5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT CATERING COMPANY

The right caterer can make or break your next event. It doesn’t matter whether that’s the company Christmas party or a wedding reception; your guests will doubtless remember the event largely on the basis of the food you provide. Yet, with so many catering companies out there, it can be tough to determine which one’s the best option.

As you start doing your research and winnowing down the options, here are five tips to keep in mind.

CHECK WITH YOUR VENUE

The first thing to do is ask your venue about catering options. Some may have their own in-house catering teams you’ll want to look into, and some may not even allow outside caterers. That should always be the first thing you investigate. At the Riverview Room we have an in-house caterer, but we also give the option for our clients to bring in outside catering.

COME CLEAN ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

Different catering companies can dramatically vary in terms of their pricing. The thing is, most decent catering companies will be willing to work with you to find some solutions to meet your budget. The important thing is to be honest about your budget upfront, ensuring you’re not wasting your time or the caterer’s.

BE RESTRAINED

As the catering company shows you their lengthy menu of dishes and desserts, you may find yourself tempted by just about all of them. Fight the temptation to add too many options to your own catering menu. Not only will that balloon the price, but you really just don’t need that many choices for your guests. The judicious approach is always best.

SCHEDULE A TASTING

Most catering companies will be willing to hold a tasting, allowing you to sample just a couple of their dishes. This can be a great way to make sure you’re picking a qualified company, and to move forward with greater peace of mind.

CHECK REFERENCES AND REVIEWS

Finally, just remember that there are always ways to check a catering company’s reputation. Read online reviews to get a sense for how previous clients enjoyed their services. And, don’t hesitate to ask for references—and follow up on them! Between, Google My Business and The Knot you should be sure to find the information you are looking for when it comes to finding out more about a caterer.

These are just a few of the steps we’d recommend as you consider your catering options. If you’d like to learn more about our catering services here at Riverview Room, reach out to us right away!