you ever catered at the venue we have selected?
Hiring a caterer who has worked with your venue before is always a plus point! They are well aware of the space and how it’s going to be in a realistic sense on the big day. When a vendor has previously worked with a venue, they’ve learned the ins and outs of how to correctly cook the food there, how to work with the on-site team and event organizer, and how to flow and deliver the best possible service for your visitors!
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Do you make customized menus as well?
You can get your favorite dishes as an add-on to the menu. Before that, you should have a word with the caterer. You\’ll want to know if you\’ll be selecting menu items from a list, if there are many menu options, or if you’ll be able to order your favorite foods! Each caterer is unique, so are their services.
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How much do your menus cost on average per person?
Per plate cost is going to influence the whole budget. It’s critical to ensure that the food options you’re looking at are within your budget; otherwise, you might fall in love with something you can’t afford.
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Is sampling available?
You should definitely test the food on the menu before finalizing the dishes with the caterers. Some caterers provide tastings for free, while others charge a fee that is applied to your final cost if you book with them, and some smaller caterers may not provide them at all.
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What’s your specialty?
Do you have your specialty, a food that is the most popular dish that makes people’s mouths water? A special dish should be kept that is quite rare and people haven’t tasted much before.
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How long will it take you to set up and clean up?
The majority of venue contracts are for a particular number of hours, with time allotted for both setup and cleanup. You want to make sure that your contract gives the caterer enough time to complete this correctly so that you don’t end up paying for extra time. Make sure to inform them at first so that they can plan accordingly.
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Do you also prepare cakes and desserts?
Cakes are still popular, but dessert bars are gaining popularity as well. Recognize what you can serve as a nice finale for your guests.
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Are you willing to adjust with the changes?
It’s important to note that each client’s preferences are different. It is preferable to hire a caterer who can adjust and adapt to your needs. Find a caterer who can give the set-up you want as well as tailor your menu options. It’s critical for a caterer to be able to tailor their packages without sacrificing the quality and value of the services they provide.
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Is it possible to hire you for full-service event planning or just catering?
Some caterers keep their services limited till food whereas others also provide other wedding services as well like forurevents. This simply means that they can assist you with any aspect of the event, including the venue, from start to finish like many Indian wedding planners Chicago. You don’t need to worry about other things as well.
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Is there a payment that we have to put down?
Catering is one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding. To ensure that everything continues on track, make sure you prepare your budget and wallet for when these payment deadlines arrive.
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Do you have a corporate office? What and where do you prepare your food, and who does it for you?
Having a corporate office will help you know where to go if you need any clarifications and just in case to keep a track. It’s also a good idea to find out where your caterer cooks the food. You should ensure that they have a distinct kitchen space and a warehouse that are both covered and sheltered in order to keep all of the equipment and kitchenware in good working order. It is important to know about the chef and the kitchen manager. The kind of experience they have and if they have any specialty.
You should find out if they have chefs who properly inspect the food and food safety officers who ensure that each item is safe and cooked with full cleanliness. If your caterer answers this question satisfactorily, you may rest assured that it is a legal catering service with the necessary business and sanitary permissions.
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What are the measures you will take considering COVID-19 guidelines?
Every country and state have their own respective Covid-19 guidelines which has to be followed to maintain cleanliness, safety and a step to keep a control on the spreading of virus.
Instead of having last minute surprises leading to mess, it is important to keep things clear ahead of time.
