What questions should I ask the catering hall?

FI and I are going to look at catering halls for the first time this weekend. Does anyone have a list of questions to ask them?

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

http://www.liweddings.com/chat/topic.aspx?ID=97478

I asked this question when I started looking. Here is the link.

Good luck!

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

to be honest with ya, i still don't know what to ask and i've checked out 10+ places. You learn as you go along and compare services. Our major things we wanted included
1. 2nd serveing on dinner (any choice from ava.)

2. how is dinner server
(Crest Hollow server the whole table at once from trays that were just cooked at the table i.e. no preplated sitting in the kichten food)

3. combine salad w/ appiteizer
(so u have more dance time and ppl arent' going back and forth when next course is ready)

4. food tastings...some do, and some don't

i hope this helps

with a place you feel good with keep them in mind when you go to the next and compare to see what u get and what your not getting. Those are general the questions i asked once they told me something good.

Ask about details like valet. I coudln't believe valet parking wasn't included at some of the places i've went to.

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

PRICE, and definetly whats included.

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

This is what I found on theknot.com. Hope it helps!

You'll spend more money on food than any other aspect of your wedding, so you'll want to work with a top-notch professional. When making appointments to interview caterers, try to schedule a tasting of their wares at a later point. Don't forget to ask them the questions below, and choosing a caterer will be as easy as pie -- just make sure your taste buds have a say in the matter, too.

1. Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food or service? (They should provide you with sample menus to review.)

2. Can the caterer arrange for a tasting of the specific foods you're interested in prior to hiring? (They should.) Schedule a tasting if you get a good vibe.

3. What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include (linens, tax, gratuities, etc.)? Does the caterer have printed price sheets for food selections?

4. How involved is the caterer in a typical reception -- does he or she work like a wedding coordinator/banquet manager, cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find someone to fill this role -- if your site manager or caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a wedding coordinator.)

5. Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings, and/or other equipment or will they arrange for the rentals?

6. Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding? (You want this to be the case.)

7. Is the caterer working any other weddings on the same weekend, on the same day, or at the same time as yours? (You want to be sure they will devote sufficient attention to you. You may want to pass on a smaller outfit who indicates they have another job or two scheduled for that day.)

8. Does the caterer handle all settings of tables? Will they put out place cards and favors?

9. Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would they recommend for the size of your wedding? What will the wait staff wear? (Top caterers say they always use their own serving personnel, even if the site's staff is available, because they understand the caterer's way of doing business.)

10. Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they prepare vegetarian, kosher, or halal meals for just a few of your guests?

11. Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer must bring in his or her own equipment, is there an additional fee?

12. Does the caterer work with fresh (not frozen) food?

13. Does the caterer have a license? (This means the business has met health department standards and has liability insurance -- make sure this includes a liquor license if you're having a bar.)

14. Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a corkage fee? How and when do you get the alcohol to the caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an inflexible wine list, or can you make special requests? How is this list priced?

15. How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work displays?

16. Can you speak to previous clients? (Get at least two references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style.)

17. Does the caterer also do wedding cakes? Can you use an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

I'm by no means an expert, but here are some suggestions...
1) How many people can you accomodate, and what is their minimum?
2) If there's a package what does that include and how much are add ons?
3) How many receptions do you have at one time?
4) If needed, what are their ceremony locations like?
5) Is there a bridal suite? (you may want a little time to yourself and a shared bathroom may not cut it)
6) Is there valet parking (for older guests) and is it included?
7) Is your cake included? (if you have to buy it on your own that can be a big expense)
8) What are their overtime charges if you run over the alloted time?
9) It may not be important to you, but what kind of liquor do they stock? (my friends and family are big drinkers lol!)

That's all I can think of at the moment, but if anything else comes to mind I'll let you know.

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

To start with:
1. Room Dimensions
2. Max # of people room holds
3. Tables – round, oval, square, rectangle, octagonal
4. # of persons per table
5. How many affairs at a time
6. Wait staff per table
7. Recommended Gratuity – above and beyond the included tax & tip
8. Valet – included?
9. Vendor Dinner Price – ½ price of guests or set amount?
10. Bridal Suite
11. Bathrooms – how do they look
12. Renovations Planned – expected date of start/finish
13. Photo’s of facility in different seasons
14. Menu Options – packages, # of courses, additions, substitutions
15. Wedding Cake – included?
16. Flowers – included? For cocktail hour or reception?
17. Place Cards / Direction Cards – provided?
18. Installments/Payment Plans – do you send courtesy reminder?
19. Is there an affair before ours – time?
20. Type of Payment - Cash, Credit Card, Check
21. Meeting the Maitre’d and Chef
22. Once we choose, discount or free dinner for us and parents
23. Any Tasting Events or Showcases before we book
24. Cake Cutting Service Charge?
25. Smoking room - available?
26. Recommendations / Advice from Event Planner

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

All those other posts are great.. excellent advice.. if I could suggest one question..

Think of everything you want.. (especially the kinda things like martini bars.. decorations.. all the frills you would like to have..)

then find out if they are included or not in the package.. make sure your reception hall has a manager you and your FH can envision yourself working with comfortably.. and make sure the reception hall doesn't try to nickel and dime you with all extras that SHOULD be allready included as part of the package.

One more thing.. it's fun to do this.. and you'll like it.. but God knows..it is exhausting.

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

I called Larkfield Manor and the Banquet Mgr told me they don't do tastings until AFTER the booking b/c their tastings are a full 5 course meal. But honestly, how can you book a place without tasting their food? I don't get it.....

PS: thanks, everyone, for your help!

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

That's bad business to only let you taste the food after they have you locked in to the contract. What if the food is awful?.. Then you're stuck with them.

I'd be leery of places like this. A good businessman would let you taste their food beforehand.. and that would CONVINCE you to have your wedding there.

Good Luck in the search.

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

90% of places only offer a tasting after you have booked. To be leary of a place like that is ridiculous. I am getting married at an excellent hall with a great reputation that only offers a tasting after you book. If a hall was to offer a tasting to everyone that comes in to their hall, they would lose so much money. They would have to pay a chef, staff and some people could just go around tasting everyday just because they are hungry If you are worried about the food go by word of mouth or better yet LIWeddings Good Luck!!

Message edited 1/9/2004 4:18:23 PM.

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

---

Posted by neesiepie

I called Larkfield Manor and the Banquet Mgr told me they don't do tastings until AFTER the booking b/c their tastings are a full 5 course meal. But honestly, how can you book a place without tasting their food? I don't get it.....

PS: thanks, everyone, for your help!

---

Re: What questions should I ask the catering hall?

neesiepie FM